CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 18:24 Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/18-24.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/10_2Sa_18_24.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 18:24 - David Mourns for Absalom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/18-24.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/18-24.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 24</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/18-23.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:23">◄</a> 2 Samuel 18:24 <a href="/2_samuel/18-25.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:25">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18.htm">New International Version</a> While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates of the town, the watchman climbed to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked, he saw a lone man running toward them. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and when he lifted up his eyes and looked, he saw a man running alone. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a> And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates. And the watchman went up to the roof over the gate, to the wall, lifted his eyes and looked, and there was a man, running alone. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went to the roof of the gate by the wall, and raised his eyes and looked; and behold, a man was running by himself. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and raised his eyes and looked, and behold, a man running by himself. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and raised his eyes and looked, and behold, a man running by himself. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and raised his eyes and looked, and behold, a man running by himself. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the lookout went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and when he raised his eyes and looked, he saw a man running alone. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> David was sitting between the city gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the city gate and over to the wall. The watchman looked out and saw a man running alone. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gate and over to the wall. The watchman looked out and saw a man running alone. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man running alone. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Meanwhile, David was sitting between the inner and outer gates in the city wall. One of his soldiers was watching from the roof of the gate-tower. He saw a man running toward the town <a href="/erv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man running alone. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David was sitting between the two gates while the watchman walked along the roof of the gate by the wall. As he looked, he saw a man running alone. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> David was sitting in the space between the inner and outer gates of the city. The lookout went up to the top of the wall and stood on the roof of the gateway; he looked out and saw a man running alone. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Meanwhile, David was sitting between the inner and outer gates of the city. The watchman was up on the roof of the gateway near the walls, looking around, and there was a man running by himself! <a href="/msb/2_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone. <a href="/net/2_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a> Now David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate at the wall. When he looked, he saw a man running by himself. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall and raised his eyes and looked, and there was a man running alone towards him. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate to the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone. <a href="/web/2_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate to the wall, and lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, a man running alone. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And David is sitting between the two gates, and the watchman goes to the roof of the gate, to the wall, and lifts up his eyes, and looks, and behold, a man running by himself. <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David is sitting between the two gates, and the watchman goeth unto the roof of the gate, unto the wall, and lifteth up his eyes, and looketh, and lo, a man running by himself. <a href="/slt/2_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will sit between the two gates: and he watching will go to the roof of the gate to the wall, and he lift up his eyes and see, and behold, a man running by himself.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman that was on the top of the gate upon the wall, lifting up his eyes, saw a man running alone. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates. Truly, the watchman, who was at the summit of the gate upon the wall, lifting up his eyes, saw a man running alone. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates, and a lookout mounted to the roof of the gate above the city wall, where he looked out and saw a man running all alone. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates. The sentinel went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and when he looked up, he saw a man running alone.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate to the wall, and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw a man running alone. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David was sitting between the two gates, and the Watchman walked on the roof of the gate of the wall, and he lifted up his eyes and he saw a man running alone<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now David sat between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And David was sitting between the two gates: and the watchman went up on the top of the gate of the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone before him. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/18-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=5369" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">David Mourns for Absalom</a> …23“No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite. 24<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: wə·ḏā·wiḏ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Now David</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·wō·šêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">was sitting</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bên- (Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">between</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nê (Number-mdc) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">the two</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: haš·šə·‘ā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">gates</a> <a href="/hebrew/6822.htm" title="6822: haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to lean forward, i.e. To peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await.">when the watchman</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">went up</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1406.htm" title="1406: gaḡ (N-msc) -- A roof, a top. Probably by reduplication from ga'ah; a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar.">the roof</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: haš·ša·‘ar (Art:: N-ms) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">of the gateway</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">by</a> <a href="/hebrew/2346.htm" title="2346: ha·ḥō·w·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A wall. Feminine active participle of an unused root apparently meaning to join; a wall of protection.">the wall,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: way·yiś·śā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">looked out,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nāw (N-cdc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">and saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh- (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: rāṣ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">running alone.</a> <a href="/hebrew/905.htm" title="905: lə·ḇad·dōw (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Separation, a part. "></a> 25So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/13-34.htm">2 Samuel 13:34</a> Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man standing watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road west of him, along the side of the hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, “I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill.” <a href="/2_samuel/15-23.htm">2 Samuel 15:23-24</a> Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness. / Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had passed out of the city. <a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">2 Samuel 17:17</a> Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city. <a href="/2_kings/9-17.htm">2 Kings 9:17-20</a> Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” / So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” / So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/19-8.htm">2 Samuel 19:8</a> So the king got up and sat in the gate, and all the people were told: “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” So they all came before the king. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled, each man to his home. <a href="/2_samuel/15-30.htm">2 Samuel 15:30</a> But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went. <a href="/2_samuel/15-27.htm">2 Samuel 15:27-28</a> The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace—you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan. / See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” <a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">2 Samuel 15:32</a> When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. <a href="/2_samuel/16-2.htm">2 Samuel 16:2</a> “Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.” <a href="/2_samuel/17-18.htm">2 Samuel 17:18</a> But a young man did see them and told Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. <a href="/2_samuel/15-21.htm">2 Samuel 15:21</a> But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” <a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">2 Samuel 15:14</a> And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.” <a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">2 Samuel 15:10</a> Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” <a href="/2_samuel/15-13.htm">2 Samuel 15:13</a> Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” <a href="/2_samuel/15-22.htm">2 Samuel 15:22</a> “March on then,” said David to Ittai. So Ittai the Gittite marched past with all his men and all the little ones who were with him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate to the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.between<a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">2 Samuel 18:4</a> And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.<a href="/1_samuel/4-13.htm">1 Samuel 4:13</a> And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out.the watchman<a href="/2_kings/9-17.htm">2 Kings 9:17-20</a> And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace? … <a href="/isaiah/21-6.htm">Isaiah 21:6-9,11,12</a> For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth… <a href="/ezekiel/33-2.htm">Ezekiel 33:2-7</a> Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-2.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-9.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-23.htm">Doors</a> <a href="/john/5-3.htm">Doorways</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-7.htm">Gates</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-10.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-36.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/judges/7-19.htm">Outer</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-18.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-23.htm">Running</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-18.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-22.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-24.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-34.htm">Watchman</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-25.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-11.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-31.htm">Doors</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-5.htm">Doorways</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-19.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-34.htm">Gates</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-15.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-28.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-15.htm">Outer</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-28.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-15.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm">Running</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-8.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-11.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-8.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-15.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-25.htm">Watchman</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 18</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom</a> 6. <a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm">The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim</a> 9. <a href="/2_samuel/18-9.htm">Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit</a> 18. <a href="/2_samuel/18-18.htm">Absalom's place</a> 19. <a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David</a> 33. <a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">David mourns for Absalom</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now David was sitting between the two gates In ancient cities, gates were not just entry points but also places of judgment and administration. David, as king, sitting between the two gates, signifies his role as a leader and judge. This location also suggests a place of waiting and anticipation, reflecting David's anxious state regarding the battle outcome. The gates of Mahanaim, where David was staying, were likely fortified, indicating the city's strategic importance during Absalom's rebellion.when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall Watchmen were crucial for city defense, tasked with observing and reporting any approaching threats or news. The roof of the gateway provided a high vantage point, essential for early detection. This practice is seen throughout the Bible, emphasizing vigilance and readiness (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/21-6.htm">Isaiah 21:6-8</a>). The watchman's role here underscores the tension and uncertainty of the moment, as David awaited news of the battle.looked out, and saw a man running alone A lone runner often signified a messenger bringing news. In the context of ancient warfare, runners were used to relay information quickly. The sight of a single runner could bring either good or bad news, heightening the suspense. This imagery is echoed in other biblical passages, such as <a href="/isaiah/52-7.htm">Isaiah 52:7</a>, where the feet of those who bring good news are blessed. The solitary runner here foreshadows the mixed news of victory and personal loss that David is about to receive.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, who is anxiously awaiting news about the battle between his forces and those of his son Absalom. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_watchman.htm">The Watchman</a> An unnamed individual tasked with observing and reporting any approaching individuals or events from a vantage point on the city wall. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_two_gates.htm">The Two Gates</a> The location where David is sitting, likely part of the fortified city structure, providing a strategic point for receiving news. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_roof_of_the_gateway.htm">The Roof of the Gateway</a> The elevated position where the watchman stands, allowing him to see far into the distance. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_man_running_alone.htm">The Man Running Alone</a> A messenger, whose identity and news are initially unknown to David and the watchman.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_vigilance.htm">The Importance of Vigilance</a> Just as the watchman was alert and observant, Christians are called to be vigilant in their spiritual lives, watching for signs of God's work and the return of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_messengers.htm">The Role of Messengers</a> The runner symbolizes those who bring news, whether good or bad. As Christians, we are called to be messengers of the Gospel, bringing the good news of salvation to others. <a href="/topical/a/anticipation_and_trust.htm">Anticipation and Trust</a> David's position between the gates reflects a state of waiting and anticipation. In our lives, we often find ourselves waiting for God's direction or answers, and we must trust in His timing and sovereignty. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a> David's presence at the gates shows his active involvement and concern for his people. Leaders in the church and community should be engaged and attentive to the needs and events around them.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 18</a> <a href="/q/why_set_a_watchman_in_isaiah_21_6.htm">In Isaiah 21:6, why would a prophet instruct setting up a watchman, and is there any archaeological sign of such a practice? </a> <a href="/q/how_many_famine_years_for_david.htm">God sent his prophet to threaten David with how many years of famine? Seven (2 Samuel 24:13) Three (I Chronicles 21:12)</a> <a href="/q/why_did_god_incite_and_punish_david.htm">Why does 2 Samuel 24:1 say God incited David to take the census, then punish him for it?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_david_allow_saul's_heirs'_execution.htm">In 2 Samuel 21:5-6, why does David permit the execution of Saul's descendants if Deuteronomy 24:16 forbids punishing children for a parent's wrongdoing?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 24. - David sat between the two gates. The gateway was in a tower in the city walls, and David was sitting in the space between the inner and outer gates. Over this space was a chamber, mentioned in ver. 33, while the sentinel was posted upon the front wall over the outer gate. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/18-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now David וְדָוִ֥ד (wə·ḏā·wiḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse was sitting יוֹשֵׁ֖ב (yō·wō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry between בֵּין־ (bên-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> An interval, space between the two שְׁנֵ֣י (šə·nê) Number - mdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) gates הַשְּׁעָרִ֑ים (haš·šə·‘ā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> An opening, door, gate when the watchman הַצֹּפֶ֜ה (haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6822.htm">Strong's 6822: </a> To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await went up וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the roof גַּ֤ג (gaḡ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1406.htm">Strong's 1406: </a> A roof, the top of an altar of the gateway הַשַּׁ֙עַר֙ (haš·ša·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> An opening, door, gate by אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the wall, הַ֣חוֹמָ֔ה (ha·ḥō·w·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2346.htm">Strong's 2346: </a> A wall of protection looked out, וַיִּשָּׂ֤א (way·yiś·śā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take and saw וַיַּ֔רְא (way·yar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see a man אִ֖ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person running alone. רָ֥ץ (rāṣ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> To run <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18-24.htm">2 Samuel 18:24 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18-24.htm">2 Samuel 18:24 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/18-24.htm">2 Samuel 18:24 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18-24.htm">2 Samuel 18:24 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18-24.htm">2 Samuel 18:24 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/18-24.htm">2 Samuel 18:24 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/18-24.htm">2 Samuel 18:24 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/18-24.htm">2 Samuel 18:24 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/18-24.htm">2 Samuel 18:24 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/18-24.htm">2 Samuel 18:24 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 18:24 Now David was sitting between the two (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/18-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/18-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:25" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>