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2 Samuel 18:26 the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, "Look! Another man is running alone!" "This one also brings good news," said the king.
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He shouted down, “Here comes another one!” The king replied, “He also will have news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The watchman saw another man running. And the watchman called to the gate and said, “See, another man running alone!” The king said, “He also brings news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold <i>another</i> man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the watchman saw <i>another</i> man running, and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “There is <i>another</i> man, running alone!” And the king said, “He also brings news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, <i>another</i> man is running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, another man running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, <i>another</i> man running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, <i>another</i> man running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the lookout saw another man running, and he called to the gatekeeper and said, “Look, <i>another</i> man running alone.” The king said, “He also is bringing good news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />the watchman saw another man running. He called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone! ” “This one is also bringing good news,” said the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />the watchman saw another man running. He called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!"” This one is also bringing good news,” said the king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold, another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />when the soldier saw someone else running. He shouted down to the gate, "Look! There's another runner!" David said, "He must have some news too." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold, another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the watchman saw another man running, the watchman called, "There's [another] man running alone." The king said, "This one is also bringing good news."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then the lookout saw another man running alone, and he called down to the gatekeeper, "Look! There's another man running!" The king answered, "This one also is bringing good news." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />the watchman observed another man running. So he called out to the gatekeeper, "There's another man running by himself!" The king replied, "He's also bringing some news to report!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, ?Look! Another man is running alone!? ?This one also brings good news,? said the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the watchman saw another man running. The watchman called out to the gatekeeper, "There is another man running by himself." The king said, "This one also is bringing good news."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then the watchman saw another man running. And the watchman above the gate called out, and said, "Look, another man running alone." And the king said, "He also brings good news."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called to the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, a man running alone!” The king said, “He also brings news.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the watchman sees another man running, and the watchman calls to the gatekeeper, and says, “Behold, a man running by himself”; and the king says, “This one is also bearing tidings.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the watchman seeth another man running, and the watchman calleth unto the gatekeeper, and saith, 'Lo, a man running by himself;' and the king saith, 'Also this one is bearing tidings.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he watching will see another man running, and the watcher will call at the gate and say, Behold, a man running alone. And the king will say, This also announces good tidings.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The watchman saw another man running, and crying aloud from above, he said: I see another man running alone. And the king said: He also is a good messenger. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />the watchman saw another man running. And so, crying out from the height, he said: “Another man has appeared, running alone.” And the king said, “This one also is a good messenger.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />the lookout spied another runner. From his place atop the gate he cried out, “There is another man running by himself.” And the king responded, “He, too, is bringing good news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the sentinel saw another man running; and the sentinel called to the gatekeeper and said, “See, another man running alone!” The king said, “He also is bringing tidings.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the watchman drew near toward the gate, and said, Behold, another man is running alone;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he walked, he came and came near, and the Watchman called to the gate and he said: “Behold, another man is running alone!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called unto the porter, and said: 'Behold another man running alone.' And the king said: 'He also bringeth tidings.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman cried at the gate, and said, And look, another man running alone. And the king said, He also brings glad tidings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/18-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=5389" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">David Mourns for Absalom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">25</span>So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near, <span class="reftext">26</span><span class="highl"><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.">the watchman</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.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/312.htm" title="312: ’a·ḥêr (Adj-ms) -- Another. From 'achar; properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc.">another</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.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: rāṣ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">running,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">and he called out</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7778.htm" title="7778: haš·šō·‘êr (Art:: N-ms) -- A gatekeeper. Or shomer: active participle of sha'ar; a janitor.">the gatekeeper,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh- (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Look!</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.">Another man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: rāṣ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">is running alone!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/905.htm" title="905: lə·ḇad·dōw (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Separation, a part. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">“This one</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">also</a> <a href="/hebrew/1319.htm" title="1319: mə·ḇaś·śêr (V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To bear tidings. A primitive root; properly, to be fresh, i.e. Full (figuratively) cheerful); to announce.">brings good news,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king.</a> </span><span class="reftext">27</span>The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm">2 Samuel 18:27</a></span><br />The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-29.htm">2 Samuel 18:29</a></span><br />The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab sent the king’s servant and your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I do not know what it was.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-31.htm">2 Samuel 18:31</a></span><br />Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-32.htm">2 Samuel 18:32</a></span><br />The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you to harm you be like that young man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-1.htm">2 Samuel 19:1</a></span><br />Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-17.htm">2 Kings 9:17-20</a></span><br />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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/4-13.htm">1 Samuel 4:13-14</a></span><br />When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out. / Eli heard the outcry and asked, “Why this commotion?” So the man hurried over and reported to Eli.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/13-34.htm">2 Samuel 13:34</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-24.htm">2 Samuel 15:24</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">2 Samuel 17:17</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-41.htm">2 Samuel 19:41-43</a></span><br />Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” / “We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah spoke more fiercely than the men of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-8.htm">2 Samuel 20:8-10</a></span><br />And while they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa joined them. Now Joab was dressed in military attire, with a dagger strapped to his belt. And as he stepped forward, he slipped the dagger from its sheath. / “Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. / Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-42.htm">1 Kings 1:42</a></span><br />As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/14-6.htm">1 Kings 14:6</a></span><br />So when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet entering the door, he said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam! Why are you disguised? For I have been sent to you with bad news.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/52-7.htm">Isaiah 52:7</a></span><br />How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called to the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also brings tidings.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-25.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-20.htm">Bearer</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-20.htm">Crying</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">Door</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/john/10-3.htm">Gatekeeper</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-25.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-25.htm">News</a> <a href="/john/10-3.htm">Porter</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">Running</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-25.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-25.htm">Watchman</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/3-18.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-4.htm">Bearer</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">Crying</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-5.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">Door</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-21.htm">Gatekeeper</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm">News</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-10.htm">Porter</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm">Running</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm">Watchman</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm">The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-9.htm">Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-18.htm">Absalom's place</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">David mourns for Absalom</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>the watchman saw another man running</b><br>In ancient times, watchmen were stationed on city walls or towers to observe and report any approaching individuals or armies. Their role was crucial for the safety and security of the city. The watchman in this passage is performing his duty by observing another runner approaching. This reflects the vigilance required in spiritual life, as believers are called to be watchful and alert (<a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>). The act of running alone suggests urgency and the importance of the message being delivered, reminiscent of the swift messengers in <a href="/isaiah/52-7.htm">Isaiah 52:7</a> who bring good news.<p><b>and he called out to the gatekeeper</b><br>The gatekeeper was responsible for controlling access to the city, ensuring that only those with legitimate business could enter. This collaboration between the watchman and the gatekeeper highlights the importance of communication and teamwork in maintaining security. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for the church's role in discerning and safeguarding the truth, as seen in <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a>, where leaders are urged to keep watch over the flock.<p><b>“Look! Another man is running alone!”</b><br>The repetition of the observation emphasizes the significance of the event. In biblical narratives, running often indicates the delivery of important news or the urgency of a mission, as seen in the story of the prodigal son (<a href="/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20</a>) where the father runs to meet his returning son. The solitary nature of the runner may symbolize the personal responsibility of carrying God's message, akin to the prophets who often stood alone in their proclamations.<p><b>“This one also brings good news,” said the king.</b><br>King David's expectation of good news reflects his hope for a favorable outcome in the battle against Absalom. The phrase "good news" is significant in biblical literature, often associated with the gospel message of salvation and peace (<a href="/luke/2-10.htm">Luke 2:10-11</a>). In this context, it underscores the anticipation of victory and restoration. The king's response can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate bearer of good news, bringing reconciliation and hope to humanity (<a href="/isaiah/61.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/watchman.htm">Watchman</a></b><br>A sentinel stationed to observe and report any approaching individuals or events. In ancient times, watchmen played a crucial role in the safety and communication of a city or camp.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/gatekeeper.htm">Gatekeeper</a></b><br>The person responsible for controlling access to the city or camp, ensuring that only those with legitimate business could enter.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a></b><br>The reigning king of Israel at this time, who is awaiting news about the battle against Absalom, his son.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_running_man.htm">The Running Man</a></b><br>A messenger tasked with delivering news from the battlefield. In this context, the running man symbolizes the bearer of important information.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/battle_against_absalom.htm">Battle Against Absalom</a></b><br>The conflict between King David's forces and those of his son Absalom, who had rebelled against him.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_watchman.htm">The Role of the Watchman</a></b><br>Just as the watchman was vigilant in observing and reporting, Christians are called to be spiritually alert and discerning in their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/anticipation_of_good_news.htm">Anticipation of Good News</a></b><br>King David's expectation of good news reflects the hope believers should have in God's promises and the ultimate good news of the Gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_communication.htm">The Importance of Communication</a></b><br>The interaction between the watchman and the gatekeeper underscores the necessity of clear and effective communication within the body of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responsibility_of_messengers.htm">Responsibility of Messengers</a></b><br>The running man represents those who carry the message of the Gospel. Believers are entrusted with the responsibility to share the good news with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite the uncertainty of the battle's outcome, David's response shows a trust in God's sovereign plan, reminding believers to trust God in all circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/david's_horsemen_capture__1,700_or_7,000.htm">When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture? One thousand and seven hundred (2 Samuel 8:4) Seven thousand (I Chronicles 18:4)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_joab_defy_david's_order.htm">Why does Joab's direct killing of Absalom contradict David's explicit command to spare him (2 Samuel 18:5, 14), and does this create a moral inconsistency?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_2_sam_10_18_and_1_chr_19_18.htm">How do we reconcile the discrepant figures between 2 Samuel 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 19:18 regarding the number of charioteers and horsemen defeated by David?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_punish_a_child_for_david's_sin.htm">In 2 Samuel 12:7-14, why would a just God inflict punishment on an innocent child for David's sin, seemingly contradicting Ezekiel 18:20?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/18-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">the watchman</span><br /><span class="heb">הַצֹּפֶה֮</span> <span class="translit">(haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6822.htm">Strong's 6822: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֣רְא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">another</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחֵ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_312.htm">Strong's 312: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hinder, next, other</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִישׁ־</span> <span class="translit">(’îš-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">running,</span><br /><span class="heb">רָץ֒</span> <span class="translit">(rāṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> </span><span class="str2">To run</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he called out</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְרָ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the gatekeeper,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשֹּׁעֵ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šō·‘êr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7778.htm">Strong's 7778: </a> </span><span class="str2">A gatekeeper</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Look!</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּה־</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Another man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֖ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is running alone!”</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֣ץ</span> <span class="translit">(rāṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> </span><span class="str2">To run</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“This [one]</span><br /><span class="heb">זֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">also</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּם־</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brings news,”</span><br /><span class="heb">מְבַשֵּֽׂר׃</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḇaś·śêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1319.htm">Strong's 1319: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be fresh, full, cheerful), to announce</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֕אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18-26.htm">2 Samuel 18:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18-26.htm">2 Samuel 18:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18-26.htm">2 Samuel 18:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18-26.htm">2 Samuel 18:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18-26.htm">2 Samuel 18:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/18-26.htm">2 Samuel 18:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/18-26.htm">2 Samuel 18:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/18-26.htm">2 Samuel 18:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/18-26.htm">2 Samuel 18:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/18-26.htm">2 Samuel 18:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 18:26 The watchman saw another man running (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/18-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:27" /></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>