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<!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 18:20 But Joab replied, "You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king's son is dead."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/18-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/10_2Sa_18_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 18:20 - David Mourns for Absalom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Joab replied, You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king's son is dead." /><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/18-20.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/18-20.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 20</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="/ad20.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/18-19.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:19">◄</a> 2 Samuel 18:20 <a href="/2_samuel/18-21.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:21">►</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> &#8220You are not the one to take the news today,&#8221 Joab told him. &#8220You may take the news another time, but you must not do so today, because the king&#8217s son is dead.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> “No,” Joab told him, “it wouldn’t be good news to the king that his son is dead. You can be my messenger another time, but not today.” <a href="/esv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Joab said to him, “You are not to carry news today. You may carry news another day, but today you shall carry no news, because the king’s son is dead.” <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.” <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a> And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a> And Joab said to him, “You shall not take the news this day, for you shall take the news another day. But today you shall take no news, because the king’s son is dead.” <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But Joab said to him, “You are not the man to bring news this day, but you shall bring news another day; however, you shall bring no news this day, because the king’s son is dead.” <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> But Joab said to him, &#8220You are not the man to carry news this day, but you shall carry news another day; however, you shall carry no news today because the king&#8217s son is dead.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But Joab said to him, “You are not the man to carry news this day, but you shall carry news another day; however, you shall carry no news today because the king’s son is dead.” <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But Joab said to him, “You are not the man for the good news this day, but you shall proclaim the good news another day; however, you shall not proclaim the good news today because the king’s son has died.” <a href="/amp/2_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But Joab told him, “You are not the man to carry news [to King David] today, but you shall carry news another day. On this day you shall carry no news, because the king’s son is dead.” <a href="/csb/2_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Joab replied to him, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but today you aren’t taking good news, because the king’s son is dead.” <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Joab replied to him, &#8220You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but today you aren&#8217t taking good news, because the king&#8217s son is dead.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not be the bearer of tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day; but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Joab answered, "You're not the one to tell the king that his son is dead. You can take him a message some other time, but not today." <a href="/erv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not be the bearer of tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But Joab told him, "You won't be the man carrying good news today. You can carry the news some other day. You must not deliver the news today because the king's son is dead." <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> "No," Joab said, "today you will not take any good news. Some other day you may do so, but not today, for the king's son is dead." <a href="/isv/2_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> But Joab answered Ahimaaz, "You're not the man to deliver news today. Do it any other time, but not today, because the king's son is dead." <a href="/msb/2_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But Joab replied, ?You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king?s son is dead.? <a href="/net/2_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a> But Joab said to him, "You will not be a bearer of good news today. You will bear good news some other day, but not today, for the king's son is dead." <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But Joab said, "You are not to bring the news today, but you may bring news another day. But today you are to bring no news.? For it was because the king's son was dead." <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Joab said to him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead. <a href="/web/2_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Joab said to him, “You must not be the bearer of news today, but you must carry news another day. But today you must carry no news, because the king’s son is dead.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Joab says to him, “You are not a man of tidings this day, but you have borne tidings on another day, and this day you do not bear tidings, because the king’s son [is] dead.” <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Joab saith to him, 'Thou art not a man of tidings this day, but thou hast borne tidings on another day, and this day thou dost not bear tidings, because the king's son is dead.' <a href="/slt/2_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Joab will say to him, Not thou a man of glad tidings this day, and another day thou shalt announce good news: and this day thou shalt not announce good news, because the king's son died.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Joab said to him: Thou shalt not be the messenger this day, but shalt bear tidings another day: this day I will not have thee bear tidings, because the king's son is dead. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Joab said to him: “You shall not be the messenger on this day. Instead, you shall report on another day. I am not willing for you to give the report today, because the son of the king is dead.” <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a> But Joab said to him: “You are not the man to bring the news today. On some other day you may take the good news, but today you would not be bringing good news, for in fact the king’s son is dead.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Joab said to him, “You are not to carry tidings today; you may carry tidings another day, but today you shall not do so, because the king’s son is dead.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Joab said to him, It is not proper that you bear tidings this day, but you may bear tidings another day; this day you shall bear no tidings because the king's son is dead. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Yuab said to him: “No, and it is not for you to announce good news today, but announce good news on the next day. You shall not tell good news today, because of the son of the King, for that would be you announcing good news that he is dead!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Joab said unto him: 'Thou shalt not be the bearer of tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day; but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, forasmuch as the king's son is dead.' <a href="/sep/2_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Joab said to him, Thou shalt not be a messenger of glad tidings this day; thou shalt bear them another day; but on this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/18-20.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=5316" 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> 19Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” 20<a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">But Joab</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.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">“You</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">are not</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">the man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1309.htm" title="1309: bə·śō·rāh (N-fs) -- Tidings. Or bsorah; feminine from basar; glad tidings; by implication, reward for good news.">to take good news</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">today.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1319.htm" title="1319: ū·ḇiś·śar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To bear tidings. A primitive root; properly, to be fresh, i.e. Full (figuratively) cheerful); to announce.">You may do</a> <a href="/hebrew/312.htm" title="312: ’a·ḥêr (Adj-ms) -- Another. From 'achar; properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc.">it another</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bə·yō·wm (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">but you must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1319.htm" title="1319: ṯə·ḇaś·śêr (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To bear tidings. A primitive root; properly, to be fresh, i.e. Full (figuratively) cheerful); to announce.">do so</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: wə·hay·yō·wm (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">today,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ʿal (Conj) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mêṯ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">is dead.”</a> 21So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running.…<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/1-4.htm">2 Samuel 1:4-10</a> “What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” / Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” / “I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” he replied, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him. ... <a href="/2_samuel/1-14.htm">2 Samuel 1:14-16</a> So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” <a href="/2_samuel/4-10.htm">2 Samuel 4:10</a> when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news! <a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28-34</a> When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ... <a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5-6</a> Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. <a href="/1_kings/2-32.htm">1 Kings 2:32-33</a> The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.” <a href="/1_kings/1-42.htm">1 Kings 1:42-43</a> 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.” / “Not at all,” Jonathan replied. “Our lord King David has made Solomon king. <a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">1 Kings 1:50-53</a> But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to Solomon: “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’” / And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.” ... <a href="/1_kings/2-25.htm">1 Kings 2:25</a> So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died. <a href="/1_kings/2-46.htm">1 Kings 2:46</a> Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon. <a href="/1_chronicles/10-4.htm">1 Chronicles 10:4-5</a> Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. / When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died. <a href="/1_chronicles/10-13.htm">1 Chronicles 10:13-14</a> So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, / and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. <a href="/matthew/14-8.htm">Matthew 14:8-11</a> Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” / The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted / and sent to have John beheaded in the prison. ... <a href="/matthew/27-3.htm">Matthew 27:3-5</a> When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” / So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. <a href="/mark/6-24.htm">Mark 6:24-28</a> Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” / At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.” / The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Joab said to him, You shall not bear tidings this day, but you shall bear tidings another day: but this day you shall bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.bear tidings [heb] be a man of tidings<a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">2 Samuel 17:16-21</a> Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him… because<a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5,27,29,33</a> And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Bearer</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-15.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-23.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-24.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-16.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-16.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-18.htm">King's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">News</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-14.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-12.htm">Today</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/19-19.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm">Bearer</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-21.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-18.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-6.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-30.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-21.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-21.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-29.htm">King's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">News</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-5.htm">Today</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>But Joab replied Joab, the commander of King David's army, is a central figure in the narrative of 2 Samuel. Known for his military prowess and political acumen, Joab often acts decisively, sometimes ruthlessly, to protect David's interests. His reply here indicates his authority and decision-making role in the aftermath of Absalom's death.You are not the man to take good news today In ancient Israel, messengers played a crucial role in delivering news, both good and bad. The choice of messenger was significant, as it could affect how the news was received. Joab's decision reflects his understanding of the situation's sensitivity. The "good news" refers to the victory over Absalom's rebellion, but Joab recognizes that the news of Absalom's death would not be received as good by King David.You may do it another day Joab's statement suggests that the timing and context of delivering messages were important. In this case, the messenger is being told to wait for a more appropriate time to deliver news. This reflects the cultural understanding of the importance of timing in communication, especially in matters involving the king.but you must not do so today The urgency and gravity of the situation are highlighted here. Joab is aware of King David's deep love for his son Absalom, despite Absalom's rebellion. Delivering the news of his death on the same day could have severe emotional consequences for David, which Joab seeks to avoid.because the king’s son is dead The death of Absalom, David's son, is a pivotal moment in the narrative. Absalom's rebellion against his father was a significant threat to David's reign. The death of a king's son, especially in such circumstances, would have been a moment of profound personal and political impact. This phrase underscores the tension between the victory over rebellion and the personal loss for David. It also reflects the biblical theme of the consequences of sin and rebellion, as Absalom's actions ultimately led to his demise.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a> The commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless decisions. In this passage, he is making a strategic decision about who should deliver the news of Absalom's death to King David. 2. <a href="/topical/a/ahimaaz.htm">Ahimaaz</a> The son of Zadok the priest, who is eager to deliver the news to King David but is advised against it by Joab. 3. <a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a> The ruler of Israel, who is deeply affected by the events surrounding his son Absalom's rebellion and subsequent death. 4. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> David's son, who led a rebellion against his father. His death is the news that Joab is cautious about delivering to David. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_battle.htm">The Battle</a> The conflict between David's forces and those loyal to Absalom, culminating in Absalom's death.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_weight_of_news.htm">The Weight of News</a> The passage highlights the responsibility of delivering difficult news. As Christians, we must consider the impact of our words and the timing of our messages. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_leadership.htm">Wisdom in Leadership</a> Joab's decision reflects the need for wisdom and discernment in leadership, especially when dealing with sensitive matters. Leaders must balance truth with compassion. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_rebellion.htm">The Cost of Rebellion</a> Absalom's death serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God's anointed. It calls believers to examine their own hearts for rebellion against God's authority. <a href="/topical/e/empathy_and_sensitivity.htm">Empathy and Sensitivity</a> Joab's reluctance to send Ahimaaz underscores the importance of empathy and sensitivity when dealing with those who are grieving or in distress.<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/can_ldrs_succeed.htm">What is Absalom's Monument?</a> <a href="/q/is_20,000_deaths_in_2_sam_18_7_realistic.htm">Does the reported death toll of 20,000 men (2 Samuel 18:7) reflect a realistic military outcome for that period, or is it exaggerated?</a> <a href="/q/david's_absence__align_or_contradict.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1: How does David's apparent absence during the battle align with or contradict other accounts of his military leadership?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_david_help_saul's_kin_despite_past.htm">In 2 Samuel 9:3, how do we reconcile David's swift willingness to help Saul's descendant with the longstanding hostilities described elsewhere in 1 and 2 Samuel?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) Thou shalt bear no tidings.--Ahimaaz appears to have been in favour both with David (comp. <a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm" title="And the watchman said, Me thinks the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and comes with good tidings.">2Samuel 18:27</a>) and with Joab. Joab, therefore, well knowing how painful to David would be the news of the death of Absalom, refused to let Ahimaaz bear it. The word is used, with rare exceptions, of good tidings. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/18-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But Joab יוֹאָ֗ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites replied, וַיֹּ֧אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “You אַתָּה֙ (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you are not לֹא֩ (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no the man אִ֨ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person to take good news בְּשֹׂרָ֤ה (bə·śō·rāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1309.htm">Strong's 1309: </a> Glad tidings, reward for, good news today. הַיּ֣וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day You may do וּבִשַּׂרְתָּ֖ (ū·ḇiś·śar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1319.htm">Strong's 1319: </a> To be fresh, full, cheerful), to announce it another אַחֵ֑ר (’a·ḥêr) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_312.htm">Strong's 312: </a> Hinder, next, other day, בְּי֣וֹם (bə·yō·wm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day but you must not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no [do so] תְבַשֵּׂ֔ר (ṯə·ḇaś·śêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1319.htm">Strong's 1319: </a> To be fresh, full, cheerful), to announce today, וְהַיּ֤וֹם (wə·hay·yō·wm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the king’s הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son is dead.” מֵֽת׃ (mêṯ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18-20.htm">2 Samuel 18:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18-20.htm">2 Samuel 18:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/18-20.htm">2 Samuel 18:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18-20.htm">2 Samuel 18:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18-20.htm">2 Samuel 18:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/18-20.htm">2 Samuel 18:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/18-20.htm">2 Samuel 18:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/18-20.htm">2 Samuel 18:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/18-20.htm">2 Samuel 18:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/18-20.htm">2 Samuel 18:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-20.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 18:20 Joab said to him You shall not (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/18-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:21" /></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>