19 Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said , "Please let me run and bring the king news that the Lord has freed him from the hand of his enemies ." 20 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 e the king's son is dead ." 21 Then Joab said to the Cushite , "Go , tell the king what you have seen ." So the Cushite bowed to Joab and ran . 22 Now Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said once e more e to Joab , "But whatever happens , please let me also run after the Cushite ." And Joab said , "Why e would you run , my son , since you will have no reward for going ?" 23 "But whatever happens ," he said, "I will run ." So he said to him, "Run ." Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and passed up the Cushite . 24 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 . 25 The watchman called and told the king . And the king said , "If he is by himself there is good news in his mouth ." And he came nearer and nearer . 26 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 ." 27 The watchman said , "I think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok ." And the king said , " This is a good man and comes with good news ." 28 Ahimaaz called and said to the king , "All is well ." And he prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground . And he said , " Blessed is the Lord your God , who has delivered up the men who lifted their hands against my lord the king ." 29 The king said , " Is it well with the young man Absalom ?" And Ahimaaz answered , "When Joab sent the king's servant , and your servant , I saw a great tumult , but I did not know what it was." 30 Then the king said , "Turn aside and stand here ." So he turned aside and stood still . 31 Behold , the Cushite arrived , and the Cushite said , "Let my lord the king receive good news , for the Lord has freed you this day from the hand of all those who rose up against you." 32 Then the king said to the Cushite , " Is it well with the young man Absalom ?" And the Cushite answered , " Let the enemies of my lord the king , and all who rise up against you for evil , be as that young man !" 33 The king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept . And thus he said as he walked , " O my son Absalom , my son , my son Absalom ! Would e I had died instead of you, O Absalom , my son , my son !"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:19-33
Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:19-33
(Read 2 Samuel 18:19-33)
By directing David to give God thanks for his victory, Ahimaaz prepared him for the news of his son's death. The more our hearts are fixed and enlarged, in thanksgiving to God for our mercies, the better disposed we shall be to bear with patience the afflictions mixed with them. Some think David's wish arose from concern about Absalom's everlasting state; but he rather seems to have spoken without due thought. He is to be blamed for showing so great fondness for a graceless son. Also for quarrelling with Divine justice. And for opposing the justice of the nation, which, as king, he had to administer, and which ought to be preferred before natural affection. The best men are not always in a good frame; we are apt to over-grieve for what we over-loved. But while we learn from this example to watch and pray against sinful indulgence, or neglect of our children, may we not, in David, perceive a shadow of the Saviour's love, who wept over, prayed for, and even suffered death for mankind, though vile rebels and enemies.