2 samuel 18:26 - 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.”
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What does "2 samuel 18:26" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Let's break down the meaning:
"The watchman saw another man running..." The watchman is stationed on the city walls to look out for danger or approaching messengers. He sees a second runner coming toward the city.
"...and the watchman called to the gatekeeper, and said, “Behold, a man running alone!”" The watchman alerts the gatekeeper (who controls entry into the city) to this new arrival. The emphasis that the runner is "alone" is important. It suggests the runner has a message to bring alone. This creates suspense and curiosity - is this good news or bad?
"The king said, “He also brings news.”" King David is waiting anxiously to hear the outcome of the battle against Absalom. He sees this second runner and assumes, based on the urgent pace and approach, that this runner also has news from the battlefield. He seems less concerned or impatient than before (when he was desperate for the first runner's news). This could be because he's anticipating the bad news of his son Absalom's death.
In essence, this verse does the following:
Builds Suspense: It further heightens the tension and anticipation regarding the news from the battlefield.
Highlights the Importance of the News: The focus on runners emphasizes the urgency and importance of the events unfolding.
Characterizes David: David's brief statement reveals his anxiety and the weight of responsibility he carries.
This verse immediately precedes the arrival of Ahimaaz, who delivers the good news about David's victory. However, David is primarily concerned about Absalom's safety. The arrival of a second runner is more bad news as David's worries are about to be confirmed that Absalom has been slain.
2 samuel 18:26 - 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.”
What does "2 samuel 18:26" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Let's break down the meaning:
"The watchman saw another man running..." The watchman is stationed on the city walls to look out for danger or approaching messengers. He sees a second runner coming toward the city.
"...and the watchman called to the gatekeeper, and said, “Behold, a man running alone!”" The watchman alerts the gatekeeper (who controls entry into the city) to this new arrival. The emphasis that the runner is "alone" is important. It suggests the runner has a message to bring alone. This creates suspense and curiosity - is this good news or bad?
"The king said, “He also brings news.”" King David is waiting anxiously to hear the outcome of the battle against Absalom. He sees this second runner and assumes, based on the urgent pace and approach, that this runner also has news from the battlefield. He seems less concerned or impatient than before (when he was desperate for the first runner's news). This could be because he's anticipating the bad news of his son Absalom's death.
In essence, this verse does the following:
Builds Suspense: It further heightens the tension and anticipation regarding the news from the battlefield.
Highlights the Importance of the News: The focus on runners emphasizes the urgency and importance of the events unfolding.
Characterizes David: David's brief statement reveals his anxiety and the weight of responsibility he carries.
This verse immediately precedes the arrival of Ahimaaz, who delivers the good news about David's victory. However, David is primarily concerned about Absalom's safety. The arrival of a second runner is more bad news as David's worries are about to be confirmed that Absalom has been slain.