2 samuel 18:29 - The king said, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king’s servant, even me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I don’t know what it was.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 samuel 18:29" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 18:29 is a pivotal moment filled with tension and underlying drama. Let's break it down:
Context: This verse occurs after a battle between King David's forces and the rebel forces of his son, Absalom. David is anxiously awaiting news of the battle and, more importantly, the fate of Absalom.
"The king said, 'Is it well with the young man Absalom?'": This reveals David's primary concern. Despite Absalom's rebellion, David, as a father, still deeply cares for his son. He doesn't ask about the victory; he asks about Absalom's well-being. This highlights David's internal conflict.
"Ahimaaz answered, 'When Joab sent the king's servant, even me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I don't know what it was.'": Ahimaaz, eager to bring David news, is trying to be tactful. He knows Absalom is dead (Joab killed him against David's orders), but he's trying to avoid being the one to deliver the devastating news.
"I saw a great tumult": This vague statement is a deliberate attempt to soften the blow. A "tumult" could mean anything – victory celebrations, confusion, or even a disturbance unrelated to Absalom.
"but I don't know what it was": This is likely a lie or, at best, a gross understatement. Ahimaaz most likely knew that Absalom was dead. He is deliberately avoiding the truth, perhaps because he knows how much David loves Absalom, even if the prince rebelled.
In essence, this verse is about:
David's love for his son, even a rebellious one. His question shows that parental love can sometimes transcend political and personal betrayals.
The messenger's dilemma: Ahimaaz is in a difficult position. He wants to please the king, but he also knows that the truth will bring immense pain. He chooses to be evasive to protect David, at least momentarily.
The underlying tension: The verse creates suspense. We know something bad has happened to Absalom, but the full truth is being withheld, making the reader anxious for the next revelation.
Joab's disobedience: Joab ordered his men to kill Absalom, against the express wishes of King David. The "tumult" that Ahimaaz refers to, is probably referring to the confusion and shock of Joab's orders.
The verse is a brilliant piece of storytelling, using carefully chosen words and omissions to convey a complex emotional situation. It highlights the human element within a story of political intrigue and rebellion.
2 samuel 18:29 - The king said, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king’s servant, even me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I don’t know what it was.”
What does "2 samuel 18:29" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 18:29 is a pivotal moment filled with tension and underlying drama. Let's break it down:
Context: This verse occurs after a battle between King David's forces and the rebel forces of his son, Absalom. David is anxiously awaiting news of the battle and, more importantly, the fate of Absalom.
"The king said, 'Is it well with the young man Absalom?'": This reveals David's primary concern. Despite Absalom's rebellion, David, as a father, still deeply cares for his son. He doesn't ask about the victory; he asks about Absalom's well-being. This highlights David's internal conflict.
"Ahimaaz answered, 'When Joab sent the king's servant, even me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I don't know what it was.'": Ahimaaz, eager to bring David news, is trying to be tactful. He knows Absalom is dead (Joab killed him against David's orders), but he's trying to avoid being the one to deliver the devastating news.
"I saw a great tumult": This vague statement is a deliberate attempt to soften the blow. A "tumult" could mean anything – victory celebrations, confusion, or even a disturbance unrelated to Absalom.
"but I don't know what it was": This is likely a lie or, at best, a gross understatement. Ahimaaz most likely knew that Absalom was dead. He is deliberately avoiding the truth, perhaps because he knows how much David loves Absalom, even if the prince rebelled.
In essence, this verse is about:
David's love for his son, even a rebellious one. His question shows that parental love can sometimes transcend political and personal betrayals.
The messenger's dilemma: Ahimaaz is in a difficult position. He wants to please the king, but he also knows that the truth will bring immense pain. He chooses to be evasive to protect David, at least momentarily.
The underlying tension: The verse creates suspense. We know something bad has happened to Absalom, but the full truth is being withheld, making the reader anxious for the next revelation.
Joab's disobedience: Joab ordered his men to kill Absalom, against the express wishes of King David. The "tumult" that Ahimaaz refers to, is probably referring to the confusion and shock of Joab's orders.
The verse is a brilliant piece of storytelling, using carefully chosen words and omissions to convey a complex emotional situation. It highlights the human element within a story of political intrigue and rebellion.