Reports of Victory and David's Grief for Absalom
2 Samuel 18:19-19:8
2 S.18.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואחימעץ: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צדוק: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ארוצה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- נא: PART
- ואבשרה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- שפטו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מיד: PREP
- איביו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3ms
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:21 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same scene: Ahimaaz runs to bring the news but is outpaced; repeats the messenger motif and the attempt to announce the king's deliverance.
- 2 Samuel 18:27 (structural): The Cushite brings the decisive report that the LORD has given victory and Absalom is dead; parallels Ahimaaz's aim to carry tidings of divine deliverance to David.
- 2 Samuel 18:29–31 (thematic): David's urgent questions about Absalom's fate and his reception of the messengers link to the theme of reporting deliverance and its emotional consequences for the king.
- 2 Samuel 22:48 (cf. Psalm 18:48) (verbal): Davidic thanksgiving language—'delivered me out of the hand of mine enemies'—echoes the formula in 2 Samuel 18:19 that attributes survival/victory to the LORD's deliverance.
- 1 Samuel 17:37 (thematic): David's confident claim that the LORD delivered him from the lion and the bear parallels the theological motif of divine deliverance that Ahimaaz intends to announce to the king.
Alternative generated candidates
- Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, "Let me run and bring word to the king—let me announce it, for the LORD has vindicated him from his enemies."
- And Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, "I will run and bring word to the king, for the LORD has judged this day against his enemies."
2 S.18.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ובשרת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ביום: PREP
- אחר: PREP
- והיום: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- תבשר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- על: PREP
- כן: ADV
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מת: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam 18:21-27 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel — Joab refuses Ahimaaz and instead dispatches the Cushite as the messenger who ultimately brings the report to David (same episode, alternative bearer of tidings).
- 2 Sam 18:33 (thematic): David’s violent grief over Absalom’s death — thematically linked to the content and consequences of the bad news Joab suppresses in v.20.
- 2 Sam 1:2-16 (thematic): An Amalekite brings news of Saul’s death to David. Parallel motif of a messenger reporting the death of a royal figure and the fraught outcome for the bearer and the recipient.
- Gen 37:31-35 (thematic): Joseph’s brothers present Joseph’s bloodied garment to Jacob, reporting him as dead. Parallel in the motif of a report of a son’s death and the intense parental grief that follows.
- 1 Sam 31:4-13 (thematic): Report and handling of Saul’s death (and the messengers/ones who find/relay it). Similar theme of royal death being communicated and the communal/individual response to that news.
Alternative generated candidates
- Joab said to him, "You are not the man to bring tidings today; you may bring tidings another day. Today you shall not bring news, for the king's son is dead."
- And Joab said to him, "You are not the one to bring tidings today; you may bring tidings another day, but not today;" for the king's son is dead. So Joab kept him back.
2 S.18.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לכושי: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- הגד: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ראיתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כושי: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ליואב: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- וירץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2Samuel 1:2-10 (thematic): A battlefield messenger (the Amalekite) comes to David to report the death of Saul—both passages feature a report to the king about the death of a prominent leader and the fraught consequences of such news.
- 2Samuel 4:9-12 (thematic): Rechab and Baanah bring Ish‑bosheth’s head to David after killing him; like the Cushite, they deliver news of a rival’s death to the king, prompting a decisive royal response.
- 1Kings 1:11-27 (structural): Nathan and Bathsheba come to David to report Adonijah’s usurpation and to prompt action—parallel function of messengers/agents who inform the king of a crisis and shape subsequent royal decisions.
- 2Samuel 18:26-27 (structural): Immediate continuation of the scene: the Cushite bows and runs to tell David what he has seen. These verses form the direct narrative parallel and complete the messenger episode begun in 18:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joab said to the Cushite, "Go, tell the king what you have seen." So the Cushite bowed to Joab and ran.
- And Joab said to the Cushite, "Go, tell the king what you have seen." And the Cushite bowed to Joab and ran.
2 S.18.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עוד: ADV
- אחימעץ: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צדוק: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נא: PART
- גם: ADV
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- הכושי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למה: ADV
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- רץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ולכה: CONJ
- אין: PART,neg
- בשורה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצאת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:19-21 (structural): Immediate context: these verses describe Ahimaaz's offer to run and Joab's refusal, and Joab's decision to send the Cushite instead — essentially the same episode continued.
- 2 Samuel 18:29-30 (structural): Follow-up to the scene: Ahimaaz arrives with a partial report while the Cushite brings the full account of Absalom's death, explaining Joab's choice to send the Cushite rather than Ahimaaz.
- 2 Samuel 18:33 (thematic): David's intense reaction to the messengers' reports (grief over Absalom) shows the high stakes of battlefield dispatches and why the selection and delivery of news matter.
- 1 Samuel 31:9-13 / 2 Samuel 1:2-10 (thematic): Messenger narratives reporting the outcome of battle (Saul's death) — thematically parallel in motif of couriers bearing decisive, consequential battlefield news and questions about accuracy, loyalty, and motive.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Ahimaaz son of Zadok said again to Joab, "What—let me also run after the Cushite." Joab said, "Why will you run, my son? You shall have no reward for running."
- Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said again to Joab, "Let me also run after the Cushite." And Joab said, "Why will you run, my son? You shall have no tidings to carry."
2 S.18.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- ארוץ: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- רוץ: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- וירץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אחימעץ: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הככר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויעבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הכושי: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:19 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel in the same episode: Joab sends a Cushite as a messenger, and Ahimaaz runs and overtakes/’outruns’ that Cushite — the two verses form one scene of competing couriers.
- 2 Samuel 1:2–10 (thematic): Another messenger-bearing-scene to David about the outcome of a battle/king’s fate (the Amalekite’s report of Saul and Jonathan’s death). Both involve couriers bringing grave news and provoke decisive reactions.
- 1 Kings 18:46 (thematic): Elijah ‘ran before Ahab’ to Jezreel (1 Kgs 18:46). Shares the motif of rapid movement/haste in conveying a message or acting promptly in the aftermath of a decisive event.
- Isaiah 40:9 (allusion): ’O Zion, who bringest good tidings…lift up thy voice’ — the image of a messenger/announcer bringing tidings parallels the role of Ahimaaz as a swift bearer of news to the king.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said, "Let me run." He said, "Run." So Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain and outran the Cushite.
- But he said, "Let me run." And he said to him, "Run." So Ahimaaz ran by the way of the square and passed the Cushite.
2 S.18.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יושב: VERB,qal,ptcp,1,m,sg
- בין: PREP
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- השערים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הצפה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- גג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- החומה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וישא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עיניו: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והנה: ADV
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:19 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: introduces Ahimaaz, a runner who races to bring news to David—continuation of the solitary runner motif.
- 2 Samuel 18:26-29 (structural): Same scene at the city gate—two messengers (Ahimaaz and the Cushite) arrive running; develops the report-first dynamic begun in v.24.
- 2 Samuel 18:30-33 (thematic): David’s reception of the runner’s report and his grief over Absalom link directly to the function of the watchman/runner in v.24—how news is conveyed and its impact on the king.
- Isaiah 21:6-9 (verbal): Watchman-on-the-tower imagery: a sentry reports the approach of riders/men; a visual parallel in the motif of looking out and seeing a lone runner.
- Ezekiel 33:6-7 (thematic): Broader watchman theme—duty to observe and report danger or events; provides theological context for the watchman/porter role in the David narrative.
Alternative generated candidates
- David sat between the two gates; the lookout went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and lifted up his eyes and saw a man running alone.
- And David sat between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate to the wall and lifted up his eyes and saw a man running alone.
2 S.18.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הצפה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אם: CONJ
- לבדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בשורה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בפיו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הלוך: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- וקרב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:26 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: Cushi arrives first with the tidings to the king—parallels the messenger motif and the king’s reception described in v.25.
- 2 Samuel 18:27 (structural): Ahimaaz’s subsequent report and blessing of God; parallels the presence of multiple messengers and the differing details each brings in this scene.
- 2 Samuel 18:19 (verbal): Joab’s instruction to send Cushi to tell the king sets up the messenger sequence—parallels the verbs ‘call’ and ‘tell’ and the dispatching of reporters in v.25.
- 2 Samuel 1:2–4 (thematic): A man brings news of a battle (Saul and Jonathan’s deaths) to David and is questioned—parallels the broader theme of battlefield tidings delivered to a king and the leader’s inquiry into the report’s source and truth.
- 2 Samuel 18:33 (thematic): David’s anguished reaction upon hearing the news of Absalom’s fate—shows the consequence and emotional import of the messengers’ reports that v.25 introduces.
Alternative generated candidates
- The lookout called and told the king. The king said, "If he be alone, then he brings good news." So he drew near and came near to the gate.
- And the watchman called and told the king. And the king said, "If he is alone, there is good news in his mouth." And the man came on and drew near.
2 S.18.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הצפה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחר: PREP
- רץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הצפה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- גם: ADV
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- מבשר: PREP
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:19-20 (structural): Part of the same sequence: earlier in the chapter Joab dispatches messengers (Ahimaaz and a Cushite) to run with news to David, establishing the motif of runners sent from the battlefield to the king.
- 2 Samuel 18:27 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the scene: the watchman again reports a single runner, and the king interprets the arrival as a messenger—same wording and narrative function.
- 2 Samuel 1:2-10 (thematic): A man runs to bring news of a battle and the deaths of prominent leaders to David (reporting Saul’s death). Shares the theme of a lone runner conveying fatal news and the king’s reception of that report.
- 2 Samuel 4:10 (thematic): Messengers deliver the violent death of a rival (Ish‑bosheth) to David by bringing his head. Parallels the motif of attendants/messengers running to inform the king about deaths arising from conflict.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the lookout saw another man running, and the lookout called to the gate and said, "Behold another man running alone." The king said, "This also brings tidings."
- And the watchman saw another man running and called to the gate and said, "Behold another man running alone." And the king said, "This also is a messenger, and he brings tidings."
2 S.18.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הצפה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מרוצת: PART,qal,ptc,f,sg
- הראשון: ADJ,m,sg,def
- כמרצת: PREP+PART,qal,ptc,f,sg
- אחימעץ: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צדוק: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- בשורה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- טובה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- יבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:19-20 (structural): Immediate context introducing the two messengers (Ahimaaz and the Cushite) and the report-running motif that v.27 echoes.
- 2 Samuel 18:22-33 (structural): Continuation of the same episode: Ahimaaz outruns the Cushite and ultimately brings the news of Absalom’s fate to David—the report v.27 anticipates this sequence.
- 2 Samuel 1:2-10 (thematic): An individual brings tidings to David about the death of Saul; similar motif of a messenger bearing news about the king’s house and provoking a royal response.
- 1 Samuel 31:11-13 (thematic): The people of Jabesh‑Gilead recover and report Saul’s death—another instance of messengers and public tidings concerning the fate of a king.
- 1 Kings 1:38-45 (thematic): Runners and couriers announce and secure Solomon’s accession—parallels the dispatching and reception of urgent news about royal succession and security.
Alternative generated candidates
- The lookout said, "I see the running of the first like the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok." The king said, "He is a good man; he will bring good news."
- And the watchman said, "The first running is like the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok." And the king said, "He is a good man, and he will come with good tidings."
2 S.18.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אחימעץ: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאפיו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+sfx3,m
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ברוך: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיך: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf-2ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- סגר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נשאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ידם: NOUN,m,sg,suff,3,m,pl
- באדני: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUF,1,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:30 (verbal): Cushi's report immediately following Ahimaaz uses nearly identical language — 'Blessed be the LORD your God who has delivered up those who lifted up their hand against my lord the king' — a direct verbal echo.
- 2 Samuel 18:31–33 (structural): The narrative pattern of a runner greeting the king, prostrating, delivering battlefield news, and provoking a strong royal emotional response (David's weeping/cursing and the execution of Joab) is continued and developed in these verses.
- 1 Samuel 25:32–33 (thematic): Abigail approaches David, blesses God for averting bloodguilt and bows/prostrates before him — similar motif of a subordinate bringing news/blessing and prostrating before the leader.
- 2 Samuel 1:1–16 (structural): An Amalekite (a messenger) brings news of Saul's fate to David; like Ahimaaz's report, this is a battlefield report delivered to the king that triggers an immediate and decisive royal reaction.
Alternative generated candidates
- Ahimaaz called and said to the king, "Peace!" and prostrated himself with his face to the ground before the king, and said, "Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delivered into our hands those who lifted their hand against my lord the king."
- And Ahimaaz called and said to the king, "Peace!" and he prostrated himself with his face to the ground before the king and said, "Blessed be the LORD your God, who has shut up those men who lifted up their hand against my lord the king."
2 S.18.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לנער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאבשלום: PREP+PROPN,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחימעץ: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ראיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- ההמון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- לשלח: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- ולא: CONJ
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- מה: PRON,int
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:19 (verbal): Same episode earlier in the scene: Ahimaaz is described as running to bring news of the battle and the tumult on the road — immediate verbal/structural parallel to v.29’s report of his observation.
- 2 Samuel 18:24–27 (thematic): The Cushite’s arrival and report of Absalom’s fate and the king’s reaction form the parallel report-thread in the same narrative, highlighting competing messengers and David’s anxious question about Absalom.
- 2 Samuel 18:33 (structural): David’s anguished lament over Absalom after receiving the reports provides the emotional consequence to the inquiry in v.29 — thematic link between the king’s question and his later grief.
- 2 Samuel 1:1–16 (thematic): The Amalekite’s arrival with news of Saul’s death — including a messenger’s claim and the king’s response — parallels motifs of battlefield reports, contested testimony, and royal reaction to news of a son/king’s death.
- 1 Samuel 31:11–13 (thematic): The retrieval and reporting of the dead king and sons after battle (the people’s informing and burying of Saul and Jonathan) parallels the communal response to battlefield casualties and the transmission of grim news to the royal household.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king said, "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" Ahimaaz answered, "When I saw a great tumult to send the king's servants away, I did not know what it was."
- And the king said, "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" And Ahimaaz said, "I saw a great tumult, as people were sending the king's servant Joab and your servant, and I did not know what it meant."
2 S.18.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- סב: VERB,qal,perf,2,pl
- התיצב: VERB,hithpael,perf,3,m,sg
- כה: ADV
- ויסב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.18.31-33 (structural): Immediate continuation of the scene: the messenger turns aside and stands, then reports Absalom’s death and David’s emotional response — closely linked wording and narrative sequence.
- 2 Sam.1.2-16 (thematic): An earlier report of a king’s death delivered by a messenger (the Amalekite reports Saul’s death to David); parallels in messenger-role, delivery of fatal news, and the monarch’s reaction.
- 1 Sam.31.11-13 (thematic): Report and public handling of a king’s death (Saul) by messengers and townspeople — a parallel narrative pattern for transmitting and responding to news of a leader’s fall.
- 2 Sam.12.15-23 (thematic): David’s response to the death of his child (mourning followed by rising and worship) provides a thematic parallel to David’s behavior upon hearing of Absalom’s death — contrasting public grief and private reaction.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king said, "Turn aside, and stand here." So he turned aside and stood.
- And the king said, "Turn aside, stand here." So he turned aside and stood.
2 S.18.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והנה: ADV
- הכושי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הכושי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יתבשר: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- שפטך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מיד: PREP
- כל: DET
- הקמים: PART,qal,ptcp,m,pl,def
- עליך: PREP+2ms
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 1:2-10 (thematic): Another battlefield messenger bringing news to David (the Amalekite). Parallel in motif—an individual arrives with word about recent violent events affecting the king—and contrast in content and motive between the reports.
- 2 Samuel 18:19-27 (structural): Immediate literary parallel within the same episode: other runners (Ahimaaz and the Cushite) report events to David. Highlights the role of messengers and the differing accuracy/tone of their reports leading up to verse 31.
- 2 Samuel 22:48-49 (verbal): David's thanksgiving-song uses language very similar to 'the LORD has vindicated you...from those that rose up against you'—a verbal and thematic echo of divine deliverance and vindication for the king.
- Psalm 18:47-49 (verbal): Psalm 18 (paralleling 2 Samuel 22) speaks of God delivering the psalmist from enemies and lifting him above those who rose up against him, closely echoing the wording and theological claim of divine vindication in 2 Samuel 18:31.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold, the Cushite came; and the Cushite said, "May the news be told my lord the king: the LORD has executed judgment this day for you against all who rose up against you."
- And behold the Cushite came; and the Cushite said, "May my lord the king be told: the LORD has judged this day for you from the hand of all who rose up against you."
2 S.18.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- הכושי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- השלום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לנער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאבשלום: PREP+PROPN,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הכושי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כנער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איבי: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1s
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- אשר: PRON,rel
- קמו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- לרעה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam.1.14-16 (thematic): David punishes the man who claims to have killed the king (Saul). Both passages treat loyalty to the king and a strong hostile judgement on those who harm or claim to have harmed the king.
- 2 Sam.1.21-27 (thematic): David's lament for Saul and Jonathan expresses grief for the fallen and indignation toward their enemies; parallels the emotional reaction to Absalom's death and the framing of enemies as objects of curse/hostility.
- 2 Sam.19.4-8 (structural): After Absalom's death David is distressed while others rejoice and Joab rebukes him. This passage parallels the tension between royal grief and public/official responses evident in the messenger exchange and the Cushite's hostile wish toward enemies.
- 2 Sam.4.10-12 (thematic): Rechab and Baanah kill Ish-bosheth and bring his head to David but are executed for murdering the king's son-of-the-king; both episodes deal with the moral/political evaluation of killing members of the royal household and reactions to those who slay or report on them.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king said to the Cushite, "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" The Cushite answered, "May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up to do you harm, be as that young man is."
- And the king said to the Cushite, "Peace to you, my son." And the Cushite answered, "May the enemies of my lord the king be like that young man, and all who rise up against you for evil."
2 S.19.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירגז: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- עלית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויבך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וכה: CONJ+ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בלכתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,ps,3,m,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- מותי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1s
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- תחתיך: PREP,suff-2ms
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:33 (quotation): Almost identical wording and immediate parallel report of David’s lament over Absalom’s death; the same cry appears earlier in the narrative.
- Psalm 3 (thematic): A Davidic lament composed during Absalom’s rebellion; both Psalm and the verse express David’s anguish, fear, and longing for deliverance amid his son’s revolt.
- Genesis 37:34-35 (thematic): Jacob’s anguished mourning for presumed-dead Joseph—tearing clothes, prolonged weeping, bitter lament—parallels the intense fatherly grief David expresses for Absalom.
- John 11:35 (thematic): “Jesus wept” over the death of Lazarus; though different contexts, it is a parallel instance of a prominent biblical figure openly mourning the loss of a loved one, underscoring the theme of compassionate human grief.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king was deeply moved; he went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. As he went he cried, "O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom my son, my son!"
- And the king was deeply moved and went up to the roof of the gate and wept; and as he went, he said, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!"
2 S.19.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ליואב: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויתאבל: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- אבשלם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:33 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel — the same episode: 18:33 records David’s outcry and tears for Absalom ('O my son Absalom'), which 19:2 reports to Joab.
- 2 Samuel 12:20-23 (thematic): David’s earlier grief over the infant born to Bathsheba — both passages portray David’s intense mourning for a son and raise questions about acceptance of divine will and public display of grief.
- Genesis 37:34-35 (thematic): Jacob’s prolonged mourning for Joseph (refusing to be comforted) parallels the motif of parental lamentation and refusal of consolation after a beloved son is presumed dead.
- 2 Samuel 1:25-27 (thematic): David’s lament for Jonathan and Saul (a formal elegy expressing deep personal loss) parallels the language and emotional intensity of David’s mourning for close relations, linking private grief to public expression.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joab was told, "Behold, the king is weeping and lamenting for Absalom."
- And it was told Joab, "Behold, the king weeps and laments for Absalom."
2 S.19.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- התשעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- לאבל: PREP+INFN,qal
- לכל: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- נעצב: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:33 (quotation): Immediate context — David's lament over Absalom ('O my son Absalom...') is the direct reason the people wept; the verse here echoes that outcry.
- Genesis 37:34–35 (thematic): Jacob's prolonged mourning for Joseph (renting garments, refusing comfort) parallels a father's public grief for a son and the communal sense of loss.
- Luke 19:41–44 (thematic): Jesus weeps over Jerusalem — a leader's visible sorrow for the fate of his 'children' or people, eliciting public attention and reflecting political/spiritual consequences.
- Jeremiah 31:15 (thematic): Rachel weeping for her children (a national lament) provides an Old Testament motif of communal mourning over slain or lost sons, similar to the people's grief here.
Alternative generated candidates
- The people heard on that day that the king was grieved for his son. So the mourning that day became a lamentation for all the people.
- And the people heard on that day that the king was grieved for his son; and the mourning that day was great throughout all the people.
2 S.19.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתגנב: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כאשר: CONJ
- יתגנב: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הנכלמים: PART,nifal,ptc,m,pl,def
- בנוסם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- במלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:16-17 (structural): Same episode (Absalom’s death/aftermath): describes the aftermath of battle and the people's movement back toward the city, echoing the image of a routed, shamefaced retreat.
- 2 Samuel 15:13-14 (thematic): David’s earlier flight from Jerusalem when Absalom revolts — both passages portray leaders and populace withdrawing under disgrace and fear, emphasizing stealthy, ashamed movement.
- Joshua 7:5-6 (thematic): After Israel’s defeat at Ai the soldiers are routed and the people are dismayed/shamed — a parallel motif of military rout and ashamed retreat into or away from the city.
- 1 Samuel 4:10-11 (thematic): Following Israel’s defeat and the capture of the ark the people are struck down and routed; like 2 Sam 19:4 this passage conveys humiliation and the panic of a defeated people fleeing in battle.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the people had slipped away that day into the city, as one who is ashamed steals away when he flees from battle.
- And the people stole away that day into the city, as one who slips away when ashamed in flight from battle.
2 S.19.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והמלך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאט: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3,m,sg
- ויזעק: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
Parallels
- 2 Sam 18:33 (quotation): The identical anguished cry over Absalom—'O my son Absalom…'—earlier in the narrative; 19:5 repeats/echoes 18:33.
- Gen 37:34–35 (thematic): Jacob's intense parental mourning for Joseph (tearing clothes, refusing comfort) parallels David's profound grief for a lost son.
- 2 Sam 12:18–20 (thematic): David's reaction to the death of his infant by Bathsheba (public signs of mourning and altered behavior) provides a comparative instance of Davidic grief over a child.
- 2 Sam 1:17–27 (thematic): David's formal lament for Saul and Jonathan (poetic mourning, public lament) parallels the motifs of public grief and sorrow for slain kin.
- Matt 23:37 / Luke 13:34 (structural): The doubled vocative 'O Jerusalem, Jerusalem…' functions like 'O my son, Absalom, my son'—a repeated address expressing intense lament and sorrow.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king lifted up his voice and wept aloud: "O my son Absalom! O Absalom my son! Would I had died instead of you—O Absalom my son, my son!"
- And the king covered his face and cried with a loud voice, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!"
2 S.19.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הבשת: VERB,hiph,perf,2,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- כל: DET
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- הממלטים: PTCP,hiph,ptcp,m,pl,def
- את: PRT,acc
- נפשך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בניך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+POSS,2,m,sg
- ובנתיך: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs,suff:2,ms
- ונפש: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נשיך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ונפש: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פלגשיך: NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss:2ms
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 19:1-4 (structural): Immediate context: these verses describe the people's return and David's withdrawal/mourning that directly precipitate Joab's rebuke; they show the scene Joab addresses.
- 2 Samuel 19:7 (verbal): Continuation of Joab's speech—repeats and amplifies the charge that David has shamed those who risked their lives for him and his household.
- 2 Samuel 18:33 (thematic): David's public lament for Absalom (’O my son Absalom…’) is the behaviour Joab condemns here; both passages link the king's mourning with political embarrassment and loss of respect.
- 2 Samuel 12:7-14 (thematic): Nathan's outspoken rebuke of David over Bathsheba similarly confronts the king about conduct that brings moral and familial consequences; both scenes feature a subordinate publicly confronting the king about actions affecting his household and the nation.
- 1 Samuel 25:24-31 (thematic): Abigail's forceful rebuke of David (preventing bloodshed and dishonour) is a parallel instance of a subordinate reproving a leader to avert shame and harm to others—similar social/didactic function to Joab's rebuke.
Alternative generated candidates
- Joab came into the king's house and said, "Today you have shamed all your servants who saved your life, and the lives of your sons and daughters, and the lives of your wives and concubines.
- Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, "Today you have shamed all your servants, who saved your life and the lives of your sons and your daughters, your wives and your concubines.
2 S.19.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לאהבה: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- שנאיך: PART,qal,ptcp,pl,m+2,m,sg
- ולשנא: CONJ+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- אהביך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss2ms
- כי: CONJ
- הגדת: VERB,hiph,perf,2,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- אין: PART,neg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- שרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ועבדים: CONJ,NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- וכלנו: CONJ+PRON,1,pl
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מתים: ADJ,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אז: ADV
- ישר: ADJ,m,sg
- בעיניך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const,2,ms
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:10-12 (structural): Same narrative episode: public acclaim for Absalom and the people's shifting allegiance provide the background for Joab’s charge that David’s supporters have declared they have no part in him.
- Psalm 41:9 (verbal): Expresses betrayal by a trusted companion (“even my close friend…has lifted his heel against me”), echoing David’s complaint about friends who favor his enemy.
- Psalm 55:12-14 (thematic): Laments treachery by an intimate companion and the pain of betrayal within one’s circle—close thematic parallel to ‘loving your enemies and hating your friends.’
- Matthew 5:44 (thematic): Jesus’ injunction to ‘love your enemies’ serves as a moral contrast to the behavior Joab condemns—people who loved David’s enemy and hated his friends.
- Matthew 10:36 (thematic): Speaks of household divisions where enemies arise within one’s own family/household, reflecting the theme of divided loyalties and internal betrayal present in David’s situation.
Alternative generated candidates
- You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have made known this day that there are no leaders nor servants to you. For I know that if Absalom had lived and we had all died, then it would have pleased you.
- You have loved those who hate you and hated those who love you. For you have proclaimed this day that there are no princes nor servants in you; for I know that if Absalom had lived and we all had died today, it would have pleased you well.
2 S.19.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- קום: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- צא: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- ודבר: VERB,qal,fut,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- כי: CONJ
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- נשבעתי: VERB,niphal,perf,1,_,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אינך: PART_NEG,2,m,sg
- יוצא: VERB,qal,part,ms,sg
- אם: CONJ
- ילין: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- הלילה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ורעה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- מכל: PREP
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- באה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- מנעריך: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+2ms
- עד: PREP
- עתה: ADV
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 19:5-7 (verbal): Immediate context: Joab's continued rebuke of David for mourning and staying away from the troops and the city—verse 8 forms the climax of this same address and repeats the same demands and rationale.
- 2 Samuel 18:33 (thematic): David's excessive mourning for Absalom (his public grief) is the behavior Joab criticizes in 19:8; the earlier lament explains the conduct that provoked Joab's warning about consequences for the king and his servants.
- 2 Samuel 12:1-15 (thematic): Nathan's sharp, prophetic rebuke of David and the pronouncement of Divine judgment parallels Joab's forceful confrontation: both are direct challenges to the king's behavior with a warning about the consequences framed in terms of God's authority.
- 1 Kings 2:5-6 (thematic): Solomon's later political settling of scores (including Joab's execution) illustrates the political reality behind Joab's warning in 19:8—that a king's failure to assert his authority and attend to his followers can produce worse, even violent, outcomes for his reign.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now therefore arise, go out, and speak comfortably to the hearts of your servants; for I swear by the LORD, if you do not go out—if one man stays with you tonight—this will be worse for you than all the trouble that has come upon you from your youth until now."
- Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak kindly to the heart of your servants; for I swear by the LORD, if you do not go out, and any man spend the night with you, calamity will be worse for you than all the harm that has come upon you from your youth until now."
And Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, "Let me run, and I will bring the king tidings, for the LORD has judged the men who rose against my lord." And Joab said to him, "You shall not be the one to bring news today; you shall be a messenger another day. Not today—do not bring tidings, for on that account the king's son is dead." And Joab said to the Cushite, "Go, tell the king what you have seen." And the Cushite bowed to Joab and ran. And Ahimaaz again said to Joab, "What—let me also run after the Cushite." And Joab said, "Why do you run, my son? It will bring you no good news." And he said, "Let me run." He said to him, "Run." So Ahimaaz ran by the way of the city square and outran the Cushite. Now David sat between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate to the wall, and lifted up his eyes and saw a man running alone. And the watchman cried and told the king; and the king said, "If he be alone, he brings tidings." And the watchman came and drew near, and the man came on. And the watchman saw another man running and called toward the gate, "Behold another man running alone." And the king said, "This one also brings tidings." And the watchman said, "I see the running of the first like the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok." And the king said, "That is a good man; he will surely bring good tidings." And Ahimaaz called and said to the king, "Peace!" and he bowed to the king with his face to the ground, and said, "Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delivered the men who lifted up their hand against my lord the king." And the king said, "Is the young man Absalom safe?" And Ahimaaz answered, "I saw a great throng sent to the king's servant Joab and to your servant, and I did not know what it meant." And the king said, "Turn aside and stand here." And he turned aside and stood still. And behold the Cushite came and said, "Let my lord the king be told that the LORD has judged you this day and has delivered you from the hand of all who rose up against you." And the king said to the Cushite, "Is the young man Absalom safe?" And the Cushite answered, "May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you be like that young man."
Then the king was deeply moved, and he went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went he said, "O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!" And it was told Joab, "Behold, the king weeps and laments for Absalom." And the people heard on that day, that the king was grieved for his son; and the people slipped away that day into the city, as one slips away when ashamed before battle. And the king covered his face and cried aloud, "O my son Absalom—my son, my son!" And Joab came into the house to the king and said, "Today you have shamed all your servants, who have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines.
You love those who hate you and hate those who love you; for you have made it clear today that there are no commanders or servants left with you.
For I perceive, my lord the king, that if Absalom were alive and we all dead today, it would be right in your eyes. Now therefore arise, go out, and speak to the heart of your servants; for by the LORD I swear, if you do not go out, not one of us will remain with you tonight, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now."