Thursday 31 January 2019
- Bible Book:
- 2 Samuel
Then Joab said to a Cushite, 'Go, tell the king what you have seen.' The Cushite bowed before Joab, and ran. (v. 21)
2 Samuel 18:19-23
Thursday 31 January 2019
Psalm: Psalm 66
Background
This passage is a scene in the story of Joab’s killing of David’s son, Absalom, and David’s response. It is unclear why Ahimaaz is so keen to take news of Absalom’s death to David. Perhaps he hopes for a reward, without realising that David may be more concerned about the death of his son than the military victory. Joab seems anxious about how David will take the news. It is not clear why Joab instructs the Cushite to take the news instead, unless he is seeking to protect Ahimaaz from David’s displeasure.
To Ponder:
- How do you understand Ahimaaz and Joab’s intentions in this passage?
- Does the story cause you to recall occasions when it has been challenging to be the bearer of bad news?