2 Samuel 18:26
ESV
The watchman saw another man running. And the watchman called to the gate and said, "See, another man running alone!" The king said, "He also brings news."
NIV
Then the watchman saw another runner, and he called down to the gatekeeper, "Look, another man running alone!" The king said, "He must be bringing good news, too."
NASB
Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, 'Behold, another man is running by himself.' And the king said, 'This one also is bringing good news.'
CSB
the watchman saw another man running. He called out to the gatekeeper, "Look! Another man is running alone!" "This one is also bringing good news," said the king.
NLT
the watchman saw another man running toward them. He shouted down, 'Here comes another one!' The king replied, 'He also will have news.'
KJV
And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
NKJV
Then the watchman saw another man running, and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “There is another man, running alone!” And the king said, “He also brings news.”
What does 2 Samuel 18:26 mean?
There was a time when David would not have to wait for news of war because he'd be in the middle of the action. Since he took Jerusalem and made it his capital, his fighting days have dwindled. Kings need to govern; they have armies to engage in fighting.This time, he's on the sidelines for another reason. His son Absalom has rebelled and wants him dead (2 Samuel 15; 17). David announced he was joining the army against his son, but his generals refused. Their job is to keep him alive so he can return to his throne in Jerusalem. Ten thousand of them would gladly give their lives to make that happen (2 Samuel 18:2–3). So, David stands at the wall of the city that gave him and his servants rest, waiting for news. All he wants to hear is that Absalom is well (2 Samuel 18:5).
The writer builds suspense. The watchman sees a man, running alone, He must have news (2 Samuel 18:24–25). Now, there's a second runner. What could this mean? An update to the news the first man brings? The first man is Ahimaaz, son of the priest Zadok. David resolves that such a good man could only bring good news (2 Samuel 18:27).
David is wrong. David's general Joab killed Absalom while the traitor was caught, hanging on a tree branch (2 Samuel 18:14). The second man is a Cushite whom Joab sent to tell David. The first is Ahimaaz who, against Joab's counsel, insisted on bringing David the message (2 Samuel 18:19–23). Ahimaaz overtook the Cushite and will reach David first. When he sees the king, he has a change of heart. He can't bear to tell the king his son is dead (2 Samuel 18:28–29).
