What does 2 Samuel 18:20 mean?
"And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead." - 2 Samuel 18:20
2 Samuel 18:20 (KJV): "And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead."
This verse is a part of the story of the aftermath of the battle between the forces of David and Absalom, his son. Absalom had rebelled against his father and had gathered a large following to overthrow him. The battle between David's forces and Absalom's forces ended with Absalom's death. In this verse, Joab, who was the commander of David's army, is instructing the Cushite messenger not to bring the news of Absalom's death to David on that day.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its meaning. Absalom was David's son, and despite his rebellion, David still cared for him deeply. David had expressly commanded his commanders to deal gently with Absalom during the battle, but Absalom was killed by Joab, against David's orders. The news of Absalom's death would have been devastating to David, and Joab, knowing this, told the messenger to not bring the news immediately.
One of the themes in this verse and the surrounding story is that of the consequences of sin and rebellion. Absalom's rebellion against his father led to a tragic end. His death, despite David's love for him, serves as a warning about the destructive nature of rebellion and disobedience. Additionally, there is a theme of the complexity of familial relationships. The dynamics between David, Absalom, and their extended family are fraught with tension and conflict, leading to tragic consequences.
The symbolism in this verse can be seen in the actions of Joab and the Cushite messenger. Joab, in telling the messenger not to bring the news immediately, is demonstrating an understanding of human emotions and empathy. Knowing that David would be grieved by the news, Joab exercises discretion and compassion. This can be seen as symbolic of the ways in which we should approach delivering difficult news to others, exercising wisdom and empathy.
Furthermore, the verse can be seen as a reflection of the mercy and grace of God. Despite Absalom's rebellion and the pain he caused to David, there is a sense of mourning for his death. This can be seen as a reflection of God's love for all his children, even when they stray from him. The verse also serves as a reminder of the importance of timing and discernment in delivering difficult news. Joab's decision to delay the news serves as a lesson in the sensitivity and wisdom required in communicating hard truths.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 18:20 from the King James Version holds deep meaning within the context of the story of Absalom's rebellion and subsequent death. It touches on themes of the consequences of sin and rebellion, the complexity of familial relationships, and the importance of empathy and discernment in communication. The verse also serves as a reflection of God's mercy and grace, even in the face of tragedy. It is a powerful reminder of the complexities of human emotions and the importance of exercising wisdom and sensitivity in our interactions with others.
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2 Samuel 18:20 - "And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead."
"And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead." - 2 Samuel 18:20
2 Samuel 20:18 - "Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter."
1 Samuel 18:20 - "And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him."
1 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."
1 Samuel 20:18 - "Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty."
2 Chronicles 20:18
2 Samuel 22:17-20
2 Samuel 20:20 - "And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy."
2 Samuel 20:25 - "And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:"
2 Samuel 20:24 - "And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:"
2 Samuel 20:26 - "And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David."
2 Samuel 2:20 - "Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am."
2 Samuel 5:18 - "The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim."
2 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe."
2 Samuel 11:18 - "¶ Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;"
"Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter." - 2 Samuel 20:18
2 Samuel 18:6 - "¶ So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;"
2 Samuel 16:20 - "¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do."
"And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him." - 1 Samuel 18:20
1 Samuel 18:2 - "And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house."
2 Samuel 18:10 - "And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak."
2 Samuel 8:18 - "And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers."
2 Samuel 18:1 - "And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them."
2 Samuel 18:15 - "And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him."
2 Samuel 1:20 - "Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph."
2 Samuel 20:4 - "¶ Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present."
2 Samuel 7:20 - "And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant."
2 Samuel 20:23 - "¶ Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:"
"¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod." - 1 Samuel 2:18