2 Samuel 18:28

Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, "All is well!" And he bowed facedown before the king. He continued, "Blessed be the LORD your God! He has delivered up the men who raised their hands against my lord the king."

Study Bible

Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well!”
Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok the priest, was known for his swiftness and loyalty. His message of "All is well" was intended to bring peace and assurance to King David. In the context of ancient Israel, messengers often brought news of victory or defeat from the battlefield. The phrase "All is well" signifies a positive outcome, reflecting the cultural importance of messengers in delivering crucial news. This moment is reminiscent of the role of messengers in other biblical narratives, such as the announcement of victory in 1 Samuel 4:17.

And he bowed facedown before the king.
Bowing facedown was a common act of respect and submission in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It demonstrated humility and recognition of the king's authority. This act by Ahimaaz underscores the hierarchical social structure of the time, where the king was seen as God's appointed ruler. The gesture also reflects the biblical principle of honoring those in authority, as seen in Romans 13:1-7.

He continued, “Blessed be the LORD your God!
Ahimaaz attributes the victory to the LORD, acknowledging God's sovereignty and intervention in the affairs of Israel. This reflects the biblical theme of divine providence, where God is seen as the ultimate source of deliverance and blessing. The phrase "Blessed be the LORD" is a common expression of praise found throughout the Psalms and other scriptures, emphasizing the importance of giving glory to God for successes and victories.

He has delivered up the men who raised their hands against my lord the king.”
The phrase "delivered up" indicates God's active role in ensuring David's triumph over his enemies. The men who "raised their hands" against David were those who supported Absalom's rebellion. This highlights the biblical theme of God's justice and protection of His anointed ones, as seen in passages like Psalm 18:48-50. The deliverance of David can also be seen as a type of Christ, foreshadowing the ultimate victory of Jesus over His enemies, as prophesied in Psalm 110:1.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ahimaaz
The son of Zadok the priest, Ahimaaz was a swift runner and a loyal messenger for King David. He was known for his eagerness to deliver news, even when it was difficult.

2. King David
The second king of Israel, David was a man after God's own heart. At this point in the account, he is dealing with the rebellion led by his son Absalom.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, is invoked here as the one who delivers and protects His anointed king, David.

4. The Men Who Raised Their Hands Against the King
This refers to Absalom and his followers who rebelled against King David, seeking to overthrow his rule.

5. The Battle
The context of this verse is the aftermath of the battle in the forest of Ephraim, where David's forces defeated Absalom's army.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
Recognize that God is in control of all situations, and He delivers His people according to His will and purpose.

The Role of a Faithful Messenger
Like Ahimaaz, we are called to be faithful messengers of God's truth, delivering His message with integrity and courage.

The Importance of Giving Glory to God
Ahimaaz's immediate response was to bless the LORD. We should always give credit to God for victories and deliverances in our lives.

Trust in God's Justice
Even in times of rebellion and conflict, trust that God will bring justice and uphold His anointed.

The Power of Encouragement
Ahimaaz's message brought encouragement to David. We should strive to be sources of encouragement to others, especially in times of distress.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ahimaaz's message to King David reflect his understanding of God's role in the battle's outcome?

2. In what ways can we be faithful messengers of God's truth in our own lives, similar to Ahimaaz?

3. How does the theme of divine deliverance in 2 Samuel 18:28 connect with other instances of God's deliverance in the Bible?

4. What can we learn from Ahimaaz's example about the importance of giving glory to God in our victories?

5. How can we apply the principle of trusting in God's justice when facing personal conflicts or challenges today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 3
This psalm, attributed to David during Absalom's rebellion, reflects David's trust in God's deliverance, similar to the message Ahimaaz brings.

1 Samuel 17:47
David's declaration that "the battle is the LORD's" during his confrontation with Goliath echoes the theme of divine deliverance found in Ahimaaz's message.

Romans 8:31
The assurance that "if God is for us, who can be against us?" parallels the confidence in God's deliverance expressed by Ahimaaz.