What does 2 Samuel 18:21 mean?
"Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran." - 2 Samuel 18:21
The verse 2 Samuel 18:21 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible states, "Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran." This verse is part of a larger passage in which Joab, the commander of King David's army, is strategically planning the aftermath of a battle between David's forces and those of his son Absalom, who has rebelled against him. In this verse, Joab is instructing a messenger, Cushi, to go and report to King David about the outcome of the battle and the fate of Absalom.
The context of this verse is set against a backdrop of conflict and betrayal within David's family. Absalom, David's son, rebelled against his father and sought to overthrow him as king. This led to a violent and emotionally charged battle between David's forces and those of Absalom. The events leading up to this verse are filled with tension, drama, and emotional turmoil as father and son find themselves pitted against each other in a struggle for power and control.
The themes present in this verse are primarily those of loyalty, duty, and the consequences of rebellion. Joab, as the commander of David's army, is portrayed as a loyal and resolute figure. He is carrying out his duties and responsibilities to King David, despite the difficult and emotionally charged nature of the situation. Cushi, the messenger, also demonstrates his loyalty and commitment by bowing to Joab and immediately running to deliver the message to the king. These themes of loyalty and duty highlight the importance of staying true to one's commitments, even in the face of adversity and conflict.
Symbolism in this verse can be seen in the actions of the characters. Joab represents a figure of authority and leadership, directing Cushi to go and deliver the message to the king. Cushi's act of bowing himself to Joab and running signifies his obedience and dedication to his duty. The act of running also symbolizes the urgency and importance of the message that Cushi is carrying. Additionally, the act of delivering a message in this context can represent the importance of communication and the dissemination of information, especially in times of conflict and upheaval.
The verse 2 Samuel 18:21 can also be viewed as a reflection of the broader themes and lessons found throughout the Bible. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion and the importance of remaining loyal and faithful to one's commitments. It also emphasizes the significance of communication and the fulfillment of one's responsibilities, even in challenging and distressing circumstances.
In conclusion, the verse 2 Samuel 18:21 from the KJV of the Bible provides a glimpse into the complex and emotionally charged events surrounding a moment of conflict and betrayal within David's family. Through its themes of loyalty, duty, and the consequences of rebellion, as well as its use of symbolism, this verse serves as a compelling and instructive narrative within the broader context of the Bible. It offers valuable insights into the nature of human relationships, the responsibilities of leadership, and the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of adversity.
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2 Samuel 18:21 - "Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran."
"Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran." - 2 Samuel 18:21
2 Samuel 21:18 - "And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant."
1 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."
2 Samuel 21:21 - "And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him."
2 samuel 23:8-21
"And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant." - 2 Samuel 21:18
2 Samuel 5:21 - "And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them."
1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
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 21:11 - "And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done."
2 Samuel 11:18 - "¶ Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;"
2 Samuel 13:21 - "¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."
2 Chronicles 21:18 - "¶ And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease."
2 Samuel 21:22 - "These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants."
2 Samuel 18:6 - "¶ So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;"
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."
"¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod." - 1 Samuel 2:18
1 Samuel 18:21 - "And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain."
2 Samuel 1:18 - "(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)"
2 Samuel 18:30 - "And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he turned aside, and stood still."
2 Samuel 18:16 - "And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people."
2 Samuel 22:21 - "The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me."
2 Samuel 19:21 - "But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?"
2 Samuel 21:13 - "And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged."