Bible Strands
2 Samuel 18:22
Ahimaaz son of Zadok, however, persisted and said to Joab, “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” “My son,” Joab replied, “why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Ahimaaz son of Zadok speaks to Joab immediately after the king’s messenger is dispatched to report the battle outcome. He insists on joining the Cushite runner despite Joab’s prior dismissal of the task.
The words — The text records that Ahimaaz "persisted" (וַ/יֹּ֨סֶף, va/i.Yo.sef) and spoke "again" (ע֜וֹד, od), marking repeated entreaty rather than a single request. Joab’s reply questions the utility of the run by noting the absence of a promised reward.
The thread — The tension between eager but unrewarded service and authoritative dismissal echoes in the contrast between self-driven initiative and divinely appointed purpose found in Romans 1:28 and Ephesians 5:4. The narrative thread continues in 2 Samuel 18:23 where Joab relents and Ahimaaz outruns the official messenger.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that zeal without assigned commission yields no spiritual or practical reward. It asks the reader to examine whether their pursuit serves the stated command or merely personal ambition.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
Cross-references
- Romans 1:28 Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.
- Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.