Thursday 30 January 2025
Then Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed before Joab, and ran. (v. 21)
Background
The two books of Samuel revolve around the career of David and his ascent to king. This week we have been reading about the attempt by Absalom, David's favourite son, to mount a coup against his father. Having forced David to flee from Jerusalem, Absalom squanders an initial tactical advantage, allowing David to muster his forces. As the army prepares for battle, David urges the commanders to "deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom" (2 Samuel 18:5).
David’s troops defeat Absalom’s army. Among the casualties is Absalom himself, who is discovered by David’s soldiers and is killed by Joab, one of David’s generals. Ahimaaz, son of the priest Zadok, wants to take news of the victory to David. The Hebrew text is not entirely clear at this point, but it is suggested that Joab is aware that telling David that his son Absalom has been killed will not bring thanks or reward and may place the messenger at risk of royal displeasure. So Joab entrusts the task to a Cushite, a native of modern Ethiopia and a non-Israelite. Ahimaaz and the Cushite both run with the news and the story leaves the reader wondering how David will respond.
To Ponder:
- Joab gave the task of telling the king his son is dead to an outsider. Have you ever been treated like an outsider? What happened? How did it feel? How did you respond?
- What might you do to promote greater justice and equality for all?
Prayer
God of all, help me to recognise and address my conscious and unconscious bias. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Martin Wellings
Martin Wellings is a Methodist presbyter, serving in north London.