II Samuel 18 David, hearing of Absalom's death, weeps bitterly

 II Samuel 18

David, hearing of Absalom's death, weeps bitterly

19 Then said Ahimaaz, son of Zadok, Let me run, and I will tell the king that the Lord has avenged him of the hand of his enemies.

20 But Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not be a bearer of good news today, but another day thou shalt bring it; but today thou shalt not break the news, because the king's son is dead.

21 And Joab said to Cushi, Go thou, and tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed down to Joab, and ran.

22 And Ahimaaz the son of Zadok went on and said to Joab, Whatever it may be, let me also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Why would you run now, my son, since you have no suitable message?

23 Whatever it is, Ahimaaz said, I will run. And Joab said to him, Run. And Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and passed to Cushi.

24 And David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the terrace of the gate by the wall: and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was running alone.

25 The watchman therefore cried out, and said to the king, If he come alone, there is news in his mouth. And he was walking and coming.

26 Then the watchman saw another man running, and the watchman called to the gatekeeper, and said, Behold, another man is running alone. Then the king said, This man also brings news.

27 Said more the watchman: I see the running of the first, which seems to be the running of Ahimaaz, son of Zadok. Then the king said, This is a good man, and you will come with good news.

28 Then Ahimaaz cried, and said to the king, Peace. And he bowed down to the king with his face to the ground, and said, Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my lord the king.

29 Then said the king, Is it well with the young man, with Absalom? And Ahimaaz said, I saw a great uproar, when Joab sent the king's servant, and me your servant; but I don't know what it was.

30 And the king said, Turn, and stand here. And he turned around, and stopped.

31 And, behold, Cushi came: and Cushi said, My lord the king shall be told that the LORD hath avenged thee this day of the hand of all them that rose up against thee.

32 Then said the king to Cushi, Is it well with the young man, with Absalom? And Cushi said, May the enemies of my lord the king be like that young man, and all who rose up against thee for harm.

33 Then the king was troubled, and he went up to the room that was above the door, and wept; and walking, he said thus: My son Absalom, my son, my son, Absalom! I wish I had died for you, Absalom, my son, my son!