Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 18 - Verse 21

18:21
Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.

Meaning

Joab instructs Cushi to go and report to the king what he has witnessed, indicating the urgency and importance of the message being delivered. The act of Cushi bowing himself to Joab before running off to deliver the message reflects a sign of respect and obedience towards Joab as a superior in authority. This verse highlights the chain of command and the responsibility of messengers to deliver information accurately and promptly in biblical times. It also demonstrates the hierarchical structure and adherence to protocol within the kingdom. In a broader context, this verse serves as a reminder of the significance of communication and the role of messengers in conveying important information within the Bible narrative.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see Joab sending Cushi to inform the king of what he has witnessed. The act of Cushi bowing himself to Joab before running to carry out his task is significant in terms of the theological interpretation. Bowing in the biblical context often symbolizes humility, submission, and respect for authority. By bowing to Joab, Cushi is acknowledging Joab's authority and showing his obedience to his command. This act of bowing can also be seen as a form of worship, as it is a demonstration of reverence towards a superior. Additionally, the fact that Cushi ran to deliver the message indicates a sense of urgency and importance associated with the information he is carrying. This sense of urgency can be interpreted as a demonstration of loyalty and dedication to fulfill the task given to him promptly. Overall, this verse highlights themes of humility, submission, respect, obedience, and loyalty, all of which are important aspects of the biblical teachings on interpersonal relationships and behavior towards authority figures.

American Standard Version

Then said Joab to the Cushite, Go, tell the king what thou hast seen. And the Cushite bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.
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