Unbridled Enthusiasm
“And Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, “But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite.” So Joab said, “Why will you run, my son, since you have no news ready?”” 2 Samuel 18:22
Ahimaaz son of the high priest Zakok is a picture of enthusiasm unbridled by wisdom and discretion. Ahimaaz was successful as a messenger between Hushai and King David and he brought critical military intelligence about the inner counsel of the rebel Absalom (2 Samuel 17:15-22). Undoubtably, David rewarded the young man handsomely for his good service. Now Ahimaaz wants to run to bring news that is neither welcomed nor will gain him a reward. Joab rightfully chose a foreigner, a Cushite (Modern Sudan), to bring the good news of victory along with the bad that Absalom was dead. Ahimaaz's exuberance to use his outstanding ability to run and buoyed by his earlier success as a courier ignores Joab's guidance as he outruns the Cushite.
Ben Franklin wisely wrote "Presumption first blinds a man, then sets him a running." Surprisingly, Ahimaaz gives David news of the military victory but pretends not to know about what happened to Absalom despite Joab directly informing him that Absalom was dead. Presumption always leads to other vices, here lying to a man who is well known for his abilities to discern right from wrong (1 Samuel 25:32, 2 Samuel 14:17, 2 Samuel 18:12) and will most certainly later learn of the deception from his men. We are encouraged to be "zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14) but not to have "zeal without knowledge" that leads to carnal works (Romans 10:2). The first is energized by the Holy Spirit and the second by the flesh; wise counsel helps separate one from the other. May we join with David to pray "Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression." (Psalm 19:13)
Ahimaaz son of the high priest Zakok is a picture of enthusiasm unbridled by wisdom and discretion. Ahimaaz was successful as a messenger between Hushai and King David and he brought critical military intelligence about the inner counsel of the rebel Absalom (2 Samuel 17:15-22). Undoubtably, David rewarded the young man handsomely for his good service. Now Ahimaaz wants to run to bring news that is neither welcomed nor will gain him a reward. Joab rightfully chose a foreigner, a Cushite (Modern Sudan), to bring the good news of victory along with the bad that Absalom was dead. Ahimaaz's exuberance to use his outstanding ability to run and buoyed by his earlier success as a courier ignores Joab's guidance as he outruns the Cushite.
Ben Franklin wisely wrote "Presumption first blinds a man, then sets him a running." Surprisingly, Ahimaaz gives David news of the military victory but pretends not to know about what happened to Absalom despite Joab directly informing him that Absalom was dead. Presumption always leads to other vices, here lying to a man who is well known for his abilities to discern right from wrong (1 Samuel 25:32, 2 Samuel 14:17, 2 Samuel 18:12) and will most certainly later learn of the deception from his men. We are encouraged to be "zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14) but not to have "zeal without knowledge" that leads to carnal works (Romans 10:2). The first is energized by the Holy Spirit and the second by the flesh; wise counsel helps separate one from the other. May we join with David to pray "Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression." (Psalm 19:13)