The BibleGospel Companion

Ahimaaz

אֲחִימַ֫עַץ · a.chi.ma.ats · H0290H“a brother of the council” Hitchcock's 186913 mentions in 2 books, most in 2 Samuel (10)

Who he was

Ahimaaz was the son of Zadok, the high priest during the reign of King David. He played a significant role as a messenger and loyal supporter of David during the rebellion of David's son Absalom. Along with Jonathan, son of Abiathar, Ahimaaz stayed outside Jerusalem to relay information about Absalom's plans to David. (2Sa.15.27,36; 17.17)

When David's forces defeated Absalom's army, Ahimaaz wanted to bring the news to David, but Joab initially sent a Cushite messenger instead. Ahimaaz persisted and was allowed to run, overtaking the Cushite. He reported the victory to David but withheld the news of Absalom's death, which the Cushite messenger revealed. (2 Samuel 18:19–29)

In the genealogy of the Levites, Ahimaaz is listed as the son of Zadok and the father of Azariah, who served as priests in the temple built by Solomon. (1Ch.6.8,9,53) Ahimaaz's loyalty to David and his role in supporting the rightful king showcase his importance during this tumultuous period in Israel's history.

Article: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Family

FatherZadokChildrenAzariah
Family relations: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Every mention

13 references, counted from STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0 · verse text: World English Bible (public domain)
2 SamuelChapter 15: 2 mentionsChapter 17: 2 mentionsChapter 18: 6 mentions10 mentions
2 Samuel 15:27The king said also to Zadok the priest, “Aren’t you a seer? Return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.2 Samuel 15:36Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son, and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son. Send to me everything that you shall hear by them.”2 Samuel 17:17Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying by En Rogel; and a female servant used to go and report to them, and they went and told King David; for they couldn’t risk being seen coming into the…2 Samuel 17:20Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house; and they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” The woman said to them, “They have gone over the brook of water.” When they had sought…2 Samuel 18:19Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me now run and carry the king news, how Yahweh has avenged him of his enemies.”2 Samuel 18:22Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said yet again to Joab, “But come what may, please let me also run after the Cushite.” Joab said, “Why do you want to run, my son, since you will have no…2 Samuel 18:23“But come what may,” he said, “I will run.” He said to him, “Run!” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite.2 Samuel 18:27The watchman said, “I think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” The king said, “He is a good man, and comes with good news.”2 Samuel 18:28Ahimaaz called, and said to the king, “All is well.” He bowed himself before the king with his face to the earth, and said, “Blessed is Yahweh your God, who has delivered up the men who…2 Samuel 18:29The king said, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king’s servant, even me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I don’t know what it was.”
1 ChroniclesChapter 6: 3 mentions3 mentions
1 Chronicles 6:8Ahitub became the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Ahimaaz.1 Chronicles 6:9Ahimaaz became the father of Azariah. Azariah became the father of Johanan.1 Chronicles 6:53Zadok his son, and Ahimaaz his son.

What the dictionary says

Brother of anger = irascible.

Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Read the article →

Sources