שמואל ב, פרק י״ח, פסוק כ״א

Following the conclusion of the fierce battle and the death of Absalom, the heavy burden of delivering the complex news to King David falls upon his commander, Joab. Joab selects his messenger with great care. Sparing Ahimaaz, who eagerly wishes to run with the news, Joab prefers to send a simple soldier who does not fully grasp the tragic weight this message holds for the King [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The precise identity of this messenger is a subject of discussion. He may have been a convert from the nation of Cush [רד״ק], or perhaps a foreign mercenary serving within Joab's ranks [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, he might have been a native Israelite who simply bore this title as a nickname due to his dark complexion [רד״ק].

When dispatching the soldier, Joab's instructions are deliberate and precise. He intentionally avoids any language that implies joyful news or celebration. Since the message contains the devastating reality of the King's son dying, it cannot be treated as a standard victory announcement. Instead, it is framed strictly as a factual report that must be delivered [מלבי״ם]. Joab commands the messenger to report exactly what he has seen, referring to the details of the military victory and the reality of Absalom's death [מצודת דוד]. This instruction is particularly fitting because this specific soldier personally witnessed Absalom hanging from the tree. He is sent to offer firsthand testimony, demonstrating that the death was ultimately a decree from God [מלבי״ם].

Upon receiving his orders, the soldier bows to his commander [ביאור שטיינזלץ] out of a deep sense of gratitude. In his straightforward perspective, he believes Joab has done him a great favor and bestowed a high honor upon him by choosing him to be the one to deliver the news to the King [מצודת דוד].