שמואל ב, פרק י״ח, פסוק כ״ג

The desire to deliver news to a waiting king can drive a person to push past all obstacles. Even after a first messenger is sent and Joab tries to hold him back, Ahimaaz shows a fierce determination to run to King David. He declares that he must go, no matter what happens. Some explain that Ahimaaz does not fear the consequences; whatever the outcome, he is fully committed to making the journey [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others suggest he is giving up any potential payment in advance. He is so determined to run that he insists on going even if he receives no reward for the news [רש״י, מצודת דוד].

His motivation to run while another messenger is already on the way is understood in different ways. One perspective is that Ahimaaz wants to arrive first to tell David only the good parts of the news, leaving out the death of Absalom, or at least to say something positive [מלבי״ם]. Another view suggests his motive is more personal. He wants to test his speed against the first messenger, or he wishes to show his effort and dedication to find favor with the king. He assumes David will be happy to see his hard work, even if the content of the news is already known [אברבנאל].

Seeing that Ahimaaz will not give up, Joab grants his request and allows him to leave [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Ahimaaz chooses to run through the flat area of the Jordan plain [מצודת ציון]. By choosing this wide valley instead of the regular paved road, he is able to take a shortcut [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Thanks to this clever choice, he successfully passes the first messenger and arrives at the destination first [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ].