שמואל ב, פרק י״ח, פסוק ל״ב

Seeking to uncover the true fate of his son, King David turns to the Cushite messenger with a direct question. The king's confusion stems from a troubling gap between the reports he has received. Based on the account of the previous messenger, Ahimaaz, David had concluded that Absalom was still alive and had merely been captured by the army. However, the initial remarks of the Cushite messenger imply the exact opposite. Caught between these conflicting reports, the king asks his question in a state of astonishment, needing to finally uncover the truth [מלבי״ם].

In response, the messenger does not hesitate or fear delivering the bitter news [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Rather than giving a simple yes or no answer, he responds with a carefully worded declaration. He expresses a wish that all the king's enemies, and anyone who rises up to do him harm, should meet the exact same end and die just as Absalom did [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].