27. The watchman said, “I think the first man runs like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.”The king said, “Ahimaaz is a good man. He must be bringing good news!”
28. Then Ahimaaz called a greeting to the king. He bowed facedown on the ground to the king. He said, “Praise the Lord your God! The Lord has defeated the men who were against you, my king.”
29. The king asked, “Is young Absalom all right?”Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent me, I saw some great excitement. But I don’t know what it was.”
30. Then the king said, “Step over here and wait.” So Ahimaaz stepped aside and stood there.
31. Then the Cushite arrived. He said, “Master and king, hear the good news! Today the Lord has punished the people who were against you!”
32. The king asked the Cushite, “Is young Absalom all right?”The Cushite answered, “May your enemies be like that young man. May all who come to hurt you be like that young man!”
33. Then the king knew Absalom was dead. He was very upset. He went to the room over the city gate and cried. As he went, he cried out, “My son Absalom, my son Absalom! I wish I had died for you. Absalom, my son, my son!”