2 Samuel 18:24
New International Version
While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone.

New Living Translation
While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates of the town, the watchman climbed to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked, he saw a lone man running toward them.

English Standard Version
Now David was sitting between the two gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and when he lifted up his eyes and looked, he saw a man running alone.

Berean Standard Bible
Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone.

King James Bible
And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.

New King James Version
Now David was sitting between the two gates. And the watchman went up to the roof over the gate, to the wall, lifted his eyes and looked, and there was a man, running alone.

New American Standard Bible
Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went to the roof of the gate by the wall, and raised his eyes and looked; and behold, a man was running by himself.

NASB 1995
Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and raised his eyes and looked, and behold, a man running by himself.

NASB 1977
Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and raised his eyes and looked, and behold, a man running by himself.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and raised his eyes and looked, and behold, a man running by himself.

Amplified Bible
Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the lookout went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and when he raised his eyes and looked, he saw a man running alone.

Christian Standard Bible
David was sitting between the city gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the city gate and over to the wall. The watchman looked out and saw a man running alone.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gate and over to the wall. The watchman looked out and saw a man running alone.

American Standard Version
Now David was sitting between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man running alone.

Contemporary English Version
Meanwhile, David was sitting between the inner and outer gates in the city wall. One of his soldiers was watching from the roof of the gate-tower. He saw a man running toward the town

English Revised Version
Now David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man running alone.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David was sitting between the two gates while the watchman walked along the roof of the gate by the wall. As he looked, he saw a man running alone.

Good News Translation
David was sitting in the space between the inner and outer gates of the city. The lookout went up to the top of the wall and stood on the roof of the gateway; he looked out and saw a man running alone.

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, David was sitting between the inner and outer gates of the city. The watchman was up on the roof of the gateway near the walls, looking around, and there was a man running by himself!

Majority Standard Bible
Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone.

NET Bible
Now David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate at the wall. When he looked, he saw a man running by himself.

New Heart English Bible
Now David was sitting between the two gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall and raised his eyes and looked, and there was a man running alone towards him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate to the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.

World English Bible
Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate to the wall, and lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, a man running alone.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David is sitting between the two gates, and the watchman goes to the roof of the gate, to the wall, and lifts up his eyes, and looks, and behold, a man running by himself.

Young's Literal Translation
And David is sitting between the two gates, and the watchman goeth unto the roof of the gate, unto the wall, and lifteth up his eyes, and looketh, and lo, a man running by himself.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will sit between the two gates: and he watching will go to the roof of the gate to the wall, and he lift up his eyes and see, and behold, a man running by himself.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman that was on the top of the gate upon the wall, lifting up his eyes, saw a man running alone.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now David was sitting between the two gates. Truly, the watchman, who was at the summit of the gate upon the wall, lifting up his eyes, saw a man running alone.

New American Bible
Now David was sitting between the two gates, and a lookout mounted to the roof of the gate above the city wall, where he looked out and saw a man running all alone.

New Revised Standard Version
Now David was sitting between the two gates. The sentinel went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and when he looked up, he saw a man running alone.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate to the wall, and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw a man running alone.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David was sitting between the two gates, and the Watchman walked on the roof of the gate of the wall, and he lifted up his eyes and he saw a man running alone
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now David sat between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David was sitting between the two gates: and the watchman went up on the top of the gate of the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone before him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Mourns for Absalom
23“No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite. 24Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone. 25So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near,…

Cross References
2 Samuel 13:34
Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man standing watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road west of him, along the side of the hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, “I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill.”

2 Samuel 15:23-24
Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness. / Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had passed out of the city.

2 Samuel 17:17
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city.

2 Kings 9:17-20
Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” / So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” / So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” ...

2 Samuel 19:8
So the king got up and sat in the gate, and all the people were told: “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” So they all came before the king. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled, each man to his home.

2 Samuel 15:30
But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went.

2 Samuel 15:27-28
The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace—you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan. / See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.”

2 Samuel 15:32
When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.

2 Samuel 16:2
“Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”

2 Samuel 17:18
But a young man did see them and told Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it.

2 Samuel 15:21
But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!”

2 Samuel 15:14
And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”

2 Samuel 15:10
Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’”

2 Samuel 15:13
Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”

2 Samuel 15:22
“March on then,” said David to Ittai. So Ittai the Gittite marched past with all his men and all the little ones who were with him.


Treasury of Scripture

And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate to the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.

between

2 Samuel 18:4
And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.

1 Samuel 4:13
And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out.

the watchman

2 Kings 9:17-20
And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace? …

Isaiah 21:6-9,11,12
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth…

Ezekiel 33:2-7
Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: …

Jump to Previous
Alone David Doors Doorways Eyes Gate Gates Inner Lifted Outer Raised Roof Running Sat Seated Sitting Wall Watchman
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Alone David Doors Doorways Eyes Gate Gates Inner Lifted Outer Raised Roof Running Sat Seated Sitting Wall Watchman
2 Samuel 18
1. David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom
6. The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim
9. Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit
18. Absalom's place
19. Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David
33. David mourns for Absalom














Now David was sitting
This phrase sets the scene with King David in a position of waiting and anticipation. The Hebrew root for "sitting" (יָשַׁב, yashab) often implies dwelling or abiding, suggesting a sense of permanence or readiness. David, a man after God's own heart, is portrayed here as a leader who is contemplative and expectant, perhaps in prayer or reflection, as he awaits news from the battlefield. This moment of stillness contrasts with the chaos of battle, highlighting the importance of patience and trust in God's timing.

between the two gates
The "two gates" likely refer to the outer and inner gates of a fortified city, a common architectural feature in ancient Israelite cities. This location is strategic, providing David with a vantage point to receive news quickly. Historically, gates were places of judgment and decision-making, symbolizing authority and governance. David's position here underscores his role as king and judge, awaiting the outcome of a conflict that deeply affects his kingdom and family.

and the watchman went up
The watchman, a sentinel tasked with vigilance, ascends to a higher place to observe. The Hebrew word for "watchman" (צָפָה, tsaphah) conveys the idea of looking out or keeping watch. This role is crucial in ancient times for the safety and security of a city. Spiritually, the watchman can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual alertness and readiness, reminding believers to be watchful in prayer and aware of the spiritual battles around them.

to the roof of the gateway by the wall
The "roof of the gateway" provides an elevated perspective, essential for the watchman's duty. In biblical times, roofs were often flat and used for various purposes, including observation. The "wall" signifies protection and separation from external threats. This imagery can inspire believers to seek higher spiritual ground, gaining perspective through prayer and scripture, and to build walls of faith that guard their hearts and minds.

As he looked out
The act of looking out implies active engagement and expectation. The Hebrew root (נָבַט, nabat) suggests a careful and attentive gaze. This watchfulness is a call to believers to be discerning and attentive to God's work in their lives and the world. It encourages a posture of readiness to receive and respond to God's messages and movements.

he saw a man running alone
The solitary runner is a messenger, a common role in ancient warfare to relay news. The image of "running alone" emphasizes urgency and the importance of the message. In a spiritual sense, this can symbolize the individual call to deliver God's message, highlighting the responsibility and urgency of sharing the gospel. The runner's solitude may also reflect the personal nature of our walk with God, where each believer must run their race with perseverance and faith.

Verse 24. - David sat between the two gates. The gateway was in a tower in the city walls, and David was sitting in the space between the inner and outer gates. Over this space was a chamber, mentioned in ver. 33, while the sentinel was posted upon the front wall over the outer gate.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now David
וְדָוִ֥ד (wə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

was sitting
יוֹשֵׁ֖ב (yō·wō·šêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

between
בֵּין־ (bên-)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

the two
שְׁנֵ֣י (šə·nê)
Number - mdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

gates
הַשְּׁעָרִ֑ים (haš·šə·‘ā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

when the watchman
הַצֹּפֶ֜ה (haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6822: To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await

went up
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the roof
גַּ֤ג (gaḡ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1406: A roof, the top of an altar

of the gateway
הַשַּׁ֙עַר֙ (haš·ša·‘ar)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

by
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the wall,
הַ֣חוֹמָ֔ה (ha·ḥō·w·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2346: A wall of protection

looked out,
וַיִּשָּׂ֤א (way·yiś·śā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

and saw
וַיַּ֔רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

a man
אִ֖ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

running alone.
רָ֥ץ (rāṣ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7323: To run


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OT History: 2 Samuel 18:24 Now David was sitting between the two (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 18:23
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