How does 2 Samuel 18:29 highlight the importance of truthful communication? Setting the Moment in 2 Samuel 18:29 “Then the king asked, ‘Is the young man Absalom all right?’ And Ahimaaz answered, ‘I saw a great tumult when Joab sent the king’s servant and me your servant, but I do not know what it was.’” What’s Happening Here? • David’s first words show a father’s heart: he wants the unvarnished truth about Absalom. • Ahimaaz has already learned of Absalom’s death (18:20), yet offers an evasive answer. • His partial truth delays David’s grasp of reality and forces a second messenger to speak plainly (18:31–32). Three Truth-Telling Principles Surfacing in the Verse 1. Truth is demanded by rightful authority – The king’s direct question calls for a direct answer (cf. Proverbs 16:13). 2. Half-truths hinder needed response – David cannot begin to grieve or act until he hears the whole story. 3. God values transparent speech – “Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are His delight” (Proverbs 12:22). Why Evasive Words Fall Short • They cloud discernment—David remains in suspense. • They burden others—Cushi must deliver the difficult message Ahimaaz avoided. • They tempt further compromise—once we soften a fact, telling the rest becomes harder (Ephesians 4:25). Contrast: Ahimaaz vs. Cushi (18:31–32) " Messenger " Approach " Result " "-----------"----------"--------" " Ahimaaz " Withholds crucial detail " Truth delayed, credibility questioned " " Cushi " States plainly: “May the enemies of my lord the king… be as that young man is!” " David receives reality, begins to mourn " Wider Scriptural Echoes • Exodus 20:16 – The ninth commandment roots honesty in God’s moral law. • Psalm 15:1–2 – The one who “speaks truth in his heart” can dwell with the Lord. • Matthew 5:37 – “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’.” • Colossians 3:9 – Lying is incompatible with the new self in Christ. Putting It Into Practice Today • Speak plainly, especially when stakes are high. • Resist the temptation to soften facts to protect feelings—truth delivered graciously still honors God. • Remember every word is spoken coram Deo—in the presence of God who “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). Truthful communication, modeled and commanded throughout Scripture, safeguards relationships, preserves credibility, and reflects the very character of our trustworthy God. |
    |