The Swift Messenger and Bearer of Hard News
Cushi is a minor but memorable figure in the Old Testament, known for his singular role as a swift and faithful messenger during one of the most tumultuous periods of King David’s reign—the civil war against his rebellious son, Absalom. His character is defined by obedience and the willingness to carry a difficult, mournful truth.
I. The Race from the Battlefield
Cushi appears only in the final moments of the conflict, following the decisive Battle in the Wood of Ephraim where Absalom was defeated and slain by Joab. King David, waiting anxiously at the gate of Mahanaim, was desperate for news of the battle and, more importantly, the safety of his son.
Joab, the general, chose two men to run back with the news: Ahimaaz, the son of the high priest Zadok (who was eager to go), and Cushi. Joab initially restrained Ahimaaz, perhaps knowing that the priest’s son was too impulsive or might falter in delivering the sensitive news of Absalom’s death. Instead, Joab commanded Cushi:
“Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.” (2 Samuel 18:21, KJV)
II. The Bearer of the Message
Despite Cushi being sent first, Ahimaaz, who was granted permission shortly after, took a shorter, more difficult route “by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi” (2 Samuel 18:23, KJV).
When Ahimaaz arrived, he only reported the victory, avoiding the subject of Absalom’s death, perhaps out of respect or fear of the King’s reaction (2 Samuel 18:29, KJV). David, still searching for the crucial detail, waited for Cushi.
When Cushi arrived, David immediately asked the critical question:
“And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.” (2 Samuel 18:32, KJV)
Cushi’s response was a masterclass in diplomacy and truth-telling. He did not explicitly say, “Absalom is dead,” but delivered the news as an undeniable truth wrapped in a statement of hope for the King: all who rebel against the Lord’s Anointed will meet the same fate.
The King understood immediately, leading to his famous lament: “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 18:33, KJV).
III. The Significance of the Name and Man
- Meaning of “Cushi”: The name means “Cushite” or “Ethiopian.” While Cushi’s origin is never explicitly stated, the name strongly suggests he was an African, perhaps a mercenary or servant, who had risen to a trusted position in David’s army. In Scripture, Cushites (like the unnamed Cushite in Jeremiah 38:7-13 who saved Jeremiah) are often portrayed as reliable, loyal, and physically capable individuals.
- Loyalty in Crisis: Cushi’s greatest significance lies in his quiet, unflinching loyalty to the anointed king, David, even during a rebellion led by the king’s own son. He was willing to be the bearer of the worst possible news because he understood the higher loyalty: the necessity of revealing the end of the rebellion to secure the throne and bring peace.
- The Messenger of Judgment: Cushi’s message, though delivered gently, was ultimately one of judgment. Absalom, who rose in a fit of pride and self-will (a classic Antichrist Lie of The Global Religion of Self), met the prophetic end of all who oppose God’s established order. Cushi was the voice declaring the fulfillment of that divine judgment.
Cushi’s brief presence in the Bible is a powerful testament to the necessity of faithful service, even when the task involves carrying sorrowful, yet necessary, truth to those in authority.