The name Ahimaaz is borne by at least three individuals in the King James Version of the Bible, but the most prominent by far is Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok the High Priest, a figure famed for his loyalty to King David and his remarkable swiftness of foot. He was a man deeply involved in the most tense and pivotal moments of the early Israelite monarchy.
The Loyal Messenger in Absalom’s Rebellion
Ahimaaz’s service to King David is most clearly seen during the rebellion of David’s son, Absalom. When David was forced to flee Jerusalem, Ahimaaz and his counterpart, Jonathan the son of Abiathar, remained in the city to act as secret couriers for their fathers, the loyal priests Zadok and Abiathar.
David instructed the priests, recognizing the danger but necessity of the mission:
“Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok’s son, and Jonathan Abiathar’s son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.” — 2 Samuel 15:36 (KJV)
Ahimaaz and Jonathan faithfully carried crucial information from the spy Hushai to King David, warning him of the counsel given by Ahithophel to Absalom—a timely message that ultimately saved the King’s life:
“Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.” — 2 Samuel 17:17 (KJV)
The Swift Runner of Good Tidings
Ahimaaz is most celebrated for his eagerness to carry the news of David’s victory over Absalom’s forces. After the battle, the commander Joab knew the full tidings would include the death of Absalom, which would distress the King. Joab initially denied Ahimaaz’s request to run, sending a Cushite in his stead, but Ahimaaz was insistent:
“Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready? But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.” — 2 Samuel 18:22–23 (KJV)
His distinctive running was recognized by the watchman, who informed King David:
“And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.” — 2 Samuel 18:27 (KJV)
Ahimaaz delivered the good news of the LORD’s deliverance and victory, but when questioned directly about Absalom’s fate, he tactfully withheld the painful truth: “I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it was” (2 Samuel 18:29). His sympathetic action provided a moment of grace before the Cushite messenger delivered the full, grievous account of Absalom’s death.
Ahimaaz later appears in the genealogical record as the son of Zadok and the father of Azariah (1 Chronicles 6:8–9), ensuring the continuation of the priestly line. Another individual named Ahimaaz is mentioned in the reign of Solomon, an officer in Naphtali who married Basmath, a daughter of the King (1 Kings 4:15), though it is not explicitly stated whether he is the same man.
The record of Ahimaaz son of Zadok is one of a faithful and zealous servant, whose swiftness was matched by his loyalty and discretion in the service of God’s anointed King.