And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.
The watchman called out and told the king what he saw. The king said, 'If he's running alone, he must have news to share.' The messenger kept running fast and got closer.
The king is waiting anxiously for news, recognizing that a lone runner usually means he's carrying an important message.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, this verse is set during Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, who had fled to Mahanaim after being driven from Jerusalem. David is anxiously awaiting news from the battlefield where his general Joab led forces against Absalom's army, and a watchman spots a lone runner approaching with potential updates. This moment highlights the tension and uncertainty of ancient warfare communication, where messengers were crucial for relaying vital information.
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