Ahimaaz אֲחִימַ֫עַץ
Son of Zadok the priest, a messenger for David
Biography
Ahimaaz was the son of Zadok, the high priest during the reign of King David. He played a significant role as a messenger and loyal supporter of David during the rebellion of David's son Absalom. Along with Jonathan, son of Abiathar, Ahimaaz stayed outside Jerusalem to relay information about Absalom's plans to David. (2Sa.15.27,36; 17.17)
When David's forces defeated Absalom's army, Ahimaaz wanted to bring the news to David, but Joab initially sent a Cushite messenger instead. Ahimaaz persisted and was allowed to run, overtaking the Cushite. He reported the victory to David but withheld the news of Absalom's death, which the Cushite messenger revealed. (2Sa.18.19-29)
In the genealogy of the Levites, Ahimaaz is listed as the son of Zadok and the father of Azariah, who served as priests in the temple built by Solomon. (1Ch.6.8,9,53) Ahimaaz's loyalty to David and his role in supporting the rightful king showcase his importance during this tumultuous period in Israel's history.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 5 verses
- 2 Samuel 15:27
"The king said also to Zadok the priest, “Aren’t you a seer? Return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar."
- 2 Samuel 15:36
"Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son, and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son. Send to me everything that you shall hear by them.”"
- 2 Samuel 17:17
"Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying by En Rogel; and a female servant used to go and tell them; and they went and told king David. For they might not be seen to come into the city."
- 2 Samuel 17:20
"Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house; and they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” The woman said to them, “They have gone over the brook of water.” When they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem."
- 2 Samuel 18:19
"Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me now run and carry the king news, how Yahweh has avenged him of his enemies.”"
1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 6:8
"Ahitub became the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Ahimaaz."
- 1 Chronicles 6:9
"Ahimaaz became the father of Azariah. Azariah became the father of Johanan."
- 1 Chronicles 6:53
"Zadok his son, and Ahimaaz his son."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲחִימַ֫עַץ | H0290H |