Ahimaaz אֲחִימַ֫עַץ
Son of Zadok the priest, a messenger for David
Who is Ahimaaz in the Bible?
Ahimaaz was the son of Zadok the high priest and served as a loyal messenger for King David during the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:27, 17:17). Together with Jonathan, son of Abiathar, he relayed critical intelligence about Absalom's plans to David from outside Jerusalem. After David's forces defeated Absalom's army, Ahimaaz eagerly brought news of the victory to David, though he initially withheld the tragic news of Absalom's death, which a Cushite messenger then revealed (2 Samuel 18:19-29). His role illustrates the importance of loyal servants and messengers during times of national crisis, and he is also remembered in the genealogy of the Levites as the father of Azariah, who continued the priestly line (1 Chronicles 6:8-9, 53).
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 also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace—you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan."
- 2 Samuel 15:36
"Indeed, their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with everything you hear.”"
- 2 Samuel 17:17
"Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city."
- 2 Samuel 17:20
"When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem."
- 2 Samuel 18:19
"Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.”"
1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 6:8
"Ahitub was the father of Zadok, Zadok was the father of Ahimaaz,"
- 1 Chronicles 6:9
"Ahimaaz was the father of Azariah, Azariah was the father of Johanan,"
- 1 Chronicles 6:53
"Zadok his son, and Ahimaaz his son."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲחִימַ֫עַץ |