2 Samuel 18:22
“Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said yet again to Joab, “But come what may, please let me also run after the Cushite.” Joab said, “Why do you want to run, my son, since that you will have no reward for the news?””
What does 2 Samuel 18:22 mean?
Ahimaaz is desperate to be the one to carry news back to King David, even though Joab has already sent a Cushite messenger ahead of him. When Joab questions why he'd want to run if he won't be first (and therefore won't receive a reward), Ahimaaz isn't asking for payment or recognition, he just wants to go. Sometimes we're drawn to participate in something important not because we'll gain anything, but because the thing itself matters to us, or because we want to be part of what God is doing. Joab's practical response shows how differently people can view the same opportunity, but it doesn't diminish Ahimaaz's genuine desire to serve, even if he'll arrive second.