1 Kings 1:42

Jonathan the son of Abiathar They had left in the city some who should bring them word of any stir which their doings might cause. Jonathan had discharged the same office of watchman and newsbringer at the time of Absalom's revolt. See 2Sa 15:27; 2 Samuel 17:17. But then he was to bring word to David.

a valiant man Perhaps rather, a worthy man. The same word, which is often translated by -valour," -wealth," -might," is also used of any special excellence. Thus Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 31:10 it is used in the description of -the virtuouswoman"; also in this chapter, 1 Kings 1:52, we have the word translated worthy;and in 1 Chronicles 9:13 it is used of those who were -very ablemen" for the work of the service of the house of the Lord. In the present case it was not so much a man of valour as of discretion who was needed in the messenger.

and bringest good tidings The expression is somewhat redundant in the Hebrew, and might be rendered -bringest good tidings of good". The same words are thus translated Isaiah 52:7.