Cushi was a messenger sent by the commander Joab to bring King David the news of victory over Absalom's rebellion and of Absalom's death. He is best known from the account in 2 Samuel 18, where he runs alongside Ahimaaz to deliver the king the report on the outcome of the battle.
Key events
Joab Sends Cushi as a Messenger
After Absalom's rebellion was crushed and Absalom was killed, Joab sent Cushi to bring the news to King David.
22Ahimaaz son of Zadok pressed Joab again: "Come what may, let me also run after the Cushite." Joab said, "Why do you want to run, my son? You have no news that will bring you a reward."
26Then the watchman saw another man running, and he called down to the gatekeeper, "Look, another man is running alone!" The king said, "He too is bringing news."
31Then the Cushite arrived and said, "Let my lord the king hear the good news: today the LORD has vindicated you and freed you from the hand of all who rose up against you."
When David asked whether it was well with the young man Absalom, Cushi indirectly answered that Absalom was dead by wishing that all the king's enemies might meet the same fate as the young man. This triggered deep grief in David.
32The king asked the Cushite, "Is the young man Absalom safe?" The Cushite answered, "May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rose up against you to do you harm, be like that young man."