New International Version Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. New Living Translation Joab realized how much the king longed to see Absalom. English Standard Version Now Joab the son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart went out to Absalom. Berean Standard Bible Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. Berean Literal Bible And Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the heart of the king was on Absalom. King James Bible Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom. New King James Version So Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart was concerned about Absalom. New American Standard Bible Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart was drawn toward Absalom. NASB 1995 Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart was inclined toward Absalom. NASB 1977 Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart was inclined toward Absalom. Legacy Standard Bible Now Joab the son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart was inclined toward Absalom. Amplified Bible Now Joab the son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. Berean Annotated Bible Now Joab (YHWH is father) son of Zeruiah (balsam) perceived that the king’s heart longed for Absalom (my father is peace). Christian Standard Bible Joab son of Zeruiah realized that the king’s mind was on Absalom. Holman Christian Standard Bible Joab son of Zeruiah observed that the king’s mind was on Absalom. American Standard Version Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom. Contemporary English Version Joab knew that David couldn't stop thinking about Absalom, English Revised Version Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom. GOD'S WORD® Translation Joab, Zeruiah's son, knew the king was still thinking about Absalom. Good News Translation Joab knew that King David missed Absalom very much, International Standard Version Meanwhile, Zeruiah's son Joab knew that the king's attention was focused on Absalom, NET Bible Now Joab son of Zeruiah realized that the king longed to see Absalom. New Heart English Bible When Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart longed for Absalom, Webster's Bible Translation Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was towards Absalom. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. World English Bible Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart was toward Absalom. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Joab son of Zeruial knows that the heart of the king [is] on Absalom, Berean Literal Bible And Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the heart of the king was on Absalom. Young's Literal Translation And Joab son of Zeruial knoweth that the heart of the king is on Absalom, Smith's Literal Translation And Joab son of Zeruiah, knew that the king's heart was for Absalom. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Joab the son of Sarvia, understanding that the king's heart was turned to Absalom, Catholic Public Domain Version Now Joab, the son of Zeruiah, understood that the heart of the king had been turned toward Absalom, New American Bible Now Joab, son of Zeruiah, knew how the king felt toward Absalom. New Revised Standard Version Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s mind was on Absalom. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNOW Joab the son of, Zoriah perceived that the kings heart was reconciled toward Absalom. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yuab son of Tsuriya knew that the heart of David the King was reconciled to Abishlum OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joab the son of Saruia knew that the heart of the king was toward Abessalom. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Absalom's Return to Jerusalem1Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. 2So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time.… Cross References Now Joab son of Zeruiah 2 Samuel 2:13 So Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David marched out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. And the two groups took up positions on opposite sides of the pool. 2 Samuel 8:16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 1 Chronicles 2:16 Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel. perceived that the king’s heart Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. 1 Kings 8:39 be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men— 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” longed for Absalom. 2 Samuel 13:39 And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death. 2 Samuel 18:5 Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom. 2 Samuel 19:4 But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 18:33 The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” Genesis 37:35 All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. Genesis 44:30-31 So if the boy is not with us when I return to your servant, and if my father, whose life is wrapped up in the boy’s life, / sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. 1 Kings 2:6 So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 1 Kings 2:9 Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.” Psalm 103:13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. Treasury of Scripture Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom. A. 2 Samuel 2:18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe. 1 Chronicles 2:16 Whose sisters were Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three. toward Absalom 2 Samuel 13:39 And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead. 2 Samuel 18:33 And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son! 2 Samuel 19:2,4 And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son… Jump to Previous Absalom Ab'salom Clear Heart Inclined Joab Jo'ab King's Longed Perceived Towards Turning Zeruiah Zeru'iahJump to Next Absalom Ab'salom Clear Heart Inclined Joab Jo'ab King's Longed Perceived Towards Turning Zeruiah Zeru'iah2 Samuel 14 1. Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah to incline the king's heart to fetch Absalom,21. brings him home to Jerusalem 25. Absalom's beauty, hair, and children 28. After two years, Absalom is brought into the king's presence by Joab Now Joab son of Zeruiah Joab, David’s nephew through his sister Zeruiah, served as commander of Israel’s army. His family connection and military authority gave him unusual access to David and considerable influence in the kingdom. Though capable and often effective, Joab repeatedly acted according to his own judgment, sometimes disregarding the king’s wishes and God’s standards. 2Sa 2:13 So Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David marched out… perceived that the king’s heart Joab recognized David’s continuing grief and affection for Absalom after the death of Amnon and Absalom’s flight to Geshur. David’s inner conflict remained unresolved: he mourned the sin within his household yet desired restoration with his son. Pro 21:1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD;… longed for Absalom. David’s love for Absalom had not ended despite Absalom’s murder of Amnon. His longing opened the way for Joab’s plan to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem, but reconciliation without true repentance would leave the deeper conflict in David’s family unaddressed. 2Sa 13:39 And King David longed to go to Absalom,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JoabThe son of Zeruiah, Joab is a prominent military commander under King David. Known for his strategic mind and sometimes ruthless actions, Joab plays a crucial role in the events surrounding Absalom's return to Jerusalem. 2. King David The second king of Israel, David is a central figure in the Bible. At this point in the account, he is dealing with the aftermath of his son Absalom's rebellion and the murder of his other son, Amnon. 3. Absalom David's third son, Absalom is in exile after killing his brother Amnon. His actions were a response to Amnon's rape of their sister Tamar, which David did not adequately address. 4. Zeruiah Joab's mother and David's sister, making Joab David's nephew. Her sons, including Joab, are key military leaders in David's army. 5. The King's Heart This phrase indicates David's emotional and paternal longing for reconciliation with his estranged son, Absalom. Teaching Points The Complexity of Parental LoveDavid's longing for Absalom highlights the deep, often complicated love parents have for their children, even when they err. This can encourage parents to seek reconciliation and healing in strained relationships. The Consequences of Inaction David's failure to address Amnon's sin led to further family strife. This teaches the importance of confronting sin and injustice promptly and justly. The Role of Intercessors Joab's perception and subsequent actions show the importance of wise intercessors who can facilitate reconciliation. Believers can be called to act as peacemakers in their communities. Longing for Reconciliation Just as David longed for Absalom, God longs for reconciliation with His children. This can inspire believers to seek reconciliation with God and others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 14:1?2. How does Joab's plan in 2 Samuel 14:1 reflect human intervention in God's will? 3. What can we learn about reconciliation from Joab's actions in 2 Samuel 14:1? 4. How does 2 Samuel 14:1 connect with themes of forgiveness in the New Testament? 5. How can we discern when to act or wait for God's timing today? 6. What role does wisdom play in resolving conflicts, as seen in 2 Samuel 14:1? 7. What does 2 Samuel 14:1 reveal about God's role in human reconciliation? 8. How does Joab's intervention in 2 Samuel 14:1 reflect on divine justice? 9. Why is King David's heart inclined toward Absalom in 2 Samuel 14:1? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 14? XIV. (1) Was toward Absalom.--This, like the last verse of the previous chapter, may be understood in either of two opposite senses: either David's heart yearned for Absalom (as the Authorised Version, Vulg., LXX., Syr.), or it was hostile to him. The Hebrew preposition is used in both senses, though more frequently in the latter, and unquestionably expresses hostility in the only other place (Daniel 11:28) in which this form of the phrase occurs. The verse would then be translated, "And Joab the son of Zeruiah knew that the king's heart was against Absalom." Hence his stratagem to obtain his recall, which would otherwise have been quite unnecessary. Verse 1. - The king's heart was toward Absalom. Again there is a diversity of view as to the right rendering. The preposition does not usually mean "toward," but "against," and is so rendered in ver. 13. The whole phrase occurs again only in Daniel 11:28, and certainly there implies enmity. The whole attitude of David towards Absalom is one of persistent hostility, and, even when Joab had obtained his recall, for two full years he would not admit him into his presence. What has led most commentators to force the meaning here and in 2 Samuel 13:39 is the passionate burst of grief when news was brought of Absalom's death following upon the anxious orders given to the generals to be careful of the young man's life. But David was a man of very warm affections, and while this would make him feel intense sorrow for the death of a son by his brother's hand, and stern indignation towards the murderer, there would still lie deep in the father's heart true love towards his sinning child, and Absalom's fall was sad enough to cause a strong revulsion of feeling. David's grief would be not merely for the death of his son, but that he should have died so miserably, and in an attempt so shameful. Was not, too, the natural grief of a father made the more deep by the feeling that this was the third stage of the penalty denounced on his own sin, and that the son's death was the result of the father's crime? Joab’s keen insight into David’s unspoken desire becomes the hinge on which the narrative swings. The verse captures four realities: a shrewd commander positioned by providence; discernment that reads circumstances; a king torn between duty and love; and a father’s deep yearning for a wayward son. Together they reveal God’s ongoing work through flawed people, the necessity of addressing sin directly, and the relentless pull of a parent’s heart—foreshadowing the greater reconciliation God Himself would secure for estranged children through Christ.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now Joabיוֹאָ֣ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Zeruiah צְרֻיָ֑ה (ṣə·ru·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6870: Zeruiah -- an Israelite woman perceived וַיֵּ֖דַע (way·yê·ḏa‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the king’s הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king heart לֵ֥ב (lêḇ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre longed for עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Absalom. אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃ (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites Additonal Resources 2 Samuel 14:1 Blue Letter Bible2 Samuel 14:1 Bible Gateway 2 Samuel 14:1 Bible.com 2 Samuel 14:1 NIV |
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