Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king secure my inheritance, for my lord the king is like an angel of God in discerning good and evil. May the LORD your God be with you.’” New Living Translation Yes, my lord the king will give us peace of mind again.’ I know that you are like an angel of God in discerning good from evil. May the LORD your God be with you.” English Standard Version And your servant thought, ‘The word of my lord the king will set me at rest,’ for my lord the king is like the angel of God to discern good and evil. The LORD your God be with you!” Berean Standard Bible And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’” King James Bible Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee. New King James Version Your maidservant said, ‘The word of my lord the king will now be comforting; for as the angel of God, so is my lord the king in discerning good and evil. And may the LORD your God be with you.’ ” New American Standard Bible Then your servant said, ‘Please let the word of my lord the king be comforting, for as the angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and evil. And may the LORD your God be with you.’” NASB 1995 “Then your maidservant said, ‘Please let the word of my lord the king be comforting, for as the angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and evil. And may the LORD your God be with you.’” NASB 1977 “Then your maidservant said, ‘Please let the word of my lord the king be comforting, for as the angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and evil. And may the LORD your God be with you.’” Legacy Standard Bible Then your servant-woman said, ‘Please let the word of my lord the king be a resting place, for as the angel of God, so is my lord the king to listen with discernment through the good and evil. And may Yahweh your God be with you.’” Amplified Bible Then your maidservant said, ‘Please let the word of my lord the king be comforting, for my lord the king is as the angel of God to discern good and evil. May the LORD your God be with you.’” Christian Standard Bible Your servant thought: May the word of my lord the king bring relief, for my lord the king is able to discern the good and the bad like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Your servant thought: May the word of my lord the king bring relief, for my lord the king is able to discern the good and the bad like the Angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.” American Standard Version Then thy handmaid said, Let, I pray thee, the word of my lord the king be comfortable; for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: and Jehovah thy God be with thee. Contemporary English Version I can rest easy now that you have given your decision. You know the difference between right and wrong just like an angel of God, and I pray that the LORD your God will be with you. English Revised Version Then thine handmaid said, Let, I pray thee, the word of my lord the king be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: and the LORD thy God be with thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation I thought that you would reassure me. You are like God's Messenger, who is able to distinguish right from wrong. May the LORD your God be with you!" Good News Translation I said to myself that your promise, sir, would make me safe, because the king is like God's angel and can distinguish good from evil. May the LORD your God be with you!" International Standard Version "So your humble servant is saying, 'Please, your majesty, let what the king has to say be of comfort, because just as the angel of God is, so also is your majesty the king to discern both good and evil. And may the LORD your God remain present with you.'" NET Bible So your servant said, 'May the word of my lord the king be my security, for my lord the king is like the angel of God when it comes to deciding between right and wrong! May the LORD your God be with you!'" New Heart English Bible For your son is dead, and as water spilled on the ground can’t be gathered up again, so he can’t bring his life back again. But it seems sensible to the king to keep his exiled one away from him." Webster's Bible Translation Then thy handmaid said, The word of my lord the king, will now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’” World English Bible Then your servant said, ‘Please let the word of my lord the king bring rest; for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad. May Yahweh, your God, be with you.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand your maidservant says, Please let the word of my lord the king be for ease; for as a messenger of God so [is] my lord the king, to understand the good and the evil; and your God YHWH is with you.” Young's Literal Translation and thy maid-servant saith, Let, I pray thee, the word of my lord the king be for ease; for as a messenger of God so is my lord the king, to understand the good and the evil; and Jehovah thy God is with thee.' Smith's Literal Translation And thy servant will say, Now will the word of my lord the king be for a sacrifice, for as a messenger of God, so my lord the king to hear the good and the evil: and Jehovah thy God will be with thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen let thy handmaid say, that the word of the Lord the king be made as a sacrifice. For even as an angel of God, so is my lord the king, that he is neither moved with blessing nor cursing: wherefore the Lord thy God is also with thee. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, let your handmaid speak, so that the word of my lord the king may be like a sacrifice. For even like an Angel of God, so is my lord the king, so that he is moved by neither a blessing, nor a curse. Then too, the Lord your God is with you.” New American Bible And your servant says, ‘Let the word of my lord the king lead to rest; indeed, my lord the king is like an angel of God, discerning good and evil. The LORD your God be with you.’ ” New Revised Standard Version Your servant thought, ‘The word of my lord the king will set me at rest’; for my lord the king is like the angel of God, discerning good and evil. The LORD your God be with you!” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen your handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be confirmed and shall be like an offering; for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and evil; therefore the LORD your God will be with you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And your Maid Servant said: “The word of my Lord the King shall be firm and shall be a gift because thus my Lord the King is like an Angel of God to hear good and evil, and LORD JEHOVAH your God will be with you!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then thy handmaid said: Let, I pray thee, the word of my lord the king be for my comfort; for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad; and the LORD thy God be with thee.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the woman said, If now the word of my lord the king be gracious, - well: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king, to hear good and evil: and the Lord thy God shall be with thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Absalom's Return to Jerusalem…16For the king will hear and deliver his maidservant from the hand of the man who would cut off both me and my son from God’s inheritance.’ 17And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’” 18Then the king said to the woman, “I am going to ask you something; do not conceal it from me!” “Let my lord the king speak,” she replied.… Cross References 1 Kings 3:28 When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. 1 Kings 3:9-12 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ... Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 8:14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength. Isaiah 11:2-4 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. / And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, / but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips. James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Colossians 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Daniel 2:20-21 and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. / He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Psalm 72:1-2 Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness. / May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice. Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. Romans 11:33 O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! 1 Corinthians 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:30 It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Ephesians 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Treasury of Scripture Then your handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD your God will be with you. comfortable [heb] for rest 2 Samuel 14:20 To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth. 2 Samuel 19:27 And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes. 1 Samuel 29:9 And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle. to discern [heb] to hear 1 Kings 3:9,28 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? … Job 6:30 Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things? 1 Corinthians 2:14,15 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned… Jump to Previous Angel Bad Comfort Comfortable Comforting Discern Ease Evil Good Handmaid Hearing Maidservant Maid-Servant Messenger Peace Please Rest Servant Thought Understand WordJump to Next Angel Bad Comfort Comfortable Comforting Discern Ease Evil Good Handmaid Hearing Maidservant Maid-Servant Messenger Peace Please Rest Servant Thought Understand Word2 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 And now your servant says This phrase reflects the humility and submission of the speaker, who is Joab's wise woman from Tekoa. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, addressing the king as "your servant" was a sign of respect and acknowledgment of the king's authority. It also indicates the speaker's role in the narrative as a mediator, seeking favor and understanding from King David. ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil just like the angel of God May the LORD your God be with you.’” Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe reigning king of Israel, known for his wisdom and discernment, as well as his deep relationship with God. 2. The Woman of Tekoa A wise woman sent by Joab to speak to King David in a parable to persuade him to reconcile with his son Absalom. 3. Joab David's military commander who orchestrates the plan to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem. 4. Absalom David's estranged son, who had fled after killing his brother Amnon. 5. Tekoa A town in Judah, known for its wise inhabitants, including the woman who speaks to David. Teaching Points Discernment as a Divine GiftDavid's ability to discern good and evil is likened to that of an angel, suggesting that true discernment is a gift from God. Believers should seek God's wisdom in their decision-making processes. The Role of Intercession The woman of Tekoa acts as an intercessor, much like how believers are called to intercede for others in prayer and action, seeking reconciliation and peace. The Importance of Reconciliation The account underscores the importance of reconciliation within families and communities. Christians are called to be peacemakers, reflecting God's heart for restoration. God's Presence in Leadership The blessing, "May the LORD your God be with you," highlights the necessity of God's presence in leadership. Leaders should rely on God's guidance to lead justly and wisely. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 14:17?2. How does 2 Samuel 14:17 reflect God's wisdom in resolving conflicts today? 3. What role does discernment play in understanding 2 Samuel 14:17's message? 4. How can we apply the king's wisdom in 2 Samuel 14:17 to leadership? 5. Connect 2 Samuel 14:17 with James 1:5 on seeking wisdom from God. 6. How does 2 Samuel 14:17 encourage us to trust God's judgment in decisions? 7. How does 2 Samuel 14:17 reflect God's justice and mercy in human affairs? 8. What role does wisdom play in the narrative of 2 Samuel 14:17? 9. How does 2 Samuel 14:17 illustrate the concept of divine intervention? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 14? 11. If God is all-powerful, why does He need angels to do His work? 12. 2 Samuel 14:21-24: Why would David, a supposedly just king, rely on subterfuge rather than open negotiation to resolve Absalom's banishment? 13. What was King Abijah's mother's name: Michaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) or Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:20), given Absalom's only daughter was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)? 14. 1 Chronicles 14:2 - Why would God's favor be linked to David's increasing power and multiple wives, despite biblical warnings against polygamy elsewhere? What Does 2 Samuel 14:17 Mean And now your servant saysThe woman of Tekoa approaches David with the respectful posture of a servant. Throughout Scripture, genuine appeal to authority often begins with humility: • Genesis 18:3 – “My lord, if I have found favor in your eyes, do not pass your servant by.” • 1 Samuel 25:24 – Abigail “fell at David’s feet and said, ‘My lord, let the blame be on me alone. Please let your maidservant speak…’” Her wording reminds David that, though she stands before an earthly king, both of them ultimately serve the higher King—Yahweh. The title “servant” keeps the conversation grounded in dependence upon God’s order and authority. May the word of my lord the king bring me rest She trusts that David’s judgment will give “rest” (literally relief, security). In Israel, the king’s spoken verdict carried the force of law; a righteous word settled disputes and calmed anxieties. • Proverbs 16:15 – “In the light of a king’s countenance is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.” • Matthew 11:28 – Though spoken by Christ centuries later, the promise “Come to Me… and I will give you rest” mirrors the idea that true relief flows from divinely established authority. Because David’s throne was established by God (2 Samuel 7:11–16), his words could legitimately provide the peace she seeks. For my lord the king is able to discern good and evil She affirms David’s God-given discernment. This is more than mere flattery; David had demonstrated sound judgment in matters of justice (2 Samuel 12:1-13). • 1 Kings 3:9 records Solomon asking for the very gift she attributes to David: “Give Your servant a discerning heart to judge Your people and to distinguish between good and evil.” • Hebrews 5:14 later teaches that spiritual maturity involves “those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” David’s life of faith, military leadership, and worship trained his moral sight, enabling him to weigh complex situations—like Absalom’s estrangement—with clarity. Just like the angel of God Ancient Israelites viewed angels as heavenly messengers who perceived matters from God’s vantage point (Genesis 18:22; Judges 13:16-18). Calling David “like the angel of God” highlights: • Supernatural clarity—angels see beyond surface appearances (2 Kings 6:17). • Impartial justice—angels execute God’s righteous decrees (Psalm 103:20-21). • Protective ministry—an angel “encamps around those who fear Him” (Psalm 34:7). By likening David to such a being, she underscores her confidence that his decision will align with God’s perfect perspective (compare 2 Samuel 19:27, where Mephibosheth uses similar language). May the LORD your God be with you The blessing that closes her statement rests everything on the covenant name “LORD” (Yahweh). When God is “with” someone, success and wisdom follow. • Ruth 2:4 – “The LORD be with you!” • 1 Samuel 17:37 – David himself had trusted, “The LORD… will deliver me.” • 1 Kings 8:57 – “May the LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers.” She invokes this blessing so that David’s discernment and future actions will continue to reflect divine favor. summary 2 Samuel 14:17 is a layered appeal from the woman of Tekoa. Each phrase acknowledges David’s God-given authority, seeks relief through his righteous verdict, praises his Spirit-shaped discernment, and calls down covenant blessing upon him. The verse underscores that true rest, wise judgment, and lasting favor flow from leaders who submit to the LORD’s presence and reflect His justice in their decisions. (17) An angel of God.--Comp. 2Samuel 14:20; 2Samuel 19:27; 1Samuel 29:9.Hebrew Your servantשִׁפְחָ֣תְךָ֔ (šip̄·ḥā·ṯə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 8198: Maid, maidservant thought: וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say May the word דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause of my lord אֲדֹנִ֥י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller the king הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king bring me rest, לִמְנוּחָ֑ה (lim·nū·ḥāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4496: Repose, peacefully, consolation, an abode for כִּ֣י ׀ (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction my lord אֲדֹנִ֤י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller the king הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king is able to discern לִשְׁמֹ֙עַ֙ (liš·mō·a‘) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently good הַטּ֣וֹב (haṭ·ṭō·wḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good and evil, וְהָרָ֔ע (wə·hā·rā‘) Conjunctive waw, Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil just like the Angel כְּמַלְאַ֣ךְ (kə·mal·’aḵ) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel of God. הָאֱלֹהִ֗ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative May the LORD וַֽיהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel your God אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative be יִֽהְיֶה־ (yih·yeh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be with you.” עִמָּֽךְ׃ (‘im·māḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with Links 2 Samuel 14:17 NIV2 Samuel 14:17 NLT 2 Samuel 14:17 ESV 2 Samuel 14:17 NASB 2 Samuel 14:17 KJV 2 Samuel 14:17 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 14:17 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 14:17 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 14:17 French Bible 2 Samuel 14:17 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 14:17 Then your handmaid said Please let (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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