What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 14:15? Now therefore, I have come • The wise woman of Tekoa has obeyed Joab’s instructions and now stands before David (cf. 2 Samuel 14:3-4). • Her appearance shows deliberate, timely action—she believes God has providentially opened a door for this exact moment (cf. Proverbs 16:9; Acts 17:26-27). • By saying “now,” she signals urgency; reconciliation between David and Absalom can no longer be postponed (cf. Matthew 5:23-24). to present this matter to my lord the king • She recognizes David’s God-given authority; the king is the divinely appointed judge in Israel (cf. Deuteronomy 17:8-12; Romans 13:1-2). • “This matter” distills her parable and its real intent—calling David to enact justice tempered by mercy (cf. 2 Samuel 14:12-13; Micah 6:8). • Approaching the throne underscores that lasting solutions come through God-ordained leadership rather than personal revenge (cf. 1 Kings 3:16-28). because the people have made me afraid • She confesses external pressure: public opinion and possibly community backlash intimidate her (cf. Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of man lays a snare,”). • Her fear mirrors situations where leaders capitulate under popular demand (cf. 1 Samuel 15:24; John 19:12-16). David must rise above such pressure and act on righteousness. • The phrase also hints that unrest over Absalom is growing; David’s inaction fuels national anxiety (cf. 2 Samuel 14:1; 2 Samuel 15:6). Your servant thought, “I will speak to the king” • The woman models the wisdom of bringing concerns to the highest, rightful authority rather than grumbling in secret (cf. Esther 4:15-5:2; Philippians 4:6). • Calling herself “your servant” reflects humility, reminding David of his own servant-king role before the LORD (cf. 2 Samuel 7:25-29). • Her decision underscores faith that God works through His appointed shepherd to restore wayward sheep (cf. Ezekiel 34:23). Perhaps he will grant the request of his maidservant • “Perhaps” shows hopeful confidence, not presumption—she trusts David’s heart of mercy (cf. 2 Samuel 14:21; Psalm 86:15). • She seeks undeserved favor, illustrating the gospel pattern of sinners appealing to the King’s grace (cf. Luke 18:13; Hebrews 4:16). • By presenting herself as “maidservant,” she invites David to act fatherly toward a vulnerable subject, foreshadowing the mercy he should extend to his estranged son. summary 2 Samuel 14:15 records the wise woman’s respectful, faith-filled approach to King David. Urgency (“now”), recognition of authority, honest confession of fear, humble petition, and expectant hope weave together to press David toward merciful justice. The verse reminds believers that God calls His people to bring their concerns reverently to Him-appointed authority—and ultimately to Christ the perfect King—trusting that divine compassion triumphs over public pressure and personal hesitation. |
    |