What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 14:20? Joab your servant has done this • The woman of Tekoa finally admits that Joab orchestrated her parable and appearance before David (2 Samuel 14:3, 19). • Joab’s action flows from his long-standing loyalty to David, yet his methods are often hard-edged (compare 2 Samuel 3:27; 18:14). • Scripture presents Joab as a capable but sometimes morally mixed figure, underscoring that even faithful servants may resort to manipulation to achieve what they believe is a righteous outcome. to bring about this change of affairs • “This change” points to Joab’s goal: reconciling David with his estranged son Absalom (2 Samuel 14:14, 21). • The phrase captures Joab’s conviction that the kingdom’s stability required Absalom’s return—highlighting how human plans intersect God’s sovereign unfolding (Proverbs 19:21; Genesis 50:20). • Earlier, David’s grief over Amnon and Absalom had paralyzed leadership (2 Samuel 13:37-39). Joab seeks to alter that stalemate for the good of the realm. but my lord has wisdom • The woman turns from confession to commendation, acknowledging David’s discernment in seeing through the ruse (2 Samuel 14:18-19). • Her words echo previous recognitions of David’s insight (1 Samuel 18:14, 30) and prefigure Solomon’s famed wisdom (1 Kings 3:28). • The narrative affirms that godly wisdom discerns motive as well as action (Proverbs 20:5; James 3:17). like the wisdom of the angel of God • Ancient Israel viewed angels as messengers who carried and reflected divine knowledge (Judges 13:6; 2 Samuel 19:27). • By likening David’s wisdom to an angel’s, the woman declares that the king’s insight comes from God, not mere human shrewdness (1 Samuel 29:9). • This comparison underscores the high calling of God’s anointed king to administer justice with heavenly clarity (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). to know everything that happens in the land • The statement praises David’s comprehensive awareness of national affairs, a trait vital for righteous rule (Proverbs 27:23). • In context, it confirms that nothing escapes the king’s notice—anticipating God’s own perfect oversight (Psalm 11:4; 139:1-4). • David’s ability to uncover Joab’s scheme illustrates that true leadership involves both information and Spirit-guided perception (2 Samuel 23:2). summary 2 Samuel 14:20 ties together confession, purpose, and praise. The woman of Tekoa admits Joab engineered her plea to restore Absalom, yet she honors David’s God-given wisdom that pierced the disguise. The verse reveals a sovereign Lord who works through imperfect servants, a king endowed with insight reflecting angelic discernment, and a kingdom preserved when righteous wisdom exposes hidden motives and seeks restoration. |
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