2 Samuel 14:16

For 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.'

Study Bible

For the king will hear
This phrase underscores the expectation of justice and mercy from the king, who in this context is King David. The Hebrew root for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and responding. In ancient Israel, the king was seen as God's representative on earth, tasked with upholding divine justice. This expectation reflects the belief that a righteous king would be attentive to the pleas of his people, embodying the divine attribute of justice.

and deliver his servant
The word "deliver" comes from the Hebrew "נָצַל" (natsal), meaning to rescue or save. This term is often used in the context of God delivering His people from danger or oppression. The use of "servant" here indicates humility and submission, recognizing the king's authority. It also reflects the covenant relationship between the king and his subjects, where the king is expected to protect and provide for those under his care.

from the hand of the man
The "hand" in Hebrew, "יָד" (yad), symbolizes power and control. This phrase suggests a situation of oppression or threat, where one person holds power over another. In biblical times, the hand was often used metaphorically to represent authority or the ability to act. The plea is for the king to intervene and remove the oppressive power of this man.

who would cut off
The phrase "cut off" is translated from the Hebrew "כָּרַת" (karath), which means to sever or destroy. This term is frequently used in the context of covenants, where breaking a covenant is described as being "cut off" from the community. Here, it implies a threat to life and lineage, a serious concern in a culture where family and inheritance were central to one's identity and future.

both me and my son
This highlights the personal and familial nature of the plea. In ancient Israel, family was the primary social unit, and the loss of a son would mean the end of one's lineage and inheritance. The mention of both the speaker and her son emphasizes the totality of the threat and the desperation of the situation.

from God’s inheritance
The concept of "inheritance" in Hebrew, "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah), is deeply rooted in the idea of the Promised Land given by God to the Israelites. It signifies not just physical land but also spiritual heritage and identity. Being cut off from God's inheritance would mean losing one's place among God's people and the blessings associated with it. This plea appeals to the king's sense of justice and his role as a guardian of God's covenant with Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King David
The reigning king of Israel, known for his heart after God, but also for his personal and familial struggles.

2. The Woman of Tekoa
A wise woman sent by Joab to speak to King David in a parable to convince him to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem.

3. Joab
David's military commander who orchestrates the plan to reconcile David with his estranged son, Absalom.

4. Absalom
David's son, who is in exile after killing his brother Amnon. His return to Jerusalem is the focus of this chapter.

5. Tekoa
A town in Judah, known for its wise inhabitants, from where the woman was brought to speak to David.

Teaching Points

The Power of Intercession
The woman of Tekoa's plea is a form of intercession, reminding us of the importance of standing in the gap for others in prayer and action.

God’s Inheritance
The reference to "God’s inheritance" underscores the importance of spiritual legacy and the need to protect it from division and destruction.

Wisdom in Conflict Resolution
Joab's use of the woman of Tekoa demonstrates the need for wisdom and creativity in resolving conflicts, especially within families.

The Role of Authority
David's role as king and father highlights the responsibility of those in authority to act justly and with mercy, reflecting God's character.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness
The account encourages believers to pursue reconciliation and forgiveness, even when relationships are strained or broken.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the woman of Tekoa's approach to King David reflect the role of intercessors in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we protect and value our spiritual inheritance in the face of conflict or division?

3. How can we apply the wisdom seen in Joab's plan to our own methods of resolving conflicts within our families or communities?

4. What responsibilities do we have as leaders or influencers to act with justice and mercy, and how can we ensure our actions reflect God's character?

5. How does the theme of reconciliation in this passage connect with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and restoration in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 12
The account of Nathan confronting David with a parable, similar to the woman of Tekoa's approach, highlighting the power of accounttelling in revealing truth.

Luke 15
The parable of the Prodigal Son, which echoes themes of reconciliation and forgiveness between a father and his wayward son.

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance, reflecting his understanding of God's mercy, which is a theme in his decision-making process regarding Absalom.