2 Samuel 14:17

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.'"

Study Bible

And now your servant says
This phrase introduces the plea of a humble petitioner before the king. The term "servant" (Hebrew: עֶבֶד, 'eved) reflects a position of submission and loyalty. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a servant's role was to serve and obey their master, often with deep respect and reverence. This phrase sets the tone for a respectful appeal, acknowledging the king's authority and the speaker's own subordinate position.

May the word of my lord the king bring me rest
The "word" (Hebrew: דָּבָר, davar) signifies not just a spoken message but a decree or command with the power to effect change. The petitioner seeks "rest" (Hebrew: מְנוּחָה, menuchah), which implies peace, security, and relief from distress. In the biblical narrative, rest is often associated with divine blessing and the fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in the Israelites' quest for rest in the Promised Land.

for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil
This phrase acknowledges the king's wisdom and ability to judge rightly. The ability to "discern" (Hebrew: שָׁמַע, shama) involves understanding and insight, qualities highly valued in a ruler. The reference to "good and evil" echoes the biblical theme of moral discernment, reminiscent of Solomon's request for wisdom to govern his people (1 Kings 3:9). It underscores the king's role as a just and wise leader, capable of making decisions that align with God's will.

just as an angel of God
The comparison to an "angel of God" (Hebrew: מַלְאַךְ אֱלֹהִים, mal'akh Elohim) elevates the king's discernment to a divine level. Angels in the Bible are messengers and servants of God, often associated with delivering God's word and executing His will. This simile suggests that the king's judgment is not only wise but also divinely inspired, reflecting God's own justice and righteousness.

May the LORD your God be with you
This blessing invokes the presence and favor of the LORD (Hebrew: יְהוָה, Yahweh), the covenantal name of God, upon the king. The phrase "be with you" (Hebrew: עִמָּךְ, 'immakh) signifies divine companionship and support, a recurring theme in Scripture where God's presence assures guidance, protection, and success. This invocation reflects a deep-seated belief in the necessity of divine assistance for righteous leadership and the fulfillment of God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King David
The 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 Gift
David'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

1. How does the discernment attributed to David in 2 Samuel 14:17 compare to the wisdom Solomon requests in 1 Kings 3:9, and how can we apply this in our daily decision-making?

2. In what ways can we act as intercessors in our communities, similar to the woman of Tekoa, to bring about reconciliation and peace?

3. Reflect on a situation in your life where you needed discernment between good and evil. How did you seek God's guidance in that situation?

4. How does the theme of reconciliation in this passage relate to Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and peacemaking in the New Testament?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that God's presence is with you in your leadership roles, whether in your family, workplace, or community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 3:9
Solomon, David's son, asks God for a discerning heart to govern the people and to distinguish between right and wrong, echoing the discernment attributed to David.

Hebrews 5:14
Discusses the mature ability to discern good from evil, a quality attributed to David in this passage.

Genesis 3:5
The serpent's temptation of Eve involves the promise of knowing good and evil, contrasting the divine discernment attributed to David.

Psalm 34:14
Encourages believers to turn from evil and do good, a principle of discernment that David exemplifies.