2 Samuel 14:13

The woman asked, "Why have you devised a thing like this against the people of God? When the king says this, does he not convict himself, since he has not brought back his own banished son?

Study Bible

The woman asked, “Why have you devised a thing like this against the people of God?
This phrase is part of a narrative where a wise woman from Tekoa approaches King David. The context is a parable-like story orchestrated by Joab to persuade David to reconcile with his estranged son Absalom. The "people of God" refers to the Israelites, highlighting the communal impact of David's personal decisions. The woman's question challenges David's actions, suggesting that his decisions have broader implications for the nation. This reflects the biblical principle that leaders' actions affect their people, as seen in other scriptures like 1 Kings 12:13-14, where Rehoboam's decision impacts the kingdom.

When the king says this,
The woman refers to a hypothetical situation presented to David, which mirrors his own circumstances. This technique of using parables or indirect stories to reveal truth is seen elsewhere in scripture, such as Nathan's parable to David in 2 Samuel 12:1-7. It is a method to provoke self-reflection and realization of one's own faults.

does he not convict himself,
The phrase suggests self-incrimination, as David's judgment on the hypothetical situation indirectly condemns his own actions regarding Absalom. This mirrors the biblical theme of self-awareness and repentance, as seen in Psalm 51, where David acknowledges his sin. The concept of self-conviction is also echoed in Romans 2:1, where Paul speaks of judging others while doing the same things.

since he has not brought back his own banished son?
This refers to Absalom, who was in exile after killing his brother Amnon. The cultural context of banishment in ancient Israel often involved familial and tribal tensions, as seen in Genesis 21:10 with Hagar and Ishmael. The return of a banished individual can symbolize forgiveness and restoration, themes central to the gospel message. Absalom's situation foreshadows the reconciliation offered through Christ, who brings back the "banished" into the family of God, as seen in Ephesians 2:12-13.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joab
The commander of King David's army who orchestrates a plan to reconcile David with his estranged son, Absalom, by using a wise woman from Tekoa.

2. The Wise Woman of Tekoa
A woman chosen by Joab to present a parable to King David, aiming to persuade him to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem.

3. King David
The ruler of Israel, who is in a moral and emotional conflict regarding his son Absalom, who has been banished for killing his brother Amnon.

4. Absalom
David's son, who is in exile after avenging his sister Tamar by killing Amnon, David's other son.

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

Teaching Points

The Power of Parables
Parables can be powerful tools for revealing truth and prompting self-reflection. The wise woman’s account helps David see his own situation more clearly.

Self-Conviction
David's realization of his own inconsistency highlights the importance of self-examination and aligning our actions with our beliefs.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness
The passage underscores the necessity of reconciliation, especially within families, and the courage it takes to forgive and restore relationships.

God’s Justice and Mercy
The tension between justice and mercy is evident in David's dilemma, reminding us of God's perfect balance of these attributes.

Leadership and Responsibility
As a leader, David's actions have broader implications for the people of Israel, teaching us about the responsibility leaders have to act justly and mercifully.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the wise woman’s approach to King David illustrate the effectiveness of using accounts or parables to convey truth?

2. In what ways does David’s situation with Absalom reflect the broader theme of reconciliation found throughout the Bible?

3. How can we apply the principle of self-examination in our own lives to ensure our actions align with our beliefs?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to reconcile with someone from whom we are estranged, based on biblical teachings?

5. How does understanding God’s balance of justice and mercy help us navigate conflicts in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 4
The account of Cain and Abel, which parallels the theme of familial conflict and the consequences of sin.

Luke 15
The Parable of the Prodigal Son, which reflects themes of forgiveness and reconciliation within a family.

Matthew 18
Jesus' teaching on forgiveness and reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of restoring relationships.