2 Samuel 14:19

So the king asked, "Is the hand of Joab behind all this?" The woman answered, "As surely as you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right or to the left from anything that my lord the king says. Yes, your servant Joab is the one who gave me orders; he told your maidservant exactly what to say.

Study Bible

So the king asked, “Is the hand of Joab behind all this?”
King David's question reveals his discernment and understanding of Joab's influence. Joab, the commander of David's army, was known for his strategic mind and political maneuvering. This question indicates David's awareness of Joab's involvement in orchestrating the situation to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem. Joab's actions often reflect a pragmatic approach to maintaining stability in the kingdom, even if it involves manipulation.

The woman answered, “As surely as you live, my lord the king,
The woman's response begins with an oath, a common practice in ancient Israel to affirm the truthfulness of one's words. This phrase underscores the seriousness and sincerity of her reply, acknowledging the king's authority and the gravity of the situation. Oaths were significant in biblical times, often invoking God's name or the king's life as a guarantee of truth.

no one can turn to the right or to the left from anything that my lord the king says.
This phrase highlights the king's authority and the respect he commands. It reflects the cultural context where a king's word was law, and deviation from his commands was not tolerated. The imagery of not turning to the right or left suggests unwavering obedience and the expectation that the king's decisions are final and binding.

Yes, your servant Joab is the one who gave me orders;
The woman confirms Joab's involvement, acknowledging his role in directing her actions. Joab's position as a trusted military leader and advisor to David gave him significant influence. This admission reveals the hierarchical structure of the court, where servants and subordinates acted on the orders of those in power, reflecting the chain of command typical in monarchies.

he told your maidservant exactly what to say.
This statement indicates the premeditated nature of the woman's appeal to the king. Joab's instructions were precise, suggesting a carefully crafted plan to achieve a specific outcome. The use of "maidservant" emphasizes her role as a subordinate, acting under Joab's authority. This reflects the broader theme of agency and influence within the royal court, where individuals often acted as intermediaries to achieve political goals.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Joab
The commander of David's army, known for his military prowess and political maneuvering.

3. The Wise Woman of Tekoa
A woman used by Joab to deliver a parable to King David, aiming to influence his decision regarding Absalom.

4. Absalom
David's son, who was in exile after killing his brother Amnon. His return to Jerusalem is the central issue in this account.

5. Tekoa
A town in Judah, known for its wise inhabitants, including the prophet Amos.

Teaching Points

The Power of Influence
Joab's use of the woman from Tekoa demonstrates how influence can be wielded to achieve desired outcomes. We must be discerning about who influences us and how we influence others.

Wisdom in Counsel
The woman from Tekoa was chosen for her wisdom. This highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel in our own lives, especially when making significant decisions.

Confrontation and Reconciliation
The account underscores the need for addressing wrongs and seeking reconciliation, as seen in the attempt to bring Absalom back. This is a reminder of the importance of forgiveness and restoration in our relationships.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
Despite human manipulation, God's purposes prevail. We can trust that God is ultimately in control, even when human leaders make flawed decisions.

The Role of Parables
The use of a parable to convey a message to David shows the power of accounttelling in revealing truth and prompting reflection. We can use accounts to communicate effectively and engage others in meaningful dialogue.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joab's influence over the situation with Absalom reflect the power dynamics in our own lives, and how can we ensure that our influence aligns with God's will?

2. In what ways can we seek and apply wise counsel in our decision-making processes, as seen in the role of the wise woman of Tekoa?

3. How does the theme of reconciliation in this passage challenge us to address unresolved conflicts in our own relationships?

4. What does this passage teach us about God's sovereignty over human affairs, and how can this understanding impact our trust in His plans?

5. How can we use accounttelling or parables in our own lives to convey truth and encourage others towards reflection and change?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 12
Nathan's parable to David about the rich man and the poor man's lamb, which parallels the use of parables to confront David with his own decisions.

Proverbs 21:1
The idea that the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, reflecting on how God can use others to influence leaders.

Matthew 18:15-17
The process of reconciliation and addressing sin, which relates to the theme of bringing Absalom back to Jerusalem.