Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Samuel 14
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Samuel 14
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Samuel 14
"And Joab sent to Tekoa, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on mourning apparel, I pray thee, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that hath a long time mourned for the dead:" — 2 Samuel 14:2 (ASV)
Tekoah - In the south of Judah, six miles from Bethlehem, the modern Tekua. The rough, wild district was well suited for the lawless profession of the wise woman; it abounds in caves, as does the country near Endor.
"and go in to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth." — 2 Samuel 14:3 (ASV)
Come to the king - The king as a judge was accessible to all his subjects (2 Samuel 15:2; compare 1 Kings 3:16).
"And when the woman of Tekoa spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king." — 2 Samuel 14:4 (ASV)
Spoke - This seems to be an accidental error for "came," which is found in many manuscripts and versions.
Help - Literally, "save" (see the margin). It is the same cry as "Hosanna," that is, "save now" (Psalms 118:25).
"And, behold, the whole family is risen against thy handmaid, and they say, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him for the life of his brother whom he slew, and so destroy the heir also. Thus will they quench my coal which is left, and will leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the face of the earth." — 2 Samuel 14:7 (ASV)
The whole family... — This indicates that all the king’s sons, and the entire court, were against Absalom. The knowledge of this opposition is what hindered David from yielding to his affection and recalling him.
"And the king said unto the woman, Go to thy house, and I will give charge concerning thee." — 2 Samuel 14:8 (ASV)
I will give charge ... - This was an indirect way of granting her petition and agreeing that her son’s life would be spared.
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