John Gill Commentary 2 Samuel 14:4

"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)

And when the woman of Tekoah spoke to the king
Or after she had spoken to him, being introduced by Joab, as is probable; when she had saluted him with God save the king, or May the king live, or some such like expressions:

she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance ;
to him as her king, in reverence of his majesty:

and said, help, O king ;
signifying that she was in great distress, and came to him for assistance and deliverance.