2 Samuel 14:12

KJV

Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak [one] word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the woman {H802} said {H559}, Let thine handmaid {H8198}, I pray thee, speak {H1696} one word {H1697} unto my lord {H113} the king {H4428}. And he said {H559}, Say on {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the woman said, "Please allow your servant to say something else to my lord the king.""Go on," he replied.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the woman said, “Please, may your servant speak a word to my lord the king?” “Speak,” he replied.

American Standard Version

Then the woman said, Let thy handmaid, I pray thee, speak a word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 14:12 serves as the pivotal turning point in Joab's meticulously crafted strategy to secure the return of David's exiled son, Absalom. Having skillfully presented a compelling, albeit fabricated, narrative that resonated with King David's sense of justice and compassion, the wise woman of Tekoah, in this critical verse, humbly yet strategically requests explicit permission to transition from her hypothetical story to the direct, sensitive matter concerning Absalom. David's immediate and concise assent, "Say on," signifies his receptiveness and openness, effectively clearing the path for the woman's direct intercession on behalf of the king's estranged son.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the broader narrative of Joab's elaborate scheme to facilitate Absalom's return to Jerusalem after his three-year exile in Geshur, a consequence of his murder of Amnon, as detailed in [2 Samuel 13:37-39](/2_samuel/13-37-39 "2 Samuel 13:37-39 - Absalom's Flight and David's Longing"). In the preceding verses of [2 Samuel 14:1-11](/2_samuel/14-1-11 "2 Samuel 14:1-11 - The Wise Woman of Tekoah's Parable"), Joab dispatches a "wise woman of Tekoah" to present a carefully constructed parable to David. Her story revolves around two sons, one killing the other, and the family's demand for the death of the surviving son, which would leave her without an heir. David, moved by her apparent plight and unaware of the underlying deception, has just rendered a judgment promising her protection and preventing further harm to her remaining "son." With David's sympathetic ear secured and his judicial authority invoked in her favor, the woman, in this verse, cautiously but purposefully transitions from the general, hypothetical scenario to the specific, personal application concerning Absalom and David's own family. This moment is the precise pivot point where the parable gives way to its true, concealed intent.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the king served as the supreme judicial authority, and it was a common practice for subjects to approach him with petitions, often through intermediaries or in a highly deferential manner. The "wise woman" (חֲכָמָה - *chakamah*) was a recognized and respected figure in Israelite society, often possessing keen insight, rhetorical prowess, and the ability to mediate disputes or offer astute counsel, as evidenced in other biblical accounts, such as the woman of Abel Beth-Maacah in [2 Samuel 20:16-22](/2_samuel/20-16-22 "2 Samuel 20:16-22 - The Wise Woman of Abel Beth-Maacah"). The strategic use of a parable or indirect speech was a common and highly effective rhetorical strategy when presenting sensitive or potentially unwelcome truths to powerful figures, allowing them to arrive at a conclusion themselves before the direct application was explicitly made. Furthermore, the strong cultural emphasis on preserving a family line and the legal tradition of avenging bloodshed (known as the *go'el haddam* or "avenger of blood") would have made the woman's fabricated story particularly compelling to David, tapping into deeply held societal norms and legal traditions that he was bound to uphold.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **strategic communication and cunning**, demonstrating how indirect and artful persuasion can be employed to navigate complex political and familial issues. The woman's careful preparation of David's heart, meticulously orchestrated by Joab, underscores the importance of tact, timing, and psychological insight when approaching those in positions of authority. Secondly, it showcases **royal authority and mercy**, as David's immediate willingness to hear and his prior judgment of protection reveal his role as a compassionate ruler open to the pleas of his subjects. This openness is crucial for the success of the woman's mission and foreshadows David's eventual exercise of mercy towards Absalom, despite the grave nature of his crime. Lastly, the verse exemplifies **intercession and advocacy**, as the woman acts as a shrewd and eloquent advocate, not for herself, but for Absalom, using a relatable parable to soften the ground for a much larger, personal issue of reconciliation within the royal family. This theme of intercession points forward to the universal human need for mediators in bridging divides, a concept central to the biblical story of redemption and God's plan for humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Handmaid (Hebrew, _shiphchâh'_):** This term (שִׁפְחָה, H8198) is a humble and deferential form of address used by a subordinate when speaking to a king or a superior. The woman's use of "thine handmaid" emphasizes her submission and profound respect for David's authority, making her subsequent bold request more palatable and less confrontational. It strategically frames her plea within the proper social hierarchy, even as she subtly manipulates the king's emotions and judgment.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** The phrase "one word" (דָּבָר אֶחָד, H1697) is profoundly significant. It implies a concise, crucial, and inherently sensitive message that is about to be delivered. It signals a deliberate and calculated shift from the general, hypothetical narrative of the parable to a specific, personal, and direct application. This "one word" is the precise pivot point, indicating that the woman is about to reveal the true, underlying purpose of her visit and the real issue at stake.
* **Say on (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** David's simple, immediate, and imperative response (דַּבְּרִי, H1696) grants the woman full and explicit permission to speak further. It signifies his receptiveness, his trust in her perceived "wisdom" and the success of her preparatory work in softening his heart. This openness on David's part is absolutely crucial for the unfolding of Joab's intricate plan and demonstrates David's willingness to hear the pleas of his subjects, even those that might prove difficult or uncomfortable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak [one] word unto my lord the king."**: This clause captures the strategic moment of transition and the woman's rhetorical mastery. Having successfully engaged David's empathy and secured his favorable judgment regarding the fabricated scenario, she now humbly but pointedly seeks explicit permission to move beyond the parable's veil. Her self-identification as "thine handmaid" reinforces her subservient position and respect, while her request to "speak one word" signals that she is about to deliver a concise, critical, and potentially sensitive message that will directly address the real, underlying issue at hand – Absalom's exile and the king's personal grief. This polite yet firm request is a masterstroke of rhetorical skill, ensuring David's continued attention and willingness to listen to what she is about to reveal.
* **"And he said, Say on."**: David's brief, immediate, and direct response is pivotal to the narrative's progression. It demonstrates his complete receptiveness to the woman's request, indicating that her elaborate setup has been successful in opening his heart and mind to further discussion. By granting her permission to "say on," David unknowingly gives her the green light to apply the principles of his own judgment (mercy, preservation of an heir) to his personal dilemma concerning Absalom. This response highlights David's judicial accessibility and his readiness to hear further, even from a humble subject, setting the stage for the dramatic revelation of the parable's true purpose and its direct application to the royal family's crisis.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich with **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience is fully aware of Joab's elaborate scheme and the woman's true, manipulative intentions, while King David remains completely unaware, genuinely believing he is dispensing justice in a legitimate family dispute. This creates significant tension and anticipation for the moment when David will inevitably realize the deception. The entire interaction functions as an **Extended Metaphor** or **Parable**, where the woman's fabricated story serves as a carefully constructed, veiled representation of David's own painful situation with his estranged son, Absalom. Her fervent plea for the preservation of her "surviving son" powerfully **Foreshadows** the subsequent direct plea for Absalom's return and reconciliation. The woman herself acts as a **Foil** to David's emotional blindness and indecision regarding Absalom, embodying the wisdom, cunning, and strategic communication necessary to subtly manipulate the king towards a desired outcome. The **Dialogue** is meticulously crafted, showcasing the woman's exceptional rhetorical skill and David's open, yet ultimately unsuspecting, nature, which makes him vulnerable to her artful persuasion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal exchange between the wise woman and King David underscores profound theological truths about intercession, the nature of divine wisdom, and the arduous yet redemptive path to reconciliation. While the woman's method involves a degree of deception, it highlights God's sovereign ability to work through imperfect human means and flawed strategies to achieve His overarching purposes, particularly in moving hearts toward restoration and healing. The woman acts as a type of intercessor, advocating for the estranged son and seeking his return to the father's presence, much as the Holy Spirit intercedes for believers with groans too deep for words, or as Christ Himself perpetually intercedes for humanity at the right hand of God. Her wisdom, though worldly in its application, points to the divine wisdom that often guides difficult conversations and brings about resolution where human efforts might fail. David's openness to hear, despite his eventual realization of the deception, reflects a divine attribute: God is always open to the pleas and prayers of His people, even when they are presented imperfectly or through circuitous routes. The deep human desire for reconciliation, evident in Joab's plan and the woman's advocacy, mirrors God's own profound initiative to reconcile a fallen humanity to Himself.

* [Proverbs 25:15](/proverbs/25-15 "Proverbs 25:15 - Patience and Gentle Speech")
* [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow")
* [Romans 5:10-11](/romans/5-10-11 "Romans 5:10-11 - Reconciliation Through Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The interaction in 2 Samuel 14:12 offers invaluable insights into the art of persuasion, the critical importance of thoughtful and strategic communication, and the essential qualities of discerning leadership. For those who seek to influence others, especially in sensitive matters or when advocating for reconciliation, the wise woman's approach teaches the profound value of careful preparation and respectful engagement. She did not immediately launch into her true purpose but meticulously prepared David's heart through a relatable, emotionally resonant story, demonstrating how to approach difficult topics with wisdom, tact, and a deep understanding of the listener's perspective. Her humble address and explicit request for permission exemplify the importance of respecting authority and creating an environment where challenging conversations can occur without immediate defensiveness. For those in positions of leadership, David's openness to hear the pleas of his subjects is a commendable quality, yet the narrative also subtly highlights the crucial need for discernment to see beyond the surface of a presented issue to its deeper implications or hidden motives, as David would soon discover when he confronted the woman in [2 Samuel 14:19](/2_samuel/14-19 "2 Samuel 14:19 - David Discovers Joab's Involvement"). Ultimately, this passage encourages us to consider how we can be wise, gracious, and effective communicators, seeking to build bridges rather than walls, and to cultivate a spirit of genuine receptiveness when others approach us with their concerns, while also exercising spiritual discernment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, like the wise woman, strategically prepare hearts for difficult truths or conversations, rather than immediately confronting them, in our personal or professional lives?**
* **In what specific situations might indirect or parabolic communication be a wise and effective approach to sensitive topics, and what are its ethical boundaries?**
* **How does King David's openness to hear the pleas of his subjects reflect a desirable quality in leadership, and what are its potential pitfalls or vulnerabilities?**
* **What role does spiritual discernment play when listening to others' pleas or stories, particularly when there might be underlying motives, hidden agendas, or a need to see beyond the immediate narrative?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joab use a "wise woman" and a parable instead of approaching David directly?**

Answer: Joab understood the profound complexity of David's emotional state regarding Absalom. A direct approach from Joab, who was primarily a military commander and not a personal confidant in this specific, deeply emotional family matter, might have been met with immediate resistance, anger, or outright refusal, especially given David's lingering grief over Amnon and the deep trauma of Absalom's actions. Joab likely knew that David was torn between the demands of justice and the overwhelming pull of paternal love. By employing a "wise woman" (a recognized figure in Israelite society for her rhetorical skill, discernment, and ability to mediate) and a carefully crafted parable, Joab created a safe, indirect space for David to consider the principles of justice and mercy in a hypothetical scenario. This allowed David to render a judgment that appealed to his inherent sense of justice and his desire to preserve a family line, thereby preparing his heart for the real issue concerning Absalom without him feeling directly manipulated or pressured initially. It was a shrewd psychological and rhetorical tactic designed to soften David's stance and open the door for reconciliation, bypassing his emotional defenses.

**What is the significance of the woman asking to "speak one word"?**

Answer: The woman's request to "speak one word" is profoundly significant as it marks the critical transition point in her elaborate ruse and Joab's plan. Having successfully engaged David's empathy and secured his favorable judgment on her fabricated case (which subtly mirrored David's own dilemma concerning Absalom), she now seeks explicit, formal permission to move from the general, hypothetical scenario to the specific, sensitive, and deeply personal matter concerning Absalom. It's a humble, yet incredibly strategic, request for a pivotal shift in the conversation. The phrase "one word" implies that what she is about to say is concise, crucial, and holds immense weight, signaling to David that the true, underlying purpose of her visit is about to be unveiled. It ensures David's continued attention and willingness to hear what comes next, setting the stage for her direct appeal for Absalom's return and the reconciliation of the royal family.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The strategic intercession of the wise woman of Tekoah for Absalom, culminating in King David's receptive "Say on," offers a profound and beautiful foreshadowing of the ultimate intercession and reconciliation accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as the woman acted as a shrewd and eloquent advocate for an estranged son, seeking his return to the father's presence and favor, so too does Jesus serve as our divine Advocate and Intercessor before the Father ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")). He bridges the immense chasm of sin and estrangement that separates fallen humanity from a holy God, not through cunning or parable, but through the ultimate act of self-giving love and sacrifice on the cross. His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection are the "one word" that God speaks to humanity, a definitive declaration of His love and an invitation for us to be reconciled to Him. Through Christ, God essentially says "Say on" to our brokenness, our sin, and our alienation, offering complete reconciliation and making peace through the blood of His cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making true and lasting reconciliation possible and fulfilling God's eternal yearning to bring His exiled children home. This divine reconciliation is not a ruse or a temporary fix, but the very heart of the Gospel, where God Himself initiates the restoration of relationship, entrusting believers with the glorious ministry of reconciliation ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - The Ministry of Reconciliation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 26:1

¶ Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

Genesis 44:18

¶ Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou [art] even as Pharaoh.

1 Samuel 25:24

And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, [upon] me [let this] iniquity [be]: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid.

Jeremiah 12:1

¶ Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

Genesis 18:32

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten's sake.

Genesis 18:27

And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which [am but] dust and ashes: