2 Samuel 14:20

KJV

To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord [is] wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all [things] that [are] in the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

To {H5668} fetch about {H5437} this form {H6440} of speech {H1697} hath thy servant {H5650} Joab {H3097} done {H6213} this thing {H1697}: and my lord {H113} is wise {H2450}, according to the wisdom {H2451} of an angel {H4397} of God {H430}, to know {H3045} all things that are in the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your servant Yo'av did this in order to bring about some change in the situation. But my lord is wise, he has the wisdom of an angel of God when it comes to understanding anything going on in the land."

Berean Standard Bible

Joab your servant has done this to bring about this change of affairs, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that happens in the land.”

American Standard Version

to change the face of the matter hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 14:20, the wise woman of Tekoah confirms King David's astute suspicion that his commander Joab orchestrated her elaborate "form of speech" or parable. She then offers profound praise, declaring David to be as wise as an angel of God, possessing an exceptional ability to discern all matters on earth, thereby acknowledging his extraordinary insight into human affairs and hidden motives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative concerning Absalom's exile and David's longing for his return. Following Absalom's murder of Amnon and subsequent flight to Geshur (2 Samuel 13), David is in a state of unresolved grief and paternal conflict. Joab, discerning David's desire for Absalom's return but also his inability to initiate it directly, devises a cunning plan. He sends a "wise woman" from Tekoah to present a fictional legal case to David (2 Samuel 14:1-17), a parable designed to elicit a judgment that would parallel David's own predicament with Absalom. David's discernment is highlighted in [2 Samuel 14:19](/2_samuel/14-19 "2 Samuel 14:19 - David's Acute Suspicion"), where he suspects Joab's involvement. This verse (2 Samuel 14:20) directly follows David's suspicion, with the woman confirming his insight and then offering effusive praise for his wisdom, leading immediately to David's command for Absalom's return in [2 Samuel 14:21](/2_samuel/14-21 "2 Samuel 14:21 - David Commands Absalom's Return").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, kings were expected to be supreme judges and possess exceptional wisdom to govern justly and maintain order. The use of parables, riddles, and intermediaries (like the wise woman of Tekoah) was a recognized method of conveying difficult truths or influencing royal decisions indirectly, often when direct confrontation was impolitic or dangerous. The phrase "wisdom of an angel of God" was a hyperbolic expression, not meant literally, but signifying an extraordinary, almost supernatural, level of insight and discernment, often attributed to divine favor. Such praise flattered the monarch and reinforced their perceived divine mandate. The issue of a royal son's exile for a capital crime was a matter of immense political and dynastic significance, impacting succession and the stability of the kingdom.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Wisdom and Human Discernment:** The verse powerfully underscores King David's keen intellect and ability to see through deception, portraying his wisdom as exceptional and almost divinely inspired. This resonates with the broader biblical theme of wisdom as a gift from God, crucial for righteous leadership and judgment, as seen in the wisdom sought by Solomon in [1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon Asks for Wisdom").
* **Strategic Manipulation and Intercession:** Joab's actions demonstrate his political acumen and loyalty to David, even if his methods are indirect and manipulative. This reveals the complex dynamics of power and influence within David's court, where key figures often acted as crucial intermediaries to achieve desired outcomes, as also seen in Joab's role in [2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Kills Abner").
* **Reconciliation and Justice:** The overarching goal of Joab's elaborate scheme is to facilitate the reconciliation between David and Absalom. This highlights the tension between the demands of justice for Amnon's murder and the desire for family unity, the preservation of the royal lineage, and the restoration of a fractured family, a recurring motif throughout [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "The Second Book of Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Form of speech" (Hebrew, _davar_):** This term refers to the carefully constructed narrative, the elaborate parable presented by the wise woman. It signifies artful rhetoric, a strategically crafted message designed to achieve a specific persuasive effect on the king. It highlights the intentional and calculated nature of the woman's appeal.
* **"Wise" (Hebrew, _chakam_):** This adjective denotes practical wisdom, skill, and deep understanding. When applied to David and amplified by the comparison to an angel, it suggests an extraordinary, almost supernatural, capacity for insight, enabling him to discern hidden truths and motives beyond superficial appearances.
* **"Angel of God" (Hebrew, _mal'akh ha'elohim_):** Literally "messenger of God," this phrase functions as a hyperbolic compliment in this context. It signifies a profound, superior level of insight, knowledge, and judgment, often associated with divine inspiration or exceptional human capacity. It emphasizes David's remarkable ability to perceive and understand, not that he possessed literal angelic knowledge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing":** The wise woman explicitly confirms David's astute suspicion from the preceding verse, revealing Joab as the mastermind behind the elaborate parable. This statement underscores Joab's strategic genius and his influential, albeit indirect, role in shaping royal policy. It confirms David's sharp discernment in seeing through the ruse.
* **"and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God":** This is a profound and highly complimentary statement, attributing to David an exceptional, almost divine, level of discernment. It's a hyperbole, recognizing his extraordinary ability to penetrate the "form of speech" and grasp the underlying truth and motive. It elevates David's intellectual and judicial capabilities to a supreme degree.
* **"to know all things that are in the earth":** This concluding phrase further emphasizes the perceived scope of David's wisdom. It suggests a comprehensive understanding, not limited to the immediate situation, but extending to human nature, political realities, and the intricate affairs of his kingdom. It speaks to his capacity for profound insight into the world around him and the hearts of men.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth." This exaggerated statement is not meant to be taken literally, but rather to emphasize David's extraordinary discernment and insight, elevating his wisdom to a near-divine level. There is also a subtle **irony** at play: the woman praises David's ability to "know all things" while she herself has been part of a deceptive scheme designed to manipulate his judgment. This highlights the complex moral landscape of the narrative and the tension between truth and strategic deception. Furthermore, the entire episode, orchestrated by Joab, serves as **foreshadowing** for the continued complexities, manipulations, and tragic consequences that will characterize David's court, particularly in relation to Absalom's eventual return and subsequent rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the nature of wisdom, not merely as intellectual acumen but as a divinely-gifted discernment crucial for righteous leadership. David's ability to "know all things that are in the earth" reflects a kingly ideal where insight into human hearts and affairs is paramount for dispensing justice and maintaining order. While the praise is hyperbolic, it points to a truth: God often grants wisdom to those He appoints to lead, enabling them to navigate complex moral and political landscapes. This echoes the profound wisdom sought by Solomon in [1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon Asks for Wisdom") and the qualities of a just ruler described in prophetic texts. The narrative implicitly teaches that true wisdom allows one to see beyond the surface, discerning truth and motive, a quality essential for both spiritual and temporal leadership.

* [1 Kings 3:28](/1_kings/3-28 "1 Kings 3:28 - Solomon's Wisdom in Judgment")
* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Ask God for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage challenges us to cultivate discernment in our own lives, urging us not to be easily swayed by superficial appearances or manipulative rhetoric. Like David, we are called to seek wisdom that allows us to understand underlying motives and truths, especially in complex interpersonal or societal situations. For those in positions of leadership, it underscores the necessity of deep insight into the human condition and the realities of their sphere of influence, recognizing that genuine wisdom ultimately comes from God. It also reminds us that even well-intentioned actions (like Joab's desire for Absalom's return) can involve indirect or manipulative means, prompting us to critically consider the ethics of our methods, even when pursuing noble goals. Ultimately, 2 Samuel 14:20 invites us to pray for and pursue the wisdom that enables us to navigate life's intricate "forms of speech" with integrity, truth, and a heart attuned to God's ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate greater discernment in our daily interactions and decision-making, particularly when faced with complex or ambiguous situations?**
* **What are the potential dangers of using indirect or manipulative means, even if the intended outcome seems beneficial or righteous?**
* **In what ways does God grant wisdom to His people today, and how can we better position ourselves to receive and apply it in our lives?**
* **How does David's wisdom here compare to other instances in his life where he showed a lack of discernment or made poor judgments? What can we learn from this contrast?**

### FAQ
**Was David's wisdom truly like that of an angel?**

Answer: No, the phrase "wisdom of an angel of God" is a **hyperbolic** compliment, not a literal statement. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, comparing a king's wisdom to that of a divine being or angel was a common way to express profound admiration for their exceptional insight, judgment, and ability to understand complex matters. It signifies an extraordinary, almost supernatural, level of discernment, recognizing truth even when hidden, as David did in seeing through the wise woman's elaborate scheme. It does not imply that David possessed literal angelic knowledge or was an angel himself; rather, it highlights his remarkable capacity for insight and just judgment, a quality highly valued in a monarch.

**Why did Joab use a "wise woman" instead of approaching David directly about Absalom?**

Answer: Joab understood David's difficult emotional and political predicament regarding Absalom's exile after Amnon's murder. David was torn between the demands of justice and his deep paternal love. Approaching David directly with a plea for Absalom's return might have been seen as disrespectful or an overstep of Joab's authority, and David might have resisted a direct appeal. By using a "wise woman" from Tekoah, known for her eloquence and ability to craft a compelling narrative, Joab created a scenario where David would render a judgment on a fictional case that subtly mirrored his own predicament. This allowed David to arrive at the desired conclusion (Absalom's return) on his own terms, preserving his dignity and authority, as demonstrated by the woman's parable in [2 Samuel 14:1-17](/2_samuel/14-17 "2 Samuel 14:1-17 - The Wise Woman's Parable"). It was a politically shrewd and indirect method of persuasion, designed to gently guide David towards the desired reconciliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 14:20 praises David's extraordinary wisdom, a wisdom likened to that of an "angel of God," it ultimately points to the perfect and ultimate wisdom embodied in Jesus Christ. David's discernment, though remarkable and divinely gifted, was human and finite, occasionally prone to error and limited by his fallen nature. Yet, in Christ, we find the very "wisdom of God" personified, as declared in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"). He is the one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). Unlike David, who needed an intermediary like Joab and a carefully crafted parable to navigate complex human affairs, Jesus intimately knows the human heart and all things "in the earth" ([John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")). He is the true King who perfectly discerns truth from falsehood, not through human cunning or indirect means, but through divine omniscience and perfect righteousness. His wisdom leads not merely to a temporary political reconciliation, but to eternal spiritual reconciliation, bringing us back to the Father through His perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the deep longing for restoration that Joab's scheme imperfectly sought to achieve in David's earthly kingdom ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18 "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

2 Samuel 14:17

Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so [is] my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.

2 Samuel 19:27

And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king [is] as an angel of God: do therefore [what is] good in thine eyes.

Proverbs 26:28

¶ A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Job 32:21

Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

Job 32:22

For I know not to give flattering titles; [in so doing] my maker would soon take me away.

Proverbs 29:5

¶ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

2 Samuel 5:23

And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; [but] fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.