2 Samuel 14:22

KJV

And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joab {H3097} fell {H5307} to the ground {H776} on his face {H6440}, and bowed {H7812} himself, and thanked {H1288} the king {H4428}: and Joab {H3097} said {H559}, To day {H3117} thy servant {H5650} knoweth {H3045} that I have found {H4672} grace {H2580} in thy sight {H5869}, my lord {H113}, O king {H4428}, in that the king {H4428} hath fulfilled {H6213} the request {H1697} of his servant {H5650}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yo'av fell to the ground on his face, prostrating himself, and blessed the king; Yo'av said, "Today your servant knows that I have won your favor, my lord, king, because the king has done what your servant requested."

Berean Standard Bible

Joab fell facedown in homage and blessed the king. “Today,” said Joab, “your servant knows that he has found favor with you, my lord the king, because the king has granted his request.”

American Standard Version

And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and did obeisance, and blessed the king; and Joab said, To-day thy servant knoweth that I have found favor in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath performed the request of his servant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 14:22, Joab, King David's astute military commander, expresses profound gratitude and deference to the king. His prostration and declaration of having "found grace" signify the successful culmination of his intricate plan to secure the return of Absalom, David's exiled son, to Jerusalem. This moment marks a critical turning point in the strained relationship between David and Absalom, orchestrated by Joab's strategic diplomacy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of Joab's elaborate scheme, detailed throughout [2 Samuel 14](/2_samuel/14 "2 Samuel 14 - Joab's Plan for Absalom's Return"). Absalom had fled to Geshur after murdering his half-brother Amnon, who had raped Tamar (his half-sister) ([2 Samuel 13:28-38](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28-38 - Absalom's Revenge and Flight")). Despite his initial anger, King David deeply longed for Absalom's return ([2 Samuel 13:39](/2_samuel/13-39 "2 Samuel 13:39 - David's Longing for Absalom")). Recognizing this paternal yearning, Joab dispatched a wise woman from Tekoa to present a hypothetical case to the king, subtly advocating for Absalom's return without directly mentioning him ([2 Samuel 14:1-20](/2_samuel/14-1 "2 Samuel 14:1-20 - The Wise Woman of Tekoa")). David, discerning Joab's hand in the matter ([2 Samuel 14:19-20](/2_samuel/14-19 "2 Samuel 14:19-20 - David Discerns Joab's Hand")), finally gave Joab the command to "Bring the young man Absalom again" ([2 Samuel 14:21](/2_samuel/14-21 "2 Samuel 14:21 - David Commands Absalom's Return")). Joab's reaction in verse 22 signifies his relief and thankfulness that the king granted his underlying request, even though David still would not see Absalom's face immediately upon his return ([2 Samuel 14:24](/2_samuel/14-24 "2 Samuel 14:24 - Absalom Returns but Does Not See David")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joab's prostration—falling to the ground on his face and bowing—was a common and profound gesture of respect, submission, and gratitude in the ancient Near East, especially when approaching a monarch. It acknowledged the king's absolute authority and the supplicant's subordinate status. The concept of "finding grace" (Hebrew: _matsa chen_) was a standard idiom for gaining favor, approval, or acceptance from a superior, whether a human ruler or God. Joab's role as a powerful general and advisor highlights the intricate dynamics of royal courts, where influence was often wielded through indirect means and strategic counsel. The patriarchal structure of Israelite society also underscored the importance of male heirs and the king's desire for the return of his son, despite his grave offense.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes woven throughout [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David"). Firstly, it highlights the **complexities of family reconciliation** and the deep, often conflicted, emotions within David's household, particularly concerning Absalom's exile and return. Secondly, it showcases **strategic diplomacy and influence**, with Joab's masterful manipulation of David's paternal longing to achieve a political objective. Joab's actions demonstrate the power of indirect persuasion and the art of navigating royal politics. Thirdly, the phrase "found grace" speaks to the theme of **favor and authority**—not necessarily divine grace, but the bestowal of human favor by a sovereign. Finally, it underscores the theme of **loyalty and service**, as Joab, despite his often ruthless methods, acts in what he perceives as the king's best interest, aiming to alleviate David's grief and restore his family.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fell to the ground on his face (Hebrew, _naphal al panav'_):** This phrase denotes an act of extreme prostration, signifying the deepest form of humility, submission, and reverence. It's a physical manifestation of Joab's profound respect and gratitude towards the king, acknowledging David's supreme authority and the magnitude of the granted request.
* **thanked (Hebrew, _barak'_):** While often translated as "bless," in this context, _barak_ means to express profound gratitude, praise, or acknowledgment of a superior's beneficence. Joab is not blessing the king in a divine sense, but rather offering a fervent expression of thanks for the king's favorable decision.
* **found grace (Hebrew, _matsa chen'_):** This is a common biblical idiom meaning "to find favor," "to gain approval," or "to be accepted." It indicates that Joab's actions and his underlying request have met with the king's good will and consent, signifying the success of his diplomatic endeavor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king:"** This clause vividly describes Joab's physical reaction to David's command. His immediate and dramatic prostration, followed by bowing and expressing thanks, is a public and unequivocal display of profound respect, humility, and immense gratitude. It underscores the weight of the king's decision and Joab's relief that his intricate plan has succeeded.
* **"and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king,"** Joab's verbal declaration confirms the meaning of his physical actions. By calling himself "thy servant" and addressing David as "my lord, O king," he reaffirms his subordinate status while acknowledging David's supreme authority. The core of his statement, "I have found grace in thy sight," expresses his understanding that David has looked upon him with favor and granted his unspoken petition, which was the return of Absalom.
* **"in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant."** This final phrase explicitly states the reason for Joab's gratitude and the nature of the "grace" he received. It confirms that David's command to bring Absalom back was indeed the "request" Joab had subtly orchestrated through the wise woman of Tekoa. This clarifies that Joab's elaborate scheme has achieved its desired outcome, securing the king's approval for Absalom's return to Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Dramatic Irony** is present, as David, while aware of Joab's involvement in the wise woman's scheme, may not fully grasp the depth of Joab's strategic manipulation or the potential future consequences of Absalom's return. **Symbolism** is evident in Joab's prostration, which visually symbolizes his absolute submission to the king's authority and his profound gratitude. The act of "finding grace" itself functions as a **Metonymy**, where the favor (grace) stands for the successful outcome of Joab's entire diplomatic effort. Furthermore, the partial nature of Absalom's return—he is in Jerusalem but not yet in David's presence—serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the continued tension and future conflicts that will inevitably arise from this incomplete reconciliation, ultimately leading to Absalom's rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joab's declaration of having "found grace" in the king's sight, while referring to human favor, resonates with a broader biblical theme of grace—the unmerited favor shown by a superior to an inferior. In this instance, David's decision, though influenced by Joab's machinations and his own paternal longing, is an act of royal prerogative and a demonstration of his capacity for mercy. It reflects a king's authority to grant or withhold favor, a power that ultimately derives from God's own sovereignty. This human grace, however imperfect or politically motivated, can serve as a faint echo of the divine grace that God extends to humanity. Unlike David's conditional and partial reconciliation with Absalom, God's grace, extended through Christ, offers complete and unmerited reconciliation.

* [Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord")
* [Exodus 33:17](/exodus/33-17 "Moses Finds Grace with God")
* [Psalm 84:11](/psalms/84-11 "God Gives Grace and Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers a rich tapestry for reflection on leadership, human relationships, and the nature of reconciliation. Joab's strategic, albeit manipulative, approach highlights the complexities of influence and the art of persuasion, even within the context of power dynamics. For leaders, it underscores the importance of discerning the true motives and underlying desires of those who offer counsel, while also recognizing the human need for compassion and reconciliation. For individuals, Joab's immediate and humble gratitude serves as a powerful reminder to acknowledge and appreciate when others show us favor, grant our requests, or extend mercy. It prompts us to consider how we respond when our own "requests" are fulfilled, whether by human agents or by divine providence. Furthermore, David's decision to allow Absalom's return, yet not to see his face, reflects the often-layered and difficult process of forgiveness and restoration within families. True reconciliation can be a journey, marked by stages and requiring ongoing effort, rather than a single, instantaneous event. It challenges us to consider our own capacity for extending and receiving grace, even when full restoration feels distant or incomplete.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we, like Joab, seek and acknowledge favor from those in authority over us, whether in professional or personal contexts?**
* **What are the ethical boundaries of persuasion and influence, particularly when dealing with sensitive family or relational issues?**
* **In what ways does David's partial reconciliation with Absalom reflect the complexities and challenges of forgiveness in our own relationships?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of genuine gratitude when our prayers or requests are answered, recognizing the source of the favor?**

### FAQ

**Why was Joab so grateful for the king's decision?**

Answer: Joab's profound gratitude stemmed from the successful culmination of his elaborate and risky plan to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem. He had carefully orchestrated the wise woman of Tekoa's visit to subtly persuade David, knowing the king's deep longing for his exiled son. When David finally gave the command to "Bring the young man Absalom again" ([2 Samuel 14:21](/2_samuel/14-21 "2 Samuel 14:21 - David Commands Absalom's Return")), it signified that Joab's counsel and intervention had found favor in the king's eyes, fulfilling his "request" and alleviating David's grief, which was a significant service to his monarch.

**What does "found grace in thy sight" mean in this specific context?**

Answer: In this context, "found grace in thy sight" (Hebrew: _matsa chen_) is an idiom signifying that Joab has gained the king's favor, approval, or acceptance. It means that David has looked upon Joab's efforts and the underlying petition with good will and has granted the request for Absalom's return. It's an acknowledgment of the king's positive disposition and the successful outcome of Joab's strategic diplomacy. This is human favor, distinct from divine grace, though it operates within the same relational dynamic of a superior extending unmerited or desired favor to a subordinate.

**Did King David know that Joab was behind the wise woman's visit?**

Answer: Yes, the text explicitly states that David discerned Joab's involvement. After the wise woman presented her case, David questioned her, saying, "Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this?" ([2 Samuel 14:19](/2_samuel/14-19 "2 Samuel 14:19 - David Discerns Joab's Hand")). She confirmed his suspicion, stating, "My lord the king is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth" ([2 Samuel 14:20](/2_samuel/14-20 "2 Samuel 14:20 - The Wise Woman Confirms Joab's Involvement")). David's awareness highlights his shrewdness and the intricate web of relationships and influence within his court.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The scene in 2 Samuel 14:22, where Joab finds "grace" in the king's sight and secures a partial reconciliation for Absalom, serves as a poignant, albeit imperfect, foreshadowing of the ultimate reconciliation offered through Jesus Christ. Joab, acting as an intercessor and mediator, brings about Absalom's return, albeit with conditions and without immediate full restoration to David's presence. This human "grace" or favor, granted by a king, points to the infinitely greater divine grace extended by God. We, like Absalom, were alienated from our Father due to our sin, exiled from His presence ([Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Your Sins Have Separated You from God")). Yet, God, in His boundless love and yearning for His children, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our perfect Mediator and Advocate ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator, Christ Jesus")). Through Christ's sacrifice, we find true and complete "grace" in God's sight, a grace that fully reconciles us to the Father, bringing us not just back to the city, but into His very presence ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). Unlike David's initial refusal to see Absalom's face, God fully embraces us, welcoming us into His family and presence through the atoning work of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This divine grace is not earned by manipulative schemes but freely given, demonstrating God's love for us "while we were still sinners" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")), offering a complete and eternal reconciliation that far surpasses any human favor.

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

Job 29:11

When the ear heard [me], then it blessed me; and when the eye saw [me], it gave witness to me:

1 Samuel 20:3

And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly [as] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, [there is] but a step between me and death.

Job 31:20

If his loins have not blessed me, and [if] he were [not] warmed with the fleece of my sheep;

Nehemiah 11:2

And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.

Genesis 6:8

¶ But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

2 Samuel 19:39

And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

Ruth 2:2

And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after [him] in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.