2 Samuel 14:4

And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.

And when the woman {H802} of Tekoah {H8621} spake {H559} to the king {H4428}, she fell {H5307} on her face {H639} to the ground {H776}, and did obeisance {H7812}, and said {H559}, Help {H3467}, O king {H4428}.

When the woman of T'koa spoke to the king, she fell down with her face to the ground, prostrating herself, and said, "King, help!"

When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!”

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.

Commentary

2 Samuel 14:4 introduces a pivotal moment in Joab's carefully orchestrated plan to bring King David's exiled son, Absalom, back to Jerusalem. The verse details the immediate and dramatic approach of the wise woman from Tekoah as she comes before the king.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative where Joab, David's commander, recognizes the king's longing for Absalom, who had fled after murdering his half-brother Amnon. Joab devises a clever strategy, sending a "wise woman" from Tekoah to present a fabricated legal case to David. Her mission is to subtly persuade the king to allow Absalom's return without directly mentioning him. The woman's actions in this verse—falling on her face and pleading for help—are part of this elaborate ruse, designed to evoke David's sympathy and sense of justice. This strategic move by Joab is outlined at the beginning of the chapter, where he perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom, who had been in exile following Amnon's death.

Key Themes

  • Humility and Supplication: The woman's actions of "fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance" signify a profound act of humility and submission. This posture was customary when approaching a monarch or a person of great authority, demonstrating deep respect and an earnest plea for favor or justice.
  • Strategic Communication: Her opening words, "Help, O king," are a direct, urgent appeal designed to capture David's immediate attention and invoke his role as the ultimate arbiter of justice in Israel. This calculated approach highlights the importance of how one presents a petition, especially when dealing with sensitive matters.
  • The King's Role as Judge: The woman's immediate cry for help underscores the ancient Near Eastern understanding of the king as the supreme judge and protector of his people, particularly the vulnerable. Her appeal relies on David's known character for justice and mercy.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "did obeisance" translates the Hebrew word wattishthachaveh (וַתִּשְׁתַּחֲוֶה), which literally means "and she prostrated herself" or "and she bowed down." This term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe acts of deep reverence, submission, or worship, whether directed towards God or human authority figures like kings. Here, it emphasizes the woman's complete submission to David's authority and her earnestness in seeking his intervention.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into the dynamics of seeking help and approaching authority. It reminds us of the power of humility and sincerity when presenting a plea. While the woman's story was a strategic deception, her method of approach—showing profound respect and clearly stating her need—is a timeless principle for effective communication when seeking assistance or advocating for a cause. Spiritually, it can serve as a metaphor for how believers should approach God in prayer: with reverence, humility, and a clear articulation of our needs, trusting in His ultimate justice and mercy, much like approaching the throne of grace with confidence.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 6:26 (3 votes)

    And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.

  • 2 Kings 6:28 (3 votes)

    And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow.

  • 2 Samuel 1:2 (3 votes)

    It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and [so] it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

  • 1 Samuel 25:23 (3 votes)

    And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,

  • Job 29:12 (2 votes)

    Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and [him that had] none to help him.

  • Job 29:14 (2 votes)

    I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment [was] as a robe and a diadem.

  • 1 Samuel 20:41 (2 votes)

    [And] as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of [a place] toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.