2 Samuel 14:6

KJV

And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and [there was] none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thy handmaid {H8198} had two {H8147} sons {H1121}, and they two {H8147} strove together {H5327} in the field {H7704}, and there was none to part {H5337} them, but the one {H259} smote {H5221} the other {H259}, and slew {H4191} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

my two sons were out in the field; and they got into a fight with each other. There was no one to separate them, and one hit the other and killed him.

Berean Standard Bible

And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him.

American Standard Version

And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and killed him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 14:6 is a pivotal verse within the artfully constructed parable presented to King David by the wise woman of Tekoa, a narrative designed by Joab to subtly influence the king's judgment. This verse describes a tragic domestic dispute where two brothers, without any intervention, engage in a fatal conflict, culminating in one slaying the other. It serves as a poignant, albeit fictional, illustration of unchecked strife and its devastating consequences, mirroring the real-life dilemma David faced concerning his banished son, Absalom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the larger narrative of 2 Samuel 14, which details Joab's elaborate scheme to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem after his banishment for murdering Amnon. The wise woman's parable, delivered with dramatic flair, is a carefully crafted legal dilemma intended to elicit a judgment from David that could then be applied to Absalom's situation. The immediate verses ([2 Samuel 14:1-5](/2_samuel/14-1 "2 Samuel 14:1-5 - Joab's Plan and the Woman's Introduction")) set the stage, introducing Joab's concern for David's longing for Absalom and his enlistment of the wise woman. Following this verse, the woman continues her plea, emphasizing the family's demand for justice against the surviving son, thereby creating a parallel to the kingdom's demand for justice against Absalom, yet subtly appealing for mercy. The entire chapter highlights David's internal conflict between justice and paternal love, and the manipulative yet ultimately effective strategy employed by Joab.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of blood vengeance (go'el haddam) was a deeply ingrained cultural norm, where the nearest male relative was obligated to avenge the death of a family member. This cultural expectation forms the backdrop of the wise woman's plea, as her family demands the life of her surviving son. Kings, like David, served as the ultimate arbiters of justice, and their judgments were considered divinely inspired. The use of a "wise woman" (often a prophetess or someone renowned for sagacity) to deliver a message to the king was a recognized, albeit unusual, method of political or social petition, as seen elsewhere with the wise woman of Abel Beth-Maacah ([2 Samuel 20:16-22](/2_samuel/20-16 "2 Samuel 20:16-22 - The Wise Woman of Abel Beth-Maacah")). The parable also touches upon the severe consequences of fratricide, a theme with ancient biblical roots, reflecting the societal abhorrence of such acts and the disruption they caused to family and community structures.
* **Key Themes:** The parable of the wise woman and specifically [2 Samuel 14:6](/2_samuel/14-6 "2 Samuel 14:6 - The Wise Woman's Parable") contribute to several key themes in 2 Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the **tension between justice and mercy**, a central dilemma for David throughout his reign, particularly concerning his children. David's initial judgment in the parable leans towards mercy, which Joab hopes he will extend to Absalom. Secondly, the verse highlights the **destructive nature of unresolved family conflict**, echoing the earlier tragedy of Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's subsequent revenge ([2 Samuel 13:1-29](/2_samuel/13-1 "2 Samuel 13:1-29 - Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom")). The phrase "none to part them" emphasizes the critical need for **mediation and intervention** in disputes, a role David himself failed to adequately fulfill in his own family. Lastly, the episode illustrates the **use of manipulation and deception** for what Joab perceives as a greater good – the restoration of the royal family's unity and Absalom's return, even if the means are questionable. This theme is further explored as David eventually discerns Joab's hand in the matter ([2 Samuel 14:19-20](/2_samuel/14-19 "2 Samuel 14:19-20 - David Discerns Joab's Involvement")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strove (Hebrew, _natsah'_):** This verb (נָצָה) denotes contention, fighting, or quarreling, often implying a violent or aggressive dispute. In this context, it suggests a serious, escalating conflict between the brothers, far beyond a mere disagreement, leading directly to physical violence. It paints a picture of intense, uncontrolled animosity.
* **Part (Hebrew, _parad'_):** The word (פָּרַד) means "to divide," "to separate," or "to distinguish." The phrase "none to part them" (וְאֵין מַצִּיל בֵּינֵיהֶם, literally "and there was no deliverer between them") emphasizes the complete absence of any mediator, arbitrator, or rescuer who could intervene and de-escalate the conflict. This lack of intervention is presented as the critical factor allowing the dispute to turn lethal.
* **Slew (Hebrew, _harag'_):** This verb (הָרַג) means "to kill," "to slay," or "to murder." It is a direct and unambiguous term for taking a life. Its use here underscores the brutal, final, and irreversible outcome of the brothers' uncontrolled strife, highlighting the ultimate tragedy of fratricide.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thy handmaid had two sons":** This opening establishes the immediate family context of the parable, setting up a relatable domestic scenario for King David. The "handmaid" (אֲמָה, _amah_) signifies a humble status, perhaps intended to evoke David's sympathy and make her plea more compelling.
* **"and they two strove together in the field":** This clause describes the setting and nature of the conflict. The "field" (שָׂדֶה, _sadeh_) suggests a private, unsupervised location, away from the watchful eyes of the community or family elders. The act of "striving" (נָצָה, _natsah'_) indicates an escalating, aggressive quarrel between the brothers.
* **"and [there was] none to part them":** This is a crucial element of the parable. The absence of any third party to mediate, intervene, or separate the combatants is presented as the direct cause of the tragic outcome. It highlights the vulnerability of individuals in conflict when there is no external authority or peacemaker.
* **"but the one smote the other, and slew him":** This final clause details the devastating conclusion of the unmediated conflict. "Smote" (נָכָה, _nakah_) implies a violent blow, leading directly to the ultimate act of "slew" (הָרָג, _harag'_), signifying the death of one brother at the hand of the other. This act of fratricide is the core tragedy that the wise woman presents to David.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices**. Foremost is **Parable**, as the entire narrative is a fictional story designed to convey a moral or spiritual truth, in this case, a legal and ethical dilemma. The woman's tale serves as a **Foreshadowing** and a direct parallel to the real-life situation between Absalom and Amnon, allowing David to judge a similar scenario objectively before applying the principle to his own family. There is a subtle **Irony** in David's initial swift and merciful judgment of the fictional case, contrasting with his prolonged inaction and indecision regarding Absalom's banishment. The "two sons" can be seen as **Symbolism** for Amnon and Absalom, and the "field" symbolizes the private, uncontrolled space where their conflict escalated. The phrase "none to part them" is a powerful symbolic representation of David's own failure to intervene effectively in his sons' escalating animosity, which ultimately led to Amnon's death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of 2 Samuel 14:6, though a parable, resonates with profound theological implications concerning justice, mercy, and the consequences of sin within human relationships. It highlights humanity's propensity for conflict and violence, particularly within the closest bonds, and underscores the critical need for mediation and reconciliation. The absence of a peacemaker in the parable emphasizes the destructive power of unchecked anger and the tragic outcomes when individuals are left to their own devices in moments of intense strife. Theologically, it points to the divine order for peace and the high value God places on human life and harmonious relationships, even as it exposes the brokenness of the human condition.

* [Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Genesis 4:8 - Cain and Abel")
* [Proverbs 18:19](/proverbs/18-19 "Proverbs 18:19 - A Brother Offended")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The parable of the wise woman, particularly the tragic scene depicted in 2 Samuel 14:6, offers timeless lessons for personal and communal life. It serves as a stark reminder of the devastating potential of unresolved conflict and the critical importance of intervention. In our own lives, whether in families, workplaces, or communities, disagreements are inevitable. However, this verse challenges us to consider the consequences of allowing disputes to fester without active engagement or the seeking of external help. It underscores the responsibility of leaders, parents, and even peers to step into situations of escalating tension, not to take sides, but to facilitate reconciliation and prevent destructive outcomes. Furthermore, it prompts us to examine our own roles: are we contributing to conflict, or are we striving to be peacemakers? The parable, while a strategic maneuver, ultimately speaks to the universal human need for justice tempered with mercy, and the profound impact of our choices on the well-being of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I witness conflict between others? Am I inclined to intervene or to avoid?**
* **In what areas of my life might "none to part them" apply, indicating a need for external mediation or proactive conflict resolution?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of peacemaking in my relationships, seeking to de-escalate tension rather than contribute to it?**
* **What are the potential "fields" in my life (private or public spaces) where conflicts might be brewing unchecked, and what is my responsibility to address them?**

### FAQ

**Why did Joab choose to use a parable, and specifically this one, to approach King David?**

Answer: Joab chose a parable because it allowed him to present a sensitive and potentially controversial issue (Absalom's return) indirectly. By framing it as a fictional dilemma faced by a "wise woman," he could elicit David's unbiased judgment on a matter of justice and mercy without immediately revealing its direct application to Absalom. This specific parable, involving fratricide and the demand for justice against a surviving son, closely mirrored Absalom's situation (having killed Amnon) and the demands for his punishment, thus creating a powerful parallel that David would eventually recognize. It was a clever psychological strategy to appeal to David's sense of justice and compassion as a king, hoping he would extend the same mercy to his own son.

**What was David's initial reaction to the wise woman's story, and how did it align with Joab's intentions?**

Answer: David's initial reaction was one of compassion and a desire to uphold justice while also showing mercy. He first swore an oath to protect her surviving son from those who sought to avenge the slain brother ([2 Samuel 14:11](/2_samuel/14-11 "2 Samuel 14:11 - David's Oath to the Woman")). This response perfectly aligned with Joab's intentions. By securing David's promise of protection and mercy for a fictional son in a similar situation, Joab created a precedent that the wise woman could then skillfully pivot to apply to Absalom's case, making it difficult for David to deny similar mercy to his own banished son.

**Does the Bible condone the use of deception, as seen in Joab's plan, even for a seemingly good outcome?**

Answer: The Bible often records instances of deception without explicitly condoning them, especially when they are part of human strategies, whether good or ill. In this case, while Joab's ultimate goal of reuniting David with Absalom might be seen as beneficial for the kingdom's stability and the king's emotional well-being, the method employed involves clear deception. The narrative does not explicitly praise the deception itself but rather focuses on its effectiveness in achieving a particular outcome. The Bible consistently values truthfulness and integrity ([Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are Abomination to the Lord")), and while the immediate result of Joab's plan was Absalom's return, this return ultimately led to further rebellion and tragedy ([2 Samuel 15:1-12](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1-12 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins")), suggesting that means can indeed affect ends, even if not directly condemned in the moment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic scenario of brothers striving without a mediator in 2 Samuel 14:6 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "none to part them" in the parable speaks to the desperate human condition where sin creates deep divisions, not just between individuals but fundamentally between humanity and God. Like the brothers in the field, humanity was engaged in a fatal conflict with divine justice, with no one capable of bridging the chasm. Christ, however, steps into this ultimate conflict as the supreme **Mediator** ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator Between God and Man")), the one who "parts" the warring factions by making peace through His blood. He is the true **Prince of Peace** ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), who, unlike the absent mediator in the parable, actively intervened to reconcile estranged parties. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus "slew" the power of sin and death, taking upon Himself the consequences of our spiritual fratricide against God and each other. He breaks down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), offering true reconciliation and demonstrating the perfect balance of divine justice and boundless mercy, ultimately bringing us back into fellowship with God and with one another, fulfilling the deepest longing for peace that the parable only hints at.

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

Genesis 4:8

¶ And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

Deuteronomy 22:26

But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; [there is] in the damsel no sin [worthy] of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so [is] this matter:

Deuteronomy 22:27

For he found her in the field, [and] the betrothed damsel cried, and [there was] none to save her.

Exodus 2:13

And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?