2 Samuel 14:7

KJV

And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband [neither] name nor remainder upon the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, the whole family {H4940} is risen {H6965} against thine handmaid {H8198}, and they said {H559}, Deliver {H5414} him that smote {H5221} his brother {H251}, that we may kill {H4191} him, for the life {H5315} of his brother {H251} whom he slew {H2026}; and we will destroy {H8045} the heir {H3423} also: and so they shall quench {H3518} my coal {H1513} which is left {H7760}, and shall not leave {H7604} to my husband {H376} neither name {H8034} nor remainder {H7611} upon {H6440} the earth {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now the whole family has come against me, your servant; they're saying, 'Hand over the one who hit his brother, so that we can put him to death for killing his brother.'They want to destroy the heir as well and thus quench my one remaining coal; then my husband will have neither name nor survivor anywhere on earth."

Berean Standard Bible

Now the whole clan has risen up against your maidservant and said, ‘Hand over the one who struck down his brother, that we may put him to death for the life of the brother whom he killed. Then we will cut off the heir as well!’ So they would extinguish my one remaining ember by not preserving my husband’s name or posterity on the earth.”

American Standard Version

And, behold, the whole family is risen against thy handmaid, and they say, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him for the life of his brother whom he slew, and so destroy the heir also. Thus will they quench my coal which is left, and will leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the face of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 14:7, the wise woman of Tekoa, acting as an emissary for Joab, artfully constructs a hypothetical scenario for King David. She describes herself as a desperate widow whose only two sons engaged in a fatal conflict, resulting in one killing the other. Now, the entire family demands that the surviving son, who represents her last remaining hope and the sole heir, be handed over for execution. The woman’s poignant plea emphasizes that such an act would not only extinguish her "coal"—a vivid metaphor for her last spark of life and lineage—but would also utterly obliterate her deceased husband’s name and any future remembrance from the earth. This fabricated narrative is designed to mirror David's own familial dilemma concerning his exiled son, Absalom, subtly advocating for mercy and the preservation of his royal line.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to an elaborate ruse orchestrated by Joab, David's commander, to persuade the king to allow his exiled son, Absalom, to return to Jerusalem. The preceding chapters detail Absalom's revenge against his half-brother Amnon for the rape of their sister Tamar ([2 Samuel 13:28-29](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Absalom's Revenge")). Absalom fled to Geshur and remained there for three years, during which David deeply mourned his absence but refused to initiate his return ([2 Samuel 13:37-39](/2_samuel/13-37 "2 Samuel 13:37-39 - David's Mourning for Absalom")). Joab, sensing David's longing for Absalom, but also understanding the king's moral predicament, employs the wise woman of Tekoa as a skilled orator to present a parable that would subtly manipulate David's judgment, leading him to unknowingly endorse the principle of Absalom's return. The woman's story, culminating in this verse, is the critical turning point in her appeal, designed to elicit David's empathy and a favorable ruling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society placed immense value on the preservation of family lineage and name. A male heir was crucial for maintaining the family's inheritance, land rights, and social standing, and for ensuring the continuation of the family's memory. To "quench one's coal" or to have "neither name nor remainder upon the earth" was a profound curse, signifying the complete obliteration of a family's existence and legacy. This cultural imperative is reflected in practices like levirate marriage ([Deuteronomy 25:5-10](/deuteronomy/25-5 "Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - Levirate Marriage")), which ensured a deceased man's line would not die out. The legal system, while demanding justice for murder, also recognized the complexities of family dynamics and the importance of heirs. The woman's appeal taps directly into these deeply held societal values and fears, making her fabricated scenario resonate powerfully with King David, who himself was concerned about the stability and continuation of his own royal dynasty, especially given the prophetic promises of an enduring house ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the book of 2 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. The central theme is the **preservation of lineage and legacy**, highlighting the critical importance of an heir to continue the family name, inheritance, and memory. The woman's desperate plea underscores the societal fear of a name being "blotted out" from Israel. It also introduces the complex tension between **justice and mercy**, as the family demands strict retribution for the murder, while the woman pleads for compassion to prevent a greater tragedy—the extinction of her family line. This mirrors David's own struggle with Absalom's crime and his desire for his son's return. Furthermore, the passage showcases the theme of **intercession and wisdom**, as the woman acts as a shrewd and eloquent advocate, using a carefully crafted narrative to influence the king's decision. Her rhetorical skill and David's eventual ruling demonstrate the power of wise counsel and the nuanced application of law and grace, themes that recur throughout the wisdom literature and prophetic books. The underlying narrative also touches on the **consequences of sin within the royal family** and the long-term impact of such actions on the kingdom's stability, a theme that continues to unfold throughout [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "The Book of 2 Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Coal (Hebrew, _gaḥeleth'_):** This word, often translated as "glowing ember" or "live coal," is a profound metaphor in this context. It symbolizes the last spark of life, hope, or a remaining descendant. In ancient times, a "coal" kept alive in the hearth was essential for rekindling a fire, representing continuity and the source of future warmth and light. To "quench" this coal means to extinguish it completely, leaving nothing. The imagery conveys the absolute finality and despair of having one's family line utterly destroyed, with no possibility of renewal or continuation.
* **Quench (Hebrew, _kāvah'_):** Meaning to "extinguish" or "put out," this verb emphasizes the complete and irreversible act of ending something. When applied to the "coal," it signifies the total obliteration of the family line, leaving no trace or hope for future generations. It highlights the severity of the proposed action by the family and the dire consequences for the widow.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shēm'_):** In biblical thought, "name" carries far more weight than a mere identifier. It encompasses one's reputation, character, legacy, and, crucially, one's progeny. To "not leave... name nor remainder upon the earth" means to completely erase a person's existence and memory from human history, without descendants to carry on the family's identity or inherit its possessions. This was a profound cultural and spiritual terror in ancient Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid,"**: The woman immediately establishes her vulnerability and the overwhelming opposition she faces. She is a "handmaid," a humble servant, against the collective power of "the whole family"—implying a strong, unified, and potentially ruthless demand for justice. This sets the stage for her desperate plea.
* **"and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew;"**: This clause presents the family's demand for strict retribution, invoking the principle of "life for life" (lex talionis). They demand the surviving son, who is a murderer, be handed over for execution, emphasizing the gravity of the crime and their right to exact vengeance according to the law.
* **"and we will destroy the heir also:"**: This phrase highlights the critical consequence of their demand: the destruction of the last remaining heir. The family's pursuit of justice for the murdered son inadvertently threatens the very continuation of the widow's lineage, escalating the tragedy beyond the initial crime.
* **"and so they shall quench my coal which is left,"**: This is the verse's most poignant and powerful metaphor. The "coal" represents the last flickering spark of life, hope, and the sole surviving descendant. To "quench" it means to extinguish her last hope, leaving her utterly desolate and without future. It appeals directly to David's empathy by painting a picture of total despair.
* **"and shall not leave to my husband [neither] name nor remainder upon the earth."**: This final clause articulates the ultimate fear: the complete obliteration of her husband's legacy. Without the last son, there would be no one to carry on the family "name" or inherit their property, effectively erasing them from memory and existence on earth. This cultural terror makes the woman's plea incredibly compelling.

#### Literary Devices
The woman of Tekoa's speech in 2 Samuel 14:7 is a masterclass in **rhetoric** and **persuasion**. The primary literary device employed is **Analogy** or **Parable**, where a fictional story is presented to mirror a real-life situation (David's dilemma with Absalom) without directly confronting it. This allows David to make a judgment on a seemingly objective case, which then reveals his own stance on a similar, personal matter. The phrase "quench my coal which is left" is a powerful **Metaphor**, vividly representing the last spark of life, hope, and lineage. This imagery evokes strong **Pathos**, appealing directly to David's emotions and empathy by portraying the widow's profound despair and the existential threat to her family line. The entire narrative functions as a subtle **Rhetorical Question**, implicitly asking David whether he would allow such a tragedy to befall his own house, thereby guiding him towards a merciful decision regarding Absalom. The woman's careful construction of her plea demonstrates her **Wisdom** and strategic communication skills.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of the wise woman of Tekoa, particularly her plea in 2 Samuel 14:7, delves into profound theological and ethical questions concerning justice, mercy, and the preservation of life and lineage. While the Law of Moses clearly prescribed capital punishment for murder, the story highlights the tension that arises when strict adherence to justice threatens a greater good—the continuation of a family line, which was divinely valued in Israel. This tension foreshadows the New Testament's emphasis on mercy triumphing over judgment, and God's desire for reconciliation. The woman's appeal for the preservation of her last "coal" resonates with God's own commitment to preserving a remnant and His covenant promises to maintain a lineage, particularly the Davidic line, through whom the Messiah would come. It reminds us that even in the face of grave sin, there is often a divine inclination towards redemption and the safeguarding of life, especially when it concerns the future of a people or a promise.

* [Genesis 48:16](/genesis/48-16 "Genesis 48:16 - Jacob's Blessing on Ephraim and Manasseh")
* [Deuteronomy 25:5-6](/deuteronomy/25-5 "Deuteronomy 25:5-6 - Levirate Marriage Law")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The poignant plea of the wise woman of Tekoa in 2 Samuel 14:7 offers timeless lessons for navigating life's complex moral and relational dilemmas. It challenges us to look beyond immediate demands for justice and consider the broader, long-term consequences of our actions, particularly on future generations and the preservation of hope. Just as David was moved to consider the value of a "last coal," we are called to cultivate empathy and compassion, recognizing the inherent worth of every individual life, even those who have erred. The story encourages us to seek reconciliation and restoration within our families and communities, even after significant wrongdoing, understanding that true wisdom often lies in balancing justice with mercy. It reminds leaders and individuals alike of the heavy responsibility of decision-making, where the preservation of life, legacy, and the potential for redemption must be weighed against punitive measures. Ultimately, it invites us to reflect on how we can be agents of hope and continuity, rather than contributing to the "quenching" of another's spirit or future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance the demands of justice with the call for mercy in my own life and relationships?**
* **What "coals" or last hopes am I called to protect or preserve in my family, community, or even in the broader world?**
* **In what situations might my pursuit of strict justice inadvertently lead to a greater loss or the "quenching" of a vital spark?**
* **How can I cultivate greater empathy and wisdom in my decision-making, especially when dealing with difficult relational conflicts?**

### FAQ
**Was the woman of Tekoa's story true?**

Answer: No, the woman of Tekoa's story was a fabricated parable, a clever ruse orchestrated by Joab to influence King David. Her narrative was designed to mirror David's own familial predicament concerning Absalom, allowing David to unknowingly make a judgment on a principle that would then apply to his own son. The text indicates that Joab "sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman" ([2 Samuel 14:2](/2_samuel/14-2 "2 Samuel 14:2 - Joab's Plan")) and put the words in her mouth, making it clear this was a constructed scenario for a specific political and familial purpose.

**What is the significance of "quench my coal" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "quench my coal which is left" is a powerful and deeply significant metaphor. A "coal" (Hebrew: _gaḥeleth_) represents a glowing ember, symbolizing the last spark of life, hope, or, most critically in this context, the last remaining descendant or heir. To "quench" it means to extinguish it completely. In ancient Israelite society, the continuation of a family's name and lineage through descendants was paramount. Therefore, to "quench my coal" meant the complete obliteration of the family line, leaving no one to carry on the name, inherit property, or ensure remembrance. It conveys profound despair and the ultimate loss of legacy, making the woman's plea incredibly compelling to David, who himself was concerned about the continuity of his own royal house ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate plea of the woman of Tekoa for the preservation of her "last coal" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's emphasis on the preservation of lineage, particularly the Davidic line, was not merely about human succession but about the divine promise of an enduring seed through whom salvation would come. When the woman pleads that her husband be left "neither name nor remainder upon the earth," she articulates a deep human fear of ultimate extinction. Yet, in Christ, this fear is overcome. He is the true "heir of all things" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Jesus, the Heir of All Things")), the "last Adam" who gives life ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The Last Adam")), and the one through whom God's own name and eternal lineage are preserved. God "did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all" ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Gave Up His Son")), allowing His "coal"—His beloved Son—to be "quenched" on the cross, but only so that He might be raised and become the "firstborn from the dead" ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Head of the Church")), ensuring an eternal spiritual lineage for all who believe. Through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, believers are adopted as "children of God" ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")) and become "heirs according to the promise" ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")), receiving an imperishable "name" and an eternal "remainder" in the kingdom of God, a legacy far surpassing any earthly lineage.

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

Numbers 35:19

The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.

Matthew 21:38

But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.

2 Samuel 12:17

And the elders of his house arose, [and went] to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.

Genesis 27:45

Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget [that] which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?

Deuteronomy 19:12

Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.

Deuteronomy 19:13

Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away [the guilt of] innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

Genesis 4:14

Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, [that] every one that findeth me shall slay me.