2 Samuel 14:8

KJV

And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto the woman {H802}, Go {H3212} to thine house {H1004}, and I will give charge {H6680} concerning thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king said to the woman, "Go back home; I myself will decide what to do about you."

Berean Standard Bible

“Go home,” the king said to the woman, “and I will give orders on your behalf.”

American Standard Version

And the king said unto the woman, Go to thy house, and I will give charge concerning thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 14:8 marks a pivotal moment in Joab's intricate scheme to facilitate the return of David's exiled son, Absalom. In this verse, King David responds to the carefully crafted plea of the wise woman of Tekoah, signaling his immediate and compassionate intent to personally intervene and provide royal protection and justice concerning her fictional case. This seemingly simple royal decree is a crucial step in the woman's persuasive strategy, designed to subtly guide David toward a similar act of mercy for his own estranged son.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a highly strategic and manipulative narrative in 2 Samuel 14. Following Absalom's murder of his half-brother Amnon and his subsequent flight to Geshur ([2 Samuel 13:37-39](/2_samuel/13-37 "2 Samuel 13:37-39 - Absalom's Flight to Geshur")), King David mourns but does not act to recall Absalom. Joab, discerning David's unspoken longing for his son, orchestrates a plan involving a "wise woman" from Tekoah. The woman presents a fabricated legal dilemma to David: a widow whose two sons fought, one killing the other, and now the community seeks to execute the remaining son, which would extinguish her family line. David's response in [2 Samuel 14:8](/2_samuel/14-8 "2 Samuel 14:8 - David's Promise to the Woman of Tekoah") indicates his immediate positive reception and willingness to provide royal protection, setting the stage for the woman to pivot from her personal "tragedy" to the king's own domestic predicament concerning Absalom. The narrative tension lies in the dramatic irony, as the audience is aware of the deception while David remains oblivious to its true purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the king served as the supreme judge and final arbiter of justice, a role deeply rooted in the theocratic understanding of leadership. Cases that could not be resolved at lower levels, or those involving complex family and tribal laws, often came before the monarch. The concept of preserving a family line was paramount, as lineage was crucial for inheritance, identity, and the fulfillment of covenant promises. The extinction of a male line was a profound tragedy, often seen as a curse. The "wise woman" (חֲכָמָה, _chakhamah_) was a recognized figure in Israelite society, often consulted for counsel, arbitration, and even prophecy, as seen 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")). Tekoah, a town in Judah known for its wisdom and prophets (e.g., Amos), may have been specifically chosen by Joab to lend credibility to the woman's persona and story. David's immediate response reflects his expected duty to protect the vulnerable and uphold justice, especially for widows and orphans, a recurring theme in Israelite law and prophecy ([Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God defends the cause of the fatherless and widow")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader Davidic narrative. Firstly, **Royal Authority and Justice** are highlighted, as David's statement underscores his executive power and his expected role as the ultimate dispenser of justice and protector of his people. His promise to "give charge" is a formal exercise of his kingly prerogative. Secondly, **Compassion and Mercy** are central; David's immediate inclination to show mercy and offer protection to the seemingly distressed widow and her son reveals a compassionate aspect of his character, even amidst his personal turmoil. This aligns with the ideal of a righteous king who cares for the vulnerable, a theme echoed in the Psalms ([Psalm 72:12-14](/psalm/72-12 "Psalm 72:12-14 - The King's Compassion for the Needy")). Thirdly, the **Art of Persuasion and Wisdom** is powerfully demonstrated through the woman of Tekoah's (and Joab's) strategy. By appealing to David's sense of justice and empathy through a relatable, albeit fictional, parable, they skillfully guide him toward a particular course of action, illustrating the power of indirect communication and strategic influence. Finally, the theme of **Reconciliation and Restoration** is subtly introduced, as David's readiness to restore the "son" in the parable foreshadows the deeper desire for Absalom's return and the healing of the fractured royal family.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go (Hebrew, _לְכִי_):** This imperative, _lekhi_, is a command for the woman to depart, but in this context, it carries an assurance. It's not a dismissal of her plea but a signal that her immediate presence is no longer required because the king has taken the matter into his hands. It implies a sense of resolution and peace for her, as her petition has been heard and accepted.
* **give charge (Hebrew, _אֲצַוֶּה_):** From the root צוה (_tzavah_), meaning "to command," "to order," or "to appoint." This is a strong verb indicating a formal, binding royal instruction or decree. It's not a casual promise but a king's word, implying that David will personally issue orders to his officials or judges to ensure her safety and the resolution of her case. It underscores his direct involvement and the authoritative nature of his commitment.
* **concerning thee (Hebrew, _עָלֶיךָ_):** This prepositional phrase, _aleicha_, meaning "upon you" or "concerning you," emphasizes the direct and personal nature of David's commitment. It signifies that his "charge" will be specifically directed towards her situation, ensuring her protection and the outcome she desires. This personal assurance is key to building the trust necessary for the next phase of Joab's plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said unto the woman":** This opening clause highlights David's direct engagement with the woman's plea. It signifies that her carefully constructed narrative has successfully captured his attention and evoked his kingly response. David, despite his personal grief and political complexities, is attentive to the cries of his subjects.
* **"Go to thine house":** This phrase serves as David's immediate dismissal of the woman from his presence, but it is a dismissal rooted in assurance, not rejection. It implies that she no longer needs to plead her case, as the king has heard and accepted her petition. She can return home with the expectation that her matter will be handled.
* **"and I will give charge concerning thee":** This is the core of David's promise, a formal declaration of royal intervention. It signifies his commitment to personally oversee or delegate the resolution of her case. This authoritative statement demonstrates David's kingly responsibility to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable, and it is precisely the response Joab and the woman sought, setting the stage for the revelation of Absalom's true situation.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative surrounding 2 Samuel 14:8 employs several potent **Literary Devices**. **Dramatic Irony** is paramount, as the audience is fully aware of Joab's elaborate scheme and the woman's true purpose, while King David remains oblivious to the deception. This creates tension and anticipation as David unknowingly walks into the trap. The woman's story itself functions as an **Analogy** or **Parable**, carefully crafted to mirror David's own predicament with Absalom without directly confronting him. This indirect approach allows David to apply principles of justice and mercy to a seemingly detached case before realizing its personal implications. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing** in David's compassionate response; his willingness to intervene for the "widow's son" subtly foreshadows his eventual, albeit reluctant, decision to recall his own son, Absalom. The woman's role as a "wise woman" also introduces **Symbolism**, representing not just a skilled orator but also the wisdom and strategic thinking employed by Joab to navigate a delicate political and familial situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 14:8, while depicting a humanly orchestrated deception, subtly illuminates profound theological themes. David's immediate inclination to administer justice and show mercy, even when manipulated, reflects the divine attributes that a righteous king was meant to embody. God's sovereignty often works through complex human actions, including those that are flawed or deceptive, to bring about His ultimate purposes. Just as David, the earthly king, promises to "give charge" and intervene on behalf of the seemingly helpless, so too does the Heavenly King continually oversee and intervene in the affairs of His people, upholding justice and extending mercy. This passage reminds us that while human wisdom and machinations can be intricate, they ultimately operate within the bounds of God's overarching plan for reconciliation and restoration, even when the path is winding and imperfect.

* [Psalm 82:3](/psalm/82-3 "Psalm 82:3 - Defend the poor and needy")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God works all things for good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The king's response in 2 Samuel 14:8, though part of a strategic deception, offers valuable insights for reflection and application. It underscores the importance of leadership that is attentive to the pleas of its people and committed to upholding justice and extending compassion, particularly to the vulnerable. For believers, this passage challenges us to consider our own roles as advocates for justice and mercy in a broken world. Just as David was moved to "give charge" concerning the woman, we are called to speak up for the marginalized, to defend the defenseless, and to seek equitable solutions in our communities. However, it also highlights the need for discernment, as even good intentions can be manipulated. We are reminded that while human justice is often imperfect and prone to manipulation, God's character is consistently just and merciful. We can trust in His ultimate "charge" concerning His people, knowing that He oversees all things and works for the good of those who love Him, even when the paths He uses are complex or unclear. This passage encourages us to cultivate wisdom in our communication and to seek divine guidance in navigating difficult interpersonal and societal issues, always striving for reconciliation and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's immediate response to the woman's plea reflect both his character and his kingly responsibilities?**
* **In what ways might we, like Joab, be tempted to use indirect or manipulative means to achieve what we perceive as a good outcome, and what are the ethical implications of such actions?**
* **How can we cultivate discernment to recognize when we are being subtly influenced, and how can we respond with wisdom and integrity?**
* **Considering God's sovereignty, how does this narrative, with its human machinations, illustrate that God can work through imperfect circumstances and people to achieve His divine purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why did Joab use a "wise woman" from Tekoah to approach King David instead of directly advocating for Absalom himself?**

Answer: Joab understood David's deep grief and his internal conflict regarding Absalom's return. Directly advocating for Absalom would have been perceived as self-serving or disrespectful of David's authority and judgment. By using a "wise woman" from Tekoah, Joab employed several strategic advantages. Firstly, a woman, especially a widow, could evoke greater empathy and compassion from the king, appealing to his sense of justice for the vulnerable. Secondly, the woman's wisdom and rhetorical skill, for which Tekoah was known, allowed her to craft a compelling, indirect parable that subtly mirrored David's own situation without directly confronting him. This indirect approach allowed David to arrive at a conclusion (the need for mercy and reconciliation) on his own terms, making him more receptive to applying it to Absalom. It also provided David with a face-saving way to reverse his stance on Absalom's exile, as the "wise woman" acted as a neutral party and a perceived voice of the people.

**Was King David truly deceived by the woman of Tekoah's story, or did he suspect her true intentions?**

Answer: Initially, David appears to have been genuinely deceived by the woman's story. His immediate response in [2 Samuel 14:8](/2_samuel/14-8 "2 Samuel 14:8 - David's Promise to the Woman of Tekoah"), promising to "give charge concerning thee," indicates that he took her fictional case at face value and was moved by her plight. However, as the conversation progresses ([2 Samuel 14:9-19](/2_samuel/14-9 "2 Samuel 14:9-19 - The Woman Reveals Her Purpose")), David's discernment begins to kick in. He presses her with questions, eventually asking if "the hand of Joab" is behind this matter ([2 Samuel 14:19](/2_samuel/14-19 "2 Samuel 14:19 - David's Realization")). This suggests that while he was initially taken in by the emotional appeal, his kingly wisdom and understanding of court politics eventually led him to suspect the true orchestrator and the underlying purpose of her visit. The woman's skillful rhetoric, however, allowed her to maintain the facade long enough to achieve her objective.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The intricate narrative of 2 Samuel 14:8, with its themes of justice, mercy, reconciliation, and the return of an exiled son, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, as an earthly king, strives to administer justice and compassion, yet his actions are often flawed and susceptible to manipulation, as seen in this very passage. He is a shadow of the perfect King to come. Jesus, however, is the King of kings who perfectly embodies both justice and mercy ([Psalm 89:14](/psalm/89-14 "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne")). Where David's "charge" was given concerning a fictional case to facilitate a human agenda, Christ's "charge" is a divine decree of salvation for all humanity. He is the ultimate mediator, far surpassing the wise woman of Tekoah, who intercedes for us before the Father, not through a parable or deception, but through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator between God and mankind")). The longing for Absalom's return, a son alienated from his father, foreshadows the greater divine longing for humanity's reconciliation with God, a reconciliation made possible only through Christ's sacrifice ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - God reconciling the world to Himself through Christ")). Just as David desired the restoration of his son, God desires the return of all His "prodigal sons and daughters" ([Luke 15:11-32](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - The Parable of the Lost Son")), and Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life who brings us home to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Christ, we find the perfect King, Judge, and Reconciler, who truly gives charge concerning us, ensuring our eternal safety and restoration.

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

Proverbs 18:13

¶ He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him.

Job 29:16

I [was] a father to the poor: and the cause [which] I knew not I searched out.

2 Samuel 12:5

And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, [As] the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this [thing] shall surely die:

2 Samuel 12:6

And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

2 Samuel 16:4

Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine [are] all that [pertained] unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee [that] I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.

Isaiah 11:3

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

Isaiah 11:4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.