2 Samuel 14:22

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

In 2 Samuel 14:22, we witness a significant moment in the unfolding drama of King David's family and kingdom. Joab, David's shrewd and powerful army commander, reacts with profound gratitude and deference to King David's decision to allow Absalom, his exiled son, to return to Jerusalem. Joab's prostration and declaration of having "found grace" highlight the success of his carefully orchestrated plan to bring about a partial reconciliation between father and son.

Context

This verse is the climax of Joab's intricate scheme to bring Absalom back from Geshur, where he had fled after murdering his half-brother Amnon (2 Samuel 13:38). King David, despite his anger, deeply longed for Absalom (2 Samuel 13:39). Recognizing David's conflicted emotions, Joab dispatched a wise woman from Tekoa to present a hypothetical case to the king, subtly advocating for Absalom's return. The woman's parable of two brothers and the need to preserve a family line successfully swayed David. When David finally gave Joab the command to "Bring the young man Absalom again," Joab's mission was accomplished. His reaction in this verse signifies his relief and thankfulness that the king granted his underlying request, even if it meant David still would not see Absalom's face immediately (2 Samuel 14:28).

Key Themes

  • Grace and Favor: Joab's declaration, "I have found grace in thy sight," speaks to the king's willingness to grant a significant request, reflecting his favor and approval. This isn't necessarily divine grace but the bestowal of human favor by a sovereign.
  • Strategic Diplomacy and Influence: The entire chapter showcases Joab's masterful manipulation and political acumen. He understood David's heart and devised a complex, indirect approach to achieve his objective, demonstrating the power of indirect influence in royal courts.
  • Reconciliation and Its Limits: While Absalom is permitted to return to Jerusalem, this is only a partial reconciliation. David's continued refusal to see Absalom's face highlights the lingering tension and the incomplete nature of forgiveness, setting the stage for future conflict.
  • Loyalty and Service: From Joab's perspective, his actions were a service to the king, aimed at alleviating David's grief and restoring his family. His deep bow and thanks underscore his position as a loyal (though often ruthless) servant.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "found grace" in Hebrew is matsa chen (מָצָא חֵן), which literally means "to find favor" or "to find charm." It's a common biblical idiom used to express gaining approval or acceptance from someone in a position of authority or influence. Joab uses it here to acknowledge that David has acted favorably towards him by agreeing to the plan for Absalom's return.

Practical Application

This passage offers several insights for contemporary reflection:

  • The Art of Persuasion: Joab's strategy, though manipulative, illustrates the importance of understanding the other person's underlying desires and presenting solutions in a way that resonates with them.
  • The Complexities of Forgiveness: David's decision to allow Absalom's return, yet not to see his face, reflects the often-layered and difficult process of reconciliation, especially within families. True forgiveness can be a journey, not a single event.
  • Leadership and Counsel: Leaders often rely on advisors like Joab to navigate complex situations. While Joab's methods were questionable, his ability to act on the king's unspoken desires was a key aspect of his role.
  • Acknowledging Favor: Joab's immediate and humble gratitude serves as a reminder to acknowledge when others have shown us favor or granted our requests, fostering healthier relationships.
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Cross-References

  • Job 29:11 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 20:3 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Nehemiah 11:2 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 6:8 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 19:39 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.