2 Samuel 14:11

"Please," she replied, "may the king invoke the LORD your God to prevent the avenger of blood from increasing the devastation, so that my son may not be destroyed!" "As surely as the LORD lives," he vowed, "not a hair of your son's head will fall to the ground."

Study Bible

Then she said
This phrase introduces the plea of the wise woman of Tekoa, who is speaking to King David. Her words are part of a carefully crafted narrative orchestrated by Joab to reconcile David with his estranged son Absalom. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often implies a declaration or proclamation, indicating the seriousness and intentionality behind her words.

Please may the king invoke
The word "please" (נָא, na) is a polite entreaty, showing respect and deference to the king's authority. The term "invoke" suggests a formal request for the king to call upon divine authority. In ancient Israel, the king was seen as God's representative, and his invocation carried significant weight.

the LORD your God
This phrase emphasizes the personal relationship between David and Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The use of "your God" personalizes the appeal, reminding David of his duty to act justly under God's guidance. The Hebrew name for God here, יהוה (YHWH), is the sacred, covenantal name of God, underscoring the seriousness of the request.

so that the avenger of blood
The "avenger of blood" (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, go'el ha-dam) refers to the family member responsible for avenging the death of a relative, as outlined in the Mosaic Law (Numbers 35:19). This concept was integral to maintaining justice and order in ancient Israelite society, but it also posed challenges for mercy and reconciliation.

will not multiply the destruction
The phrase "multiply the destruction" suggests an escalation of violence and retribution. The Hebrew root for "multiply" (רָבָה, rabah) implies an increase or abundance, highlighting the potential for ongoing bloodshed if the cycle of vengeance is not broken.

and my son will not be destroyed
The plea for her son's life is central to the woman's appeal. The Hebrew word for "destroyed" (שָׁחַת, shachat) conveys a sense of ruin or annihilation. This plea for mercy reflects the broader biblical theme of seeking forgiveness and restoration over judgment and destruction.

'As surely as the LORD lives,'
This oath formula (חַי־יְהוָה, chai-YHWH) is a solemn vow invoking God's eternal nature as a witness to the truth of the statement. It underscores the seriousness and binding nature of David's promise, reflecting the deep-seated belief in God's active presence and justice.

he vowed
The act of vowing (נִשְׁבַּע, nishba) in the Hebrew context is a binding commitment, often made before God. It reflects the weight of David's promise and his intention to uphold it, demonstrating his role as a just and merciful king.

not a hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground
This idiomatic expression signifies complete protection and safety. It reassures the woman of the king's commitment to her son's well-being. The imagery of a single hair not falling emphasizes the thoroughness of the king's promise, reflecting God's meticulous care and protection over His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Woman of Tekoa
A wise woman from Tekoa, instructed by Joab to speak to King David with a parable to persuade him to reconcile with his son Absalom.

2. King David
The King of Israel, who is approached by the woman of Tekoa to secure a promise of protection for her son.

3. Joab
David's military commander who orchestrates the meeting between the woman of Tekoa and King David to bring about reconciliation between David and Absalom.

4. The Avenger of Blood
A concept from the Mosaic Law where a family member seeks justice for the unlawful killing of a relative.

5. Absalom
David's son, who is in exile after killing his brother Amnon, and whom Joab seeks to bring back to Jerusalem.

Teaching Points

The Power of Intercession
The woman of Tekoa's plea demonstrates the importance of interceding on behalf of others, especially in seeking mercy and justice.

God's Mercy and Justice
The passage highlights the balance between justice and mercy, reflecting God's character and His expectations for His people.

The Role of Wisdom in Conflict Resolution
The woman's wise approach to King David serves as a model for resolving conflicts and seeking reconciliation.

The Importance of Oaths and Promises
David's vow underscores the seriousness of making promises before God and the need to uphold them.

Reconciliation and Restoration
The account encourages believers to pursue reconciliation and restoration in relationships, mirroring God's desire for peace among His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the woman's approach to King David demonstrate the power of wise and respectful communication in seeking justice?

2. In what ways does the concept of the avenger of blood in the Old Testament law relate to our understanding of justice and mercy today?

3. How can we apply the principle of intercession in our own lives when advocating for others in need of mercy or justice?

4. What can we learn from King David's response about the importance of keeping our promises, especially those made before God?

5. How does this passage encourage us to pursue reconciliation in our own relationships, and what steps can we take to achieve it?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 35:19
Discusses the role of the avenger of blood in the Mosaic Law, providing context for the woman's plea to King David.

1 Samuel 26:24
David's own experience with seeking mercy and protection from God, paralleling the woman's request for her son.

Matthew 5:7
Jesus' teaching on mercy, which echoes the theme of seeking and granting mercy found in this passage.