Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.
2 SAMUEL 14:11KJVWhat does 2 Samuel 14:11 mean?
2 Samuel 14:11 describes a woman pleading with King David to protect her son from being killed by those seeking revenge for a family death, asking the king to remember the LORD and not allow further bloodshed. David promises, swearing by the LORD, that her son will not be harmed.
In this verse, a woman (sent by Joab to speak to David) is presenting a case to the king, using a story to move David’s heart. She refers to the "revengers of blood," people who would seek to kill her son to avenge a relative’s death, and asks David to intervene. David responds with a solemn oath, assuring her that her son will be safe, which sets up the larger conversation about mercy and justice in David’s own family.
The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 14:11
- "Revengers" (גָּאַל, ga'al): This word means "redeemer" or "avenger," often referring to a family member responsible for seeking justice or vengeance for a slain relative. Here, it highlights the ancient custom of family-based justice.
- "Destroy" (שָׁחַת, shachath) and "destroy" (שָׁמַד, shamad): Two different Hebrew words are used for "destroy" in this verse, emphasizing both the act of harming and the idea of complete elimination. This double use strengthens the woman’s plea for protection.
- "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): The woman appeals to the personal name of God, underlining the seriousness of her request and the moral weight she places on David’s decision.
- "Hair" (שֵׂעָר, se'ar): David’s promise that not "one hair" of her son will fall is a Hebrew way of saying he will be completely safe, using a vivid image for total protection.
Why 2 Samuel 14:11 matters
- This verse helps clarify the ancient practice of blood revenge and the role of the king as a protector and judge who can override family vengeance for the sake of mercy.
- The woman’s appeal to the LORD and David’s oath show the importance of invoking God’s name in matters of justice, highlighting the seriousness of promises made before God.
- Understanding this exchange is key to the wider story, as it sets up David’s later decision about his own son Absalom, showing how personal stories can influence a ruler’s choices.