To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

2 SAMUEL 14:20KJV
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2 Samuel 14:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 14:20 mean?

2 Samuel 14:20 explains that Joab arranged for the woman to speak to King David in a certain way, and the woman now praises David’s wisdom, saying he is as wise as an angel of God and knows everything happening in the land. The verse highlights both Joab’s involvement in the plan and David’s reputation for discernment.

The speaker is the wise woman from Tekoa, addressing King David after he sees through her story. Joab, David’s military commander, had sent her to present a made-up case to help David reconsider his banished son Absalom. The woman admits Joab orchestrated her speech and flatters David’s ability to see through the ruse, emphasizing his wisdom and awareness.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 14:20

  • "Form" (פָּנִים, panim): This word often means "face" or "appearance," but here it refers to the manner or style of the woman’s speech, pointing to the carefully crafted approach Joab designed.
  • "Wise" (חָכָם, chakam) and "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokhmah): These words highlight David’s reputation for discernment and insight, not just intelligence but practical judgment in complex situations.
  • "Angel" (מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh) and "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): The comparison to an “angel of God” suggests a superhuman level of perception, showing the high regard people had for David’s ability to understand hidden matters.
  • "Know" (יָדַע, yada): This word means to know or perceive, emphasizing David’s ability to see through appearances and understand what is really happening.

Why 2 Samuel 14:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the woman’s story was not spontaneous but orchestrated by Joab, revealing the lengths Joab would go to influence David’s decisions.
  • The verse underscores David’s reputation for wisdom and discernment, which is a recurring theme in his life and reign.
  • By connecting David’s wisdom to that of an “angel of God,” the verse sets up the expectation that he will act with insight and fairness, which is important for understanding his response to Absalom’s situation.

Where else these words appear

“To” Hebrew H5668 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Exodus 9:16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
  • Exodus 20:20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

“Joab” Hebrew H3097 · used in 124 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
  • 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.
  • 2 Samuel 24:4 Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.

“wise” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

“wisdom” Hebrew H2451 · used in 141 verses

  • Exodus 28:3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
  • Proverbs 29:3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.