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 14:22KJV
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2 Samuel 14:22 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 14:22 mean?

2 Samuel 14:22 describes Joab showing deep respect and gratitude to King David by bowing down to the ground and thanking him. Joab expresses that he now knows he has found favor with the king because David has granted his request.

Joab, David’s military commander, is speaking to King David after David agrees to Joab’s plan regarding Absalom’s return. The verse highlights Joab’s relief and appreciation, as he recognizes that the king’s decision is a sign of trust and approval. This moment shows the importance of favor and loyalty in the relationship between a king and his servant.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 14:22

  • חֵן (ḥēn, "grace" or "favor"): This word means more than just kindness; it carries the sense of being accepted or approved by someone in authority. Joab is acknowledging that David’s response shows he is in the king’s good graces.
  • בָּרַךְ (bāraḵ, "thanked" or "blessed"): The word used for "thanked" is often translated as "blessed," which can imply both gratitude and a formal acknowledgment of the king’s generosity.
  • עָשָׂה (ʿāśāh, "fulfilled" or "done"): This word means to accomplish or carry out, emphasizing that David has actively responded to Joab’s request, not just agreed in principle.

Why 2 Samuel 14:22 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Joab’s actions were not just about personal ambition but also about restoring a relationship between David and Absalom, which had broader implications for the kingdom.
  • The repeated mention of Joab as a "servant" and David as "my lord, O king" underlines the formal hierarchy and the humility expected of those serving the king.
  • This verse marks a turning point in the narrative, as Joab’s intervention leads to Absalom’s return, setting up significant events that follow in David’s family and reign.

Where else these words appear

“grace” Hebrew H2580 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
  • Numbers 11:11 And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?
  • Esther 8:5 And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces:

“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 14:21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
  • 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.