Bible Commentaries
2 Samuel 14

Introduction

Overview

2 Samuel 14:1, Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah by a parable to incline the king’s heart to fetch home Absalom, brings him to Jerusalem; 2 Samuel 14:25, Absalom’s beauty, hair, and children; 2 Samuel 14:28, After two years, Absalom is brought into the king’s presence by Joab.

Verse 1

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Joab: 2 Samuel 2:18, 1 Chronicles 2:16

toward Absalom: 2 Samuel 13:39, 2 Samuel 18:33, 2 Samuel 19:2, 2 Samuel 19:4, Proverbs 29:26

Verse 2

to Tekoah: Tekoah was a city of Judah, situated, according to Eusebius and Jerome, twelve miles south of Jerusalem. Josephus says it was not far from the castle of Herodium; and Jerome - Prologue to Amos says it stood on a hill six miles south from Bethlehem. Dr. Poccocke places it at the same distance; and says there are still considerable ruins on the top of a hill, which is about half a mile long and a furlong broad. 2 Chronicles 11:6, 2 Chronicles 20:20, Nehemiah 3:5, Nehemiah 3:27, Jeremiah 6:1, Amos 1:1, Tekoa

mourning: 2 Samuel 11:26, Ruth 3:3, Psalms 104:15, Ecclesiastes 9:8, Matthew 6:17

Reciprocal: Genesis 38:19 - laid by her veil 2 Samuel 13:3 - Shimeah 2 Samuel 20:16 - General 2 Samuel 23:26 - Tekoite 1 Kings 14:2 - disguise thyself 1 Kings 20:31 - put sackcloth 1 Kings 20:38 - disguised 1 Kings 22:30 - disguised himself 1 Chronicles 2:24 - Tekoa Luke 7:46 - General Luke 20:20 - feign

Verse 3

put the words: 2 Samuel 14:19, Exodus 4:15, Numbers 23:5, Deuteronomy 18:18, Isaiah 51:16, Isaiah 59:21, Jeremiah 1:9

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 31:19 - put it in their Ezra 8:17 - I told them

Verse 4

fell on her: 2 Samuel 1:2, 1 Samuel 20:41, 1 Samuel 25:23

Help: Heb. Save, 2 Kings 6:26-28, Job 29:12-14, Luke 18:3-5

Reciprocal: Genesis 43:28 - made obeisance 2 Samuel 16:4 - I humbly beseech thee 2 Samuel 18:28 - All is well 2 Kings 8:3 - General Mark 10:35 - we would

Verse 5

I am indeed: It is very possible that the principal incidents mentioned here were real; and that Joab found out a person whose circumstances bore a near resemblance to that which he wished to represent. She did not make the similitude too plain and visible, lest the king should see her intention before she had obtained a grant of pardon; and thus her circumstances, her mournful tale, her widow's dress, her aged person - for Josephus says she was advanced in years and her impressive manner, all combined to make one united irresistible impression on the heart of the aged monarch 2 Samuel 12:1-3, Judges 9:8-15

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:24 - I am Genesis 38:19 - laid by her veil Judges 18:23 - What aileth 1 Kings 20:39 - Thy servant 2 Kings 6:28 - What aileth thee Isaiah 22:1 - What Luke 18:3 - a widow

Verse 6

and they two: Genesis 4:8, Exodus 2:13, Deuteronomy 22:26, Deuteronomy 22:27

none to part: Heb. no deliverer between

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:45 - why Exodus 21:18 - men Judges 18:28 - And there 1 Kings 11:29 - and they two Psalms 7:2 - while Ecclesiastes 4:10 - but

Verse 7

the whole: Genesis 4:14, Numbers 35:19, Deuteronomy 19:12

so they: Genesis 27:45, Deuteronomy 25:6

quench: 2 Samuel 12:17

upon the earth: Heb. upon the face of the earth

Reciprocal: Numbers 35:12 - from the avenger Deuteronomy 19:6 - the avenger 2 Samuel 21:17 - quench Luke 7:12 - the only

Verse 8

I will give: 2 Samuel 12:5, 2 Samuel 12:6, 2 Samuel 16:4, Job 29:16, Proverbs 18:13, Isaiah 11:3, Isaiah 11:4

Verse 9

the iniquity: Genesis 27:13, 1 Samuel 25:24, Matthew 27:25

and the king: 2 Samuel 3:28, 2 Samuel 3:29, Numbers 35:33, Deuteronomy 21:1-9, 1 Kings 2:33

Verse 10

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 16:4 - Behold

Verse 11

let the king: Genesis 14:22, Genesis 24:2, Genesis 24:3, Genesis 31:50, 1 Samuel 20:42

thou: etc. Heb. the revenger of blood do not multiply to destroy

the revengers: Numbers 35:19, Numbers 35:27, Deuteronomy 19:4-10, Joshua 20:3-6

As the Lord: 1 Samuel 14:45, 1 Samuel 28:10, Jeremiah 4:2

not one hair: 1 Kings 1:52, Matthew 10:30, Acts 27:34

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 14:21 - I have done 2 Samuel 16:4 - Behold 2 Kings 25:24 - sware to them 2 Chronicles 20:12 - we have Luke 12:7 - even Luke 21:18 - General

Verse 12

Let thine: 1 Samuel 25:24

speak one word: Genesis 18:27, Genesis 18:32, Genesis 44:18, Jeremiah 12:1

Say on: Acts 26:1

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 20:17 - Hear the words 1 Kings 2:14 - General

Verse 13

Wherefore: 2 Samuel 12:7, 1 Kings 20:40-42, Luke 7:42-44

people: 2 Samuel 7:8, Judges 20:2

in that the king: 2 Samuel 13:37, 2 Samuel 13:38

Verse 14

we must: 2 Samuel 11:25, Job 30:23, Job 34:15, Psalms 90:3, Psalms 90:10, Ecclesiastes 3:19, Ecclesiastes 3:20, Ecclesiastes 9:5, Hebrews 9:27

as water: Job 14:7-12, Job 14:14, Psalms 22:14, Psalms 79:3

neither: etc. or, because God hath not taken away his life, he hath also devised means, etc. God. Deuteronomy 10:17, Job 34:19, Matthew 22:16, Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11, 1 Peter 1:17

he devise: Exodus 21:13, Leviticus 26:40, Numbers 35:15, Numbers 35:25, Numbers 35:28, Isaiah 50:1, Isaiah 50:2

Reciprocal: Genesis 5:5 - and he died Genesis 47:29 - must die Deuteronomy 1:17 - shall not 1 Samuel 7:6 - drew water 2 Samuel 12:1 - unto David 2 Kings 7:4 - we shall but die Job 7:9 - he Job 10:21 - I go whence Psalms 144:4 - his days Ecclesiastes 8:8 - is no Ezekiel 33:11 - I have Mark 13:7 - must Colossians 3:25 - and

Verse 15

Reciprocal: Job 9:23 - he will

Verse 16

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 26:19 - the inheritance

Verse 17

comfortable: Heb. for rest

as an angel: This is very much like the hyperbolical language which is addressed by the Hindoos to an European when they desire to obtain something from him: "Saheb," say they, "can do every thing. No one can prevent the execution of Saheb's commands. Saheb is God." Though the expression may be imputed to the hyperbolical genius of these countries, yet there was, perhaps, more of real persuasion than we are apt to suppose. Sir John Chardin states, that having found fault with the king of Persia's valuation of a rich trinket, the grand master told him that if a Persian had dared to have done such a thing, it would have been as much as his life was worth. "Know," said he, "that the kings of Persia have a general and full knowledge of matters, as sure as it is extensive; and that, equally in the greatest and smallest things, there is nothing more just and sure than what they pronounce." 2 Samuel 14:20, 2 Samuel 19:27, 1 Samuel 29:9, Proverbs 27:21, Proverbs 29:5

to discern: Heb. to hear, 1 Kings 3:9, 1 Kings 3:28, Job 6:30, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 2:15,*marg. Hebrews 5:14

Reciprocal: Exodus 18:19 - God shall 1 Kings 10:3 - hid from the king Job 9:23 - he will Job 32:21 - flattering Isaiah 11:3 - and he shall not Daniel 5:11 - light Zechariah 12:8 - as the 1 Corinthians 2:4 - not Galatians 4:14 - an angel

Verse 18

Hide not: 1 Samuel 3:17, 1 Samuel 3:18, Jeremiah 38:14, Jeremiah 38:25

Verse 19

of Joab: 2 Samuel 3:27, 2 Samuel 3:29, 2 Samuel 3:34, 2 Samuel 11:14, 2 Samuel 11:15, 1 Kings 2:5, 1 Kings 2:6

As thy soul: 2 Samuel 11:11, 1 Samuel 1:26, 1 Samuel 17:55, 1 Samuel 20:3, 1 Samuel 25:26, 2 Kings 2:2

turn: Numbers 20:17, Deuteronomy 5:32, Deuteronomy 28:14, Joshua 1:7, Proverbs 4:27

he put: 2 Samuel 14:3, Exodus 4:15, Luke 21:15

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 17:11 - to the right 2 Samuel 13:3 - Shimeah 2 Samuel 18:13 - for there is no 1 Kings 18:24 - and said Ezra 8:17 - I told them

Verse 20

fetch: 2 Samuel 5:23

according: 2 Samuel 14:17, 2 Samuel 19:27, Job 32:21, Job 32:22, Proverbs 26:28, Proverbs 29:5

to know: Genesis 3:5, Job 38:16-41, 1 Corinthians 8:1, 1 Corinthians 8:2

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 16:18 - and prudent 1 Samuel 29:9 - as an angel 2 Samuel 13:3 - Shimeah 2 Samuel 18:13 - for there is no 1 Kings 10:3 - hid from the king

Verse 21

I have done: 2 Samuel 14:11, 1 Samuel 14:39, Mark 6:26

Verse 22

thanked: Heb. blessed, 2 Samuel 19:39, Nehemiah 11:2, Job 29:11, Job 31:20, Proverbs 31:28

I have found: Genesis 6:8, Exodus 33:16, Exodus 33:17, Ruth 2:2, 1 Samuel 20:3

his: or, thy

Reciprocal: Numbers 32:5 - if we have 2 Samuel 13:25 - blessed 2 Samuel 16:4 - I humbly beseech thee Nehemiah 2:5 - and if thy

Verse 23

Geshur: 2 Samuel 3:3, 2 Samuel 13:37

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 27:8 - the Geshurites 2 Samuel 13:38 - General 2 Samuel 15:8 - Geshur 1 Chronicles 3:2 - Geshur

Verse 24

let him not: 2 Samuel 14:28, 2 Samuel 3:13, Genesis 43:3, Exodus 10:28, Revelation 22:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 33:10 - I have seen 2 Samuel 3:3 - Absalom 1 Kings 1:53 - Go to 1 Kings 2:36 - Build 1 Chronicles 15:1 - houses

Verse 25

But in all Israel: etc. Heb. And as Absalom there was not a beautiful man in all Israel to praise greatly, 1 Samuel 9:2, 1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 31:30, Matthew 23:27

from the sole: Deuteronomy 28:35, Job 2:7, Isaiah 1:6, Ephesians 5:27

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:6 - very Esther 1:11 - fair to look on Psalms 119:96 - I have seen Proverbs 27:21 - so Ezekiel 23:15 - all of Daniel 1:4 - in whom

Verse 26

when he polled: 2 Samuel 18:9, Isaiah 3:24, 1 Corinthians 11:14

two hundred shekels: If the shekel be allowed to mean the common shekel, the amount will be utterly incredible; for Josephus says that "two hundred shekels make five mine" and the mina, he says, "weighs two pounds and a half;" which calculation makes Absalom's hair weigh twelve pounds and a half! But it is probable that the king's shekel was that which Epiphanius and Hesychius say was the fourth part of an ounce, half a stater, or two drachmas: the whole amount, therefore, of the 200 shekels is about 50 ounces, which make 4 lb. 2 oz. troy weight, or 3 lb. 2 oz. avoirdupois. This need not be accounted incredible, especially as abundance of oil and ointment was used by the ancients in dressing their heads. Josephus informs us, that the Jews also put gold dust in their hair. Genesis 23:16, Leviticus 19:36, Ezekiel 45:9-14

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 9:2 - choice

Verse 27

born: 2 Samuel 18:18, Job 18:16-19, Isaiah 14:22, Jeremiah 22:30

Tamar: 2 Samuel 13:1

Verse 28

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and saw not: 2 Samuel 14:24

Reciprocal: Genesis 33:10 - I have seen Genesis 43:3 - see my face 1 Kings 1:53 - Go to 1 Kings 2:36 - Build Matthew 18:10 - behold

Verse 29

but he would: 2 Samuel 14:30, 2 Samuel 14:31, Esther 1:12, Matthew 22:3

Reciprocal: Psalms 8:5 - thou

Verse 30

near mine: Heb. near my place

go and set: 2 Samuel 13:28, 2 Samuel 13:29, Judges 15:4, Judges 15:5

And Absalom's: 1 Kings 21:9-14, 2 Kings 9:33, 2 Kings 10:6, 2 Kings 10:7

Reciprocal: Exodus 22:6 - so that the stacks of corn 2 Samuel 14:29 - but he would 2 Samuel 15:10 - spies

Verse 31

Reciprocal: Exodus 22:6 - so that the stacks of corn 2 Samuel 14:29 - but he would

Verse 32

it had been: Exodus 14:12, Exodus 16:3, Exodus 17:3

if there: Genesis 3:12, 1 Samuel 15:13, Psalms 36:2, Proverbs 28:13, Jeremiah 2:22, Jeremiah 2:23, Jeremiah 8:12, Matthew 25:44, Romans 3:19

Reciprocal: Genesis 33:10 - I have seen Genesis 43:3 - see my face 1 Samuel 20:8 - if there be 1 Samuel 27:8 - the Geshurites 2 Samuel 13:38 - General 2 Samuel 15:8 - Geshur 1 Chronicles 3:2 - Geshur Psalms 55:20 - broken

Verse 33

am 2979, bc 1025, An, Ex, Is, 466

kissed Absalom: Genesis 27:26, Genesis 33:4, Genesis 45:15, Luke 15:20

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 15:5 - and kissed Psalms 55:20 - broken