Joab seeks an object lesson for King David to encourage him to reconcile with his estranged son, Absalom. Joab sends for a wise woman from Tekoa and coaches her what to say to the king.
The story she skillfully shares with the king—of how one son killed the other and is now on the run—is a ruse. Claiming that her surviving son is being sought for murder, she seeks the king’s protection. Her pretend story parallels David’s real life situation of Absalom killing Amon and then fleeing to another country.
With increasing urgency, three times she asks for David’s support. Three times he promises his protection, each time with increased fervency.
Then, with boldness, she connects her story to King David’s, asking him to follow his own advice and apply it to his estranged son. David suspects Joab’s hand in this and tells Joab to arrange for Absalom’s return.
Playing her part brilliantly, the wise woman from Tekoa sets in motion the homecoming of Absalom. Thanks to her, Joab’s plan works.
With tact and intelligence, we can influence those in leadership. What should we give our voice to?
[Discover more about the wise woman from Tekoa in 2 Samuel 14:1–20.]
Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in audiobook, e-book, paperback, and hardcover.
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.
