2 Samuel 14:12
Then the woman said, Let thine handmayd, I pray thee, speake one word vnto my lord the king. And hee said, Say on. 2 Samuel 14:12 (KJV)
In 2 Samuel 14 we encounter a woman from Tekoa who comes before King David to intercede on behalf of his estranged son Absalom. She presents a fabricated story about two men, in which the younger kills the older, to draw attention to the law that the family of the slain would seek revenge against the survivor. By using this illustration she skillfully applies the principle to David’s own situation, urging the king to consider mercy for Absalom.
Verse 12 records the woman’s humble address to David as “my lord the king” and her request to speak. David’s reply, “Say on,” grants her permission to continue her plea. This exchange demonstrates David’s willingness to listen and engage in dialogue with his subjects, reflecting the character of a wise and just ruler who is open to hearing concerns and petitions.
The passage yields several lessons. First, it models openness to dialogue: David’s response reminds believers to cultivate a spirit of openness and to be willing to hear the concerns, needs, and perspectives of others. Second, it highlights wise discernment: although the woman’s story was a fabrication, David’s decision to grant her an audience shows the importance of discerning underlying motivations and seeking God’s wisdom in judgment. Third, it points to God’s grace and mercy: the woman’s plea for mercy and David’s willingness to consider it foreshadow the compassion of the Heavenly Father, who extends grace even when it is not deserved.
Application for daily life includes actively practicing open‑mindedness, seeking opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations, and responding with wisdom and discernment. Believers are also called to extend the same mercy and grace they receive from God to others in their interactions, just as David did with the woman from Tekoa.
Finally, readers are encouraged to study the surrounding verses and consult additional resources to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural background and the broader narrative of 2 Samuel, ensuring a more comprehensive Bible study.
