2 Samuel 14:16
For the king wil heare, to deliuer his handmayd out of the hand of the man that would destroy mee, and my sonne together out of the inheritance of God: 2 Samuel 14:16 (KJV)
This verse occurs in the narrative of 2 Samuel 14, where Joab, the commander of King David’s army, sends a wise woman from Tekoa to intercede before the king. Joab’s strategy was to use a fictional story to stir David’s compassion and to remind him of his own responsibilities toward his estranged son Absalom, who had rebelled against him. The woman, instructed by Joab, pretended to be a widow with two sons; one had killed the other, and she feared that her surviving son would be slain by relatives seeking vengeance. In her plea she says, “For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man that would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God,” appealing directly to the king’s authority to protect the vulnerable and to preserve the divine inheritance promised to God’s people.
Key points to consider:
Protection and Deliverance – The woman’s request underscores the belief that the monarch possesses the power to intervene against injustice and to safeguard those who are threatened. Her appeal is a cry for the king’s justice and mercy.
Inheritance of God – By mentioning the “inheritance of God,” the woman highlights that the danger she faces is not merely personal but also spiritual, threatening the covenant blessings that belong to God’s chosen people.
Appeal to David’s Sense of Justice – The story is crafted to move David toward compassion, encouraging him to act mercifully and to consider reconciliation with Absalom. The narrative demonstrates how wise counsel and compassionate storytelling can influence royal decisions and promote family restoration.
Overall, the passage illustrates the power of earnest pleading for deliverance, the significance of divine inheritance, and the role of wise intermediaries in prompting a king to act justly. As with any biblical text, reading the surrounding verses enriches understanding of the themes of forgiveness, restoration, and the covenantal responsibilities that bind families and nations together.
