2 Samuel 14:5

And the king said vnto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead. 2 Samuel 14:5 (KJV)

2 Samuel 14 is part of the narrative that follows Absalom’s return to Jerusalem after being banished for killing his half‑brother Amnon. Joab, the commander of David’s army, sends a wise woman from Tekoa to the king in an effort to persuade David to reconcile with Absalom.

In this verse the wise woman presents herself before King David and declares that she is a widow, emphasizing her vulnerable and dependent state because of her husband’s death. By portraying herself as a widow, she seeks to appeal to David’s sense of justice and mercy, using a fabricated scenario as a parable.

David, being a compassionate king, asks the woman what troubles her. This demonstrates his willingness to listen and address the concerns of those who come before him, showing that he is open to hearing her plea and is concerned about her situation.

Some readers view this encounter as a literary device that reflects the strained relationship between David and Absalom. The woman’s plea for mercy and restoration can be seen as echoing Absalom’s desire to be reinstated in his father’s favor, and the parable mirrors the circumstances surrounding the conflict between the brothers.

The passage highlights the importance of reconciliation and the potential for healing broken relationships. It presents an opportunity for David to display forgiveness and restoration, both as a king and as a father, inviting consideration of forgiveness and restoration within both royal and familial contexts.