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Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/14-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/10_2Sa_14_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 14:2 - Absalom's Return to Jerusalem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. 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He said to her, &#8220Pretend you are in mourning. Dress in mourning clothes, and don&#8217t use any cosmetic lotions. Act like a woman who has spent many days grieving for the dead. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> So he sent for a woman from Tekoa who had a reputation for great wisdom. He said to her, “Pretend you are in mourning; wear mourning clothes and don’t put on lotions. Act like a woman who has been mourning for the dead for a long time. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman and said to her, “Pretend to be a mourner and put on mourning garments. Do not anoint yourself with oil, but behave like a woman who has been mourning many days for the dead. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/14.htm">King James Bible</a> And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead: <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/14.htm">New King James Version</a> And Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman, and said to her, “Please pretend to be a mourner, and put on mourning apparel; do not anoint yourself with oil, but act like a woman who has been mourning a long time for the dead. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So Joab sent a messenger to Tekoa and brought a wise woman from there, and said to her, “Please follow mourning rites, and put on mourning garments now, and do not anoint yourself with oil but be like a woman who has been mourning for the dead for many days. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> So Joab sent to Tekoa and brought a wise woman from there and said to her, &#8220Please pretend to be a mourner, and put on mourning garments now, and do not anoint yourself with oil, but be like a woman who has been mourning for the dead many days; <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So Joab sent to Tekoa and brought a wise woman from there and said to her, “Please pretend to be a mourner, and put on mourning garments now, and do not anoint yourself with oil, but be like a woman who has been mourning for the dead many days; <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So Joab sent to Tekoa and brought a wise woman from there and said to her, “Please pretend to be a mourner, and put on mourning garments now, and do not anoint yourself with oil, but be like a woman who has been mourning for the dead many days; <a href="/amp/2_samuel/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So Joab sent word to Tekoa and had a wise woman brought from there and told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner, and put on mourning clothes, and do not anoint yourself with oil, but act like a woman who has for many days been in mourning for the dead. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So Joab sent someone to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Pretend to be in mourning: dress in mourning clothes and don’t put on any oil. Act like a woman who has been mourning for the dead for a long time. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So Joab sent someone to Tekoa to bring a clever woman from there. He told her, &#8220Pretend to be in mourning: dress in mourning clothes and don&#8217t put on any oil. Act like a woman who has been mourning for the dead for a long time. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Joab sent to Tekoa, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on mourning apparel, I pray thee, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that hath a long time mourned for the dead: <a href="/erv/2_samuel/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Joab sent to Tekoa, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on mourning apparel, I pray thee, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead: <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So Joab sent [someone] to Tekoa to get a clever woman from there. He told her, "Please act like a mourner, and dress in mourning clothes. Don't rub olive oil on yourself, but act like a woman who has been mourning for the dead for a long time. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> so he sent for a clever woman who lived in Tekoa. When she arrived, he said to her, "Pretend that you are in mourning; put on your mourning clothes, and don't comb your hair. Act like a woman who has been in mourning for a long time. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> so he sent messengers to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, "Please play the role of a mourner, wear the clothes of a mourner, and refrain from using makeup. Act like a woman who's been in mourning for the dead for many days. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, ?Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time. <a href="/net/2_samuel/14.htm">NET Bible</a> So Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman. He told her, "Pretend to be in mourning and put on garments for mourning. Don't anoint yourself with oil. Instead, act like a woman who has been mourning for the dead for some time. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> he sent to Tekoa and brought a wise woman from there, and said to her, "Please pretend to be a mourner, and put on mourning clothing, and do not anoint yourself with oil, but behave as a woman who has been mourning for the dead a long time. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Joab sent to Tekoah, and brought thence a wise woman, and said to her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead: <a href="/web/2_samuel/14.htm">World English Bible</a> Joab sent to Tekoa and brought a wise woman from there, and said to her, “Please act like a mourner, and put on mourning clothing, please, and don’t anoint yourself with oil; but be as a woman who has mourned a long time for the dead. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Joab sends to Tekoah, and takes a wise woman from there, and says to her, “Please feign yourself a mourner, and now put on garments of mourning, and do not anoint yourself with oil, and you have been as a woman mourning for the dead [for] these many days, <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Joab sendeth to Tekoah, and taketh thence a wise woman, and saith unto her, 'Feign thyself a mourner, I pray thee, and put on, I pray thee, garments of mourning, and anoint not thyself with oil, and thou hast been as a woman these many days mourning for the dead, <a href="/slt/2_samuel/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Joab will send to Tekoah and take from thence a wise woman, and he will say to her, Thou shalt mourn, and put on now garments of mourning, and thou shalt not be anointed with oil, and be thou as a woman this many days mourning for the dead:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Sent to Thecua, and fetched from thence a wise woman: and said to her: Feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on mourning apparel, and be not anointed with oil, that thou mayest be as a woman that had a long time been mourning for one dead. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> so he sent to Tekoa, and he brought from there a wise woman. And he said to her: “Feign that you are in mourning, and put on the clothing of one who mourns. And do not anoint yourself with oil, so that you may be like a woman who is still grieving for someone who died some time ago. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/14.htm">New American Bible</a> Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman, to whom he said: “Pretend to be in mourning. Put on mourning apparel and do not anoint yourself with oil, that you may appear to be a woman who has long been mourning someone dead. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman. He said to her, “Pretend to be a mourner; put on mourning garments, do not anoint yourself with oil, but behave like a woman who has been mourning many days for the dead.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched from thence a wise woman and said to her, Pretend to be a mourner and put on mourning apparel, and do not anoint yourself with oil, but be as a woman who has been mourning many days for the dead; <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Yuab sent to Teqoa and he took from there a wise woman and he said to her: “Make lamentation and wear a garment of mourning and you shall not anoint yourself with oil, and be like a woman who has been mourning now many days over one who is dead<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Joab sent to Tekoa, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her: 'I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on mourning apparel, I pray thee, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead; <a href="/sep/2_samuel/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Joab sent to Thecoe, and took thence a cunning woman, and said to her, Mourn, I pray thee, and put on mourning apparel, and anoint thee not with oil, and thou shalt be as a woman mourning for one that is dead thus for many days. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/14-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=3652" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Absalom's Return to Jerusalem</a> 1Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. 2<a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">So Joab</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/8620.htm" title="8620: tə·qō·w·‘āh (N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- A city in Judah. A form of taqowa'; Tekoa, a place in Palestine.">to Tekoa</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">to bring</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥă·ḵā·māh (Adj-fs) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">a wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·šāh (N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: miš·šām (Prep-m:: Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">from there.</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">He told her,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·hā (Prep:: 3fs) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">“Please</a> <a href="/hebrew/56.htm" title="56: hiṯ·’ab·bə·lî- (V-Hitpael-Imp-fs) -- To mourn. A primitive root; to bewail.">pretend to be a mourner;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3847.htm" title="3847: wə·liḇ·šî- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-fs) -- Or labesh; a primitive root; properly, wrap around, i.e. to put on a garment or clothe, literally or figuratively.">put on</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/899.htm" title="899: ḇiḡ·ḏê- (N-mpc) -- A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage. From bagad; a covering, i.e. Clothing; also treachery or pillage.">clothes</a> <a href="/hebrew/60.htm" title="60: ’ê·ḇel (N-ms) -- Mourning. From 'abal; lamentation.">for mourning</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">and do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5480.htm" title="5480: tā·sū·ḵî (V-Qal-Imperf-2fs) -- To pour (in anointing), anoint. A primitive root; properly, to smear over, i.e. Anoint.">anoint yourself</a> <a href="/hebrew/8081.htm" title="8081: še·men (N-ms) -- Fat, oil. From shaman; grease, especially liquid; figuratively, richness.">with oil.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yîṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">Act</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: kə·’iš·šāh (Prep-k:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">like a woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/56.htm" title="56: miṯ·’ab·be·leṯ (V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-fs) -- To mourn. A primitive root; to bewail.">who has mourned</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mêṯ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">the dead</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bîm (Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">a long</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">time.</a> 3Then go to the king and speak these words to him.” And Joab put the words in her mouth.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/12-1.htm">2 Samuel 12:1-7</a> Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. / The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, / but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. ... <a href="/1_kings/3-16.htm">1 Kings 3:16-28</a> At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. / One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. / On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us. ... <a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10-31</a> A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. ... <a href="/esther/5-1.htm">Esther 5:1-8</a> On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. / As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. / “What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.” ... <a href="/genesis/27-15.htm">Genesis 27:15-17</a> And Rebekah took the finest clothes in the house that belonged to her older son Esau, and she put them on her younger son Jacob. / She also put the skins of the young goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. / Then she handed her son Jacob the tasty food and bread she had made. <a href="/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23-31</a> When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. / She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. / My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. ... <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1-8</a> Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: / “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. / And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ ... <a href="/john/7-24.htm">John 7:24</a> Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.” <a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Acts 23:6</a> Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” <a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Romans 16:19</a> Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">1 Corinthians 14:20</a> Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. <a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a> But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. <a href="/1_peter/3-3.htm">1 Peter 3:3-4</a> Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. <a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">1 Kings 1:11-14</a> Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king, and our lord David does not know it? / Now please, come and let me advise you. Save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. / Go at once to King David and say, ‘My lord the king, did you not swear to your maidservant, “Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched there a wise woman, and said to her, I pray you, feign yourself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not yourself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:<a href="/2_chronicles/11-6.htm">2 Chronicles 11:6</a> He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,<a href="/2_chronicles/20-20.htm">2 Chronicles 20:20</a> And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.<a href="/nehemiah/3-5.htm">Nehemiah 3:5,27</a> And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord… Tekoa <a href="/2_samuel/11-26.htm">2 Samuel 11:26</a> And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.<a href="/ruth/3-3.htm">Ruth 3:3</a> Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.<a href="/psalms/104-15.htm">Psalm 104:15</a> And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/6-7.htm">Act</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-3.htm">Anoint</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-20.htm">Apparel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-31.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-39.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-5.htm">Feign</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-27.htm">Fetched</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-1.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-37.htm">Mourned</a> <a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Mourner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-27.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-7.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-26.htm">Please</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Pretend</a> <a href="/amos/1-1.htm">Tekoa</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-9.htm">Tekoah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-2.htm">Thence</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-5.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-38.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-3.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/2-6.htm">Act</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-34.htm">Anoint</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-8.htm">Apparel</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-5.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-5.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-45.htm">Feign</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-13.htm">Fetched</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-3.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-30.htm">Mourned</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-7.htm">Mourner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-1.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-1.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-11.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-45.htm">Pretend</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-4.htm">Tekoa</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-4.htm">Tekoah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">Thence</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-13.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-26.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-20.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 14</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/14-1.htm">Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah to incline the king's heart to fetch Absalom,</a> 21. <a href="/2_samuel/14-21.htm">brings him home to Jerusalem</a> 25. <a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">Absalom's beauty, hair, and children</a> 28. <a href="/2_samuel/14-28.htm">After two years, Absalom is brought into the king's presence by Joab</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Joab, the commander of King David's army, is a key figure in the narrative of 2 Samuel. His decision to send for a wise woman from Tekoa reflects his strategic thinking and understanding of human nature. Tekoa was a town located about 10 miles south of Jerusalem, known for its wisdom and possibly its prophetic tradition, as the prophet Amos also hailed from there (<a href="/amos/1.htm">Amos 1:1</a>). The term "wise woman" suggests someone with insight, discernment, and possibly experience in matters of justice or mediation, which were highly valued in ancient Israelite society. This action by Joab indicates his intention to use wisdom and cunning to influence King David's decision regarding Absalom, David's estranged son.He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; Joab instructs the woman to take on the role of a mourner, which in ancient Israelite culture involved specific behaviors and appearances. Mourning was a significant cultural practice, often involving public displays of grief, such as wearing sackcloth, putting ashes on one's head, and wailing. By asking her to pretend, Joab is orchestrating a scenario to evoke a particular emotional response from David, highlighting Joab's understanding of the king's compassionate nature. This act of pretending also foreshadows the parables and stories used by prophets like Nathan (<a href="/2_samuel/12.htm">2 Samuel 12:1-7</a>) to convey deeper truths or prompt self-reflection.put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. The instruction to wear mourning clothes and refrain from anointing with oil is significant. Mourning clothes were typically rough garments, such as sackcloth, symbolizing distress and humility. Anointing with oil was a common practice for personal grooming and refreshment, often associated with joy and celebration (<a href="/psalms/23-5.htm">Psalm 23:5</a>, <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:8</a>). By avoiding oil, the woman would present herself as someone in deep, prolonged grief, enhancing the authenticity of her role. This detail underscores the cultural importance of external appearances in conveying one's internal state and the lengths to which Joab is willing to go to achieve his aims.Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time. This phrase emphasizes the depth and duration of the mourning the woman is to portray. In the ancient Near East, prolonged mourning was not uncommon, especially for significant losses. The portrayal of extended grief would likely elicit sympathy and attention, making the woman's story more compelling to David. This tactic of using a prolonged mourning scenario is reminiscent of other biblical narratives where individuals use storytelling or role-playing to reveal truths or influence decisions, such as the prophet Nathan's confrontation with David over his sin with Bathsheba. The use of a wise woman in this context also subtly points to the role of women in biblical narratives as conveyors of wisdom and truth, often in unexpected ways.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a> The commander of King David's army, known for his strategic mind and sometimes ruthless actions. He plays a pivotal role in the reconciliation between David and his son Absalom. 2. <a href="/topical/t/tekoa.htm">Tekoa</a> A town in Judah, known for its wise inhabitants. It is the hometown of the prophet Amos and is located about 10 miles south of Jerusalem. 3. <a href="/topical/w/wise_woman.htm">Wise Woman</a> An unnamed woman from Tekoa, chosen by Joab for her wisdom and ability to convincingly portray a mourner. Her role is crucial in delivering Joab's message to King David. 4. <a href="/topical/m/mourning.htm">Mourning</a> The act of expressing grief, often through specific attire and behavior. In this context, it is used as a ruse to gain King David's attention and sympathy. 5. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the underlying reason for Joab's actions. Absalom is David's son, estranged from his father after killing his brother Amnon.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_wisdom_in_conflict_resolution.htm">The Role of Wisdom in Conflict Resolution</a> The wise woman of Tekoa demonstrates how wisdom can be used to navigate complex situations and bring about reconciliation. In our lives, seeking wise counsel can help resolve conflicts and restore relationships. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_persuasion_and_influence.htm">The Power of Persuasion and Influence</a> Joab's use of the woman's persuasive abilities shows the impact of influence. As Christians, we should be mindful of how we use our influence and ensure it aligns with godly principles. <a href="/topical/t/the_ethics_of_deception.htm">The Ethics of Deception</a> This passage raises questions about the morality of using deception for a perceived good. It challenges us to consider the ethical implications of our actions and to seek truthfulness in our dealings. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_reconciliation.htm">The Importance of Reconciliation</a> Joab's actions, though deceptive, aim to reconcile David and Absalom. This underscores the biblical principle of reconciliation and the lengths we might go to restore broken relationships.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 14</a> <a href="/q/does_joab's_ruse_reveal_a_plot_hole.htm">2 Samuel 14:2–3: Does Joab’s use of a disguised woman to deceive David suggest a narrative hole, since such a ruse seems unlikely to fool a king? </a> <a href="/q/what_is_tekoa's_biblical_significance.htm">What is Tekoa's biblical significance?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_david_use_subterfuge_for_absalom.htm">2 Samuel 14:21–24: Why would David, a supposedly just king, rely on subterfuge rather than open negotiation to resolve Absalom’s banishment? </a> <a href="/q/2_samuel_14_5-11__is_this_story_deceptive.htm">2 Samuel 14:5-11: How does this fabricated story align with Mosaic laws requiring genuine judicial proceedings, and isn't it deceptive manipulation of a royal decree?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Tekoah.--A village on a high hill five miles south of Bethlehem, the home of the prophet Amos. It was also the native place of Ira, one of David's thirty heroes (<a href="/2_samuel/23-26.htm" title="Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,">2Samuel 23:26</a>), and was near enough to Bethlehem, the home of Joab, for him to have had personal knowledge of this "wise woman." There is no ground whatever for suspecting her of being a "witch," or in any way disreputable.The parable that follows was contrived by Joab, yet also required skill and address on the part of the woman. It is purposely made not too closely parallel to the case of Absalom, lest it should defeat its own object. In general it needs no comment.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Tekoah. This town, famous as the birthplace of the Prophet Amos, lay upon the borders of the great wilderness southeast of Jerusalem. As it was only five miles to the south of Bethlehem, Joab's birthplace, he had probably often heard tales of this woman's intelligence; and, though he contrived the parable himself, yet it would need tact and adroitness on the woman's part to give the tale with tragic effect, and answer the king's questions with all the signs of genuine emotion. If her acting was bad, the king would see through the plot, and only by great skill would his heart be so moved as to three him to some such expression of feeling as would serve Joab's purpose. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/14-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So Joab יוֹאָב֙ (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites sent וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out to Tekoa תְּק֔וֹעָה (tə·qō·w·‘āh) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8620.htm">Strong's 8620: </a> Tekoa -- a city in Judah to bring וַיִּקַּ֥ח (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take a wise חֲכָמָ֑ה (ḥă·ḵā·māh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> Wise woman אִשָּׁ֣ה (’iš·šāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female from there. מִשָּׁ֖ם (miš·šām) Preposition-m | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither He told her, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Please נָ֞א (nā) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> I pray', 'now', 'then' pretend to be a mourner; הִֽתְאַבְּלִי־ (hiṯ·’ab·bə·lî-) Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_56.htm">Strong's 56: </a> To bewail put on וְלִבְשִׁי־ (wə·liḇ·šî-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3847.htm">Strong's 3847: </a> Wrap around, to put on a, garment, clothe clothes בִגְדֵי־ (ḇiḡ·ḏê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_899.htm">Strong's 899: </a> A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage for mourning אֵ֗בֶל (’ê·ḇel) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_60.htm">Strong's 60: </a> Lamentation and do not וְאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not anoint yourself תָּס֙וּכִי֙ (tā·sū·ḵî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5480.htm">Strong's 5480: </a> To pour (in anointing), anoint with oil. שֶׁ֔מֶן (še·men) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8081.htm">Strong's 8081: </a> Grease, liquid, richness Act וְהָיִ֕ית (wə·hā·yîṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be like a woman כְּאִשָּׁ֗ה (kə·’iš·šāh) Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female who has mourned מִתְאַבֶּ֖לֶת (miṯ·’ab·be·leṯ) Verb - Hitpael - Participle - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_56.htm">Strong's 56: </a> To bewail for עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the dead מֵֽת׃ (mêṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill a long רַבִּ֔ים (rab·bîm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> Much, many, great time. יָמִ֣ים (yā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/14-2.htm">2 Samuel 14:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/14-2.htm">2 Samuel 14:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/14-2.htm">2 Samuel 14:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/14-2.htm">2 Samuel 14:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/14-2.htm">2 Samuel 14:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/14-2.htm">2 Samuel 14:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/14-2.htm">2 Samuel 14:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/14-2.htm">2 Samuel 14:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/14-2.htm">2 Samuel 14:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/14-2.htm">2 Samuel 14:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-2.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 14:2 Joab sent to Tekoa and fetched there (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/14-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 14:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 14:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/14-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 14:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 14:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>