CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: The Woman of Tekoa</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_woman_of_tekoa.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/bsb/2_samuel/14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/w/woman.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > The Woman of Tekoa</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/t/the_woman_of_noble_character.htm" title="The Woman of Noble Character">◄</a> The Woman of Tekoa <a href="/topical/t/the_woman_on_the_beast.htm" title="The Woman on the Beast">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The Woman of Tekoa is a significant yet often overlooked figure in the Old Testament, specifically in the narrative found in <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/14.htm">2 Samuel 14</a>. Her account is intricately tied to the events surrounding King David's family, particularly the reconciliation with his estranged son, Absalom. The account of the Woman of Tekoa provides insight into the themes of wisdom, justice, and the complexities of familial relationships within the biblical narrative.<br><br><b>Biblical Account</b><br><br>The account of the Woman of Tekoa is set during the reign of King David. After the murder of Amnon by his brother Absalom, Absalom fled to Geshur and remained in exile for three years. Despite his longing for Absalom, David did not take steps to bring him back. Joab, the commander of David's army, perceived the king's heart towards Absalom and devised a plan to facilitate their reconciliation.<br><br>Joab sought out a wise woman from Tekoa, a town in the hill country of Judah, to present a parable to King David. The woman approached the king with a fabricated account, as instructed by Joab, to elicit a judgment from David that would parallel his situation with Absalom. She claimed to be a widow with two sons, one of whom had killed the other in a field. The avengers of blood sought to execute the surviving son, which would leave her without an heir and extinguish her husband's lineage.<br><br>Moved by her plea, David assured her of protection for her remaining son. The woman then boldly challenged the king, drawing a parallel between her situation and David's estrangement from Absalom. She implored the king to act with mercy and wisdom, saying, "For we will surely die and be like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away life, but He devises means so that the banished one may not be cast out from Him" (<a href="/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14</a>).<br><br>Recognizing the hand of Joab in the woman's words, David agreed to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem, though initially without seeing him face to face.<br><br><b>Character and Significance</b><br><br>The Woman of Tekoa is portrayed as wise and articulate, capable of delivering a complex and emotionally charged message to the king. Her role as a mediator highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in resolving conflicts and restoring relationships. Her account underscores the biblical theme of reconciliation and the lengths to which God goes to restore the estranged.<br><br>Her interaction with David also serves as a reminder of the king's responsibility to administer justice tempered with mercy, reflecting God's own character. The narrative illustrates the tension between justice and mercy, a recurring theme throughout Scripture, and foreshadows the ultimate reconciliation offered through Christ.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Context</b><br><br>Tekoa, the woman's hometown, was a small town in Judah known for its wise inhabitants. The use of a parable to convey a message was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, allowing the speaker to address sensitive issues indirectly. The Woman of Tekoa's account is an example of this rhetorical technique, effectively prompting David to reflect on his own situation.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>The Woman of Tekoa's account invites reflection on the nature of God's justice and mercy. Her words to David, emphasizing God's desire to devise means for the banished to return, echo the redemptive narrative woven throughout the Bible. This account encourages believers to seek reconciliation and to embody the wisdom and compassion that reflect God's heart.<br><br>In summary, the Woman of Tekoa stands as a testament to the power of wisdom and the pursuit of reconciliation, offering a profound lesson on the balance of justice and mercy in the life of faith.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/w/woman.htm">Woman</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman_of_distinction--fair_and_graceful.htm">Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman_of_distinction--fond_of_dress_and_ornaments.htm">Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman_of_distinction--haughty_in_their_deportment.htm">Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman_of_distinction--wore_their_hair_plaited_and_adorned_with_gold_and_pearls.htm">Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman_of_the_poorer_classes_swarthy_from_exposure_to_the_sun.htm">Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman_were_required_to_hear_and_obey_the_law.htm">Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--(at_ease_and_careless)_of_a_state_of_carnal_security.htm">Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--(chaste_and_holy)_of_saints.htm">Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--(delicate)_of_backsliding_israel.htm">Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--(foolish)_of_mere_professors.htm">Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--(forsaken)_of_israel_in_her_captivity.htm">Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--(gloriously_arrayed)_of_the_church_of_christ.htm">Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--(lewd)_of_the_roman_apostasy.htm">Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--(wise)_saints.htm">Woman: (Wise) Saints</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--allowed_to_join_in_the_temple-music_from_the_time_of_david.htm">Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--considered_a_valuable_booty_in_war.htm">Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--curse_pronounced_on.htm">Woman: Curse Pronounced On</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--deceived_by_satan.htm">Woman: Deceived by Satan</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--frequently--active_in_instigating_to_iniquity.htm">Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--frequently--fond_of_self-indulgence.htm">Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--frequently--silly_and_easily_led_into_error.htm">Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--frequently--subtle_and_deceitful.htm">Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--frequently--zealous_in_promoting_superstition_and_idolatry.htm">Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--generally_lived_in_a_separated_apartment_or_tent.htm">Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--generally_wore_a_vail_in_the_presence_of_the_other_sex.htm">Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--good_and_virtuous,_described.htm">Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--had_a_court_of_the_tabernacle_assigned_to_them.htm">Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--led_man_to_disobey_god.htm">Woman: Led Man to Disobey God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--loving_and_affectionate.htm">Woman: Loving and Affectionate</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--often_engaged_in_agriculture.htm">Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--often_engaged_in_attending_funerals_as_mourners.htm">Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--often_engaged_in_celebrating_the_victories_of_the_nation.htm">Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--often_engaged_in_domestic_employments.htm">Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--often_engaged_in_drawing_and_carrying_water.htm">Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--often_engaged_in_embroidery.htm">Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--often_engaged_in_grinding_corn.htm">Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--often_engaged_in_spinning.htm">Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--often_engaged_in_tending_sheep.htm">Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--often_treated_with_great_cruelty_in_war.htm">Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--origin_and_cause_of_the_name.htm">Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--originally_made_by_god_in_his_own_image.htm">Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--originally_made_for_man.htm">Woman: Originally Made for Man</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--originally_made--from_one_of_adam's_ribs.htm">Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--originally_made--subordinate_to_man.htm">Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--originally_made--to_be_an_helpmeet_for_man.htm">Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--originally_made--to_be_the_glory_of_man.htm">Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--punishment_for_injuring,_when_with_child.htm">Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--safety_in_childbirth_promised_to_the_faithful_and_holy.htm">Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--salvation_promised_through_the_seed_of.htm">Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--submissive_and_respectful_to_husbands.htm">Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--tender_and_constant_to_her_offspring.htm">Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--timid.htm">Woman: Timid</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--to_be_governed_by,_considered_a_calamity_by_the_jews.htm">Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--to_be_slain_by,_considered_a_great_disgrace.htm">Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--to_wear_her_hair_long_as_a_covering.htm">Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--unfaithfulness_of,_when_married_found_out_by_the_waters_of.htm">Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--virtuous,_held_in_high_estimation.htm">Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--vows_of,_when_married_not_binding_upon_the_husband.htm">Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--weaker_than_man.htm">Woman: Weaker than Man</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young_of_distinction,_dressed_in_robes_of_various_colours.htm">Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--called_damsels.htm">Woman: Young: Called Damsels</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--called_maids.htm">Woman: Young: Called Maids</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--called_virgins.htm">Woman: Young: Called Virgins</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--could_not_marry_without_consent_of_parents.htm">Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--fond_of_ornaments.htm">Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--gay_and_merry.htm">Woman: Young: Gay and Merry</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--inherited_parents'_property_when_there_was_no_male_heir.htm">Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--kind_and_courteous_to_strangers.htm">Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--not_to_be_given_in_marriage_considered_a_calamity.htm">Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--often_taken_captive.htm">Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--often_treated_with_great_cruelty_in_war.htm">Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--punishment_for_seducing_when_not_betrothed.htm">Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--punishment_for_seducing,_when_betrothed.htm">Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/w/woman--young--required_to_learn_from_and_imitate_their_elders.htm">Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/w/womanizer.htm">Womanizer</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/woman's.htm">Woman's (20 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bloodguiltiness.htm">Bloodguiltiness (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/woman.htm">Woman (4043 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lies.htm">Lies (208 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mankind.htm">Mankind (80 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/abomination.htm">Abomination (78 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/t/the_woman_of_noble_character.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="The Woman of Noble Character"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="The Woman of Noble Character" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/t/the_woman_on_the_beast.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="The Woman on the Beast"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="The Woman on the Beast" /></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="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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>