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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//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" /><title>2 Samuel 14:4 When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, "Help me, O king!"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/14-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/10_2Sa_14_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 14:4 - Absalom's Return to Jerusalem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, Help me, O king!" /><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><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="/vmenus/2_samuel/14-4.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="/bmc/2_samuel/14-4.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="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 4</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><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/14-3.htm" title="2 Samuel 14:3">◄</a> 2 Samuel 14:4 <a href="/2_samuel/14-5.htm" title="2 Samuel 14:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/14.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell with her face to the ground to pay him honor, and she said, &#8220Help me, Your Majesty!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the woman from Tekoa approached the king, she bowed with her face to the ground in deep respect and cried out, “O king! Help me!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When the woman of Tekoa came to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and paid homage and said, “Save me, O king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself, and said, “Help, O king!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself, and said, “Help, O king!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself and said, &#8220Help, O king.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself and said, “Help, O king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, and she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself and said, “Save, O king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she bowed with her face to the ground and lay herself down, and said, “Help, O king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the woman from Tekoa came to the king, she fell facedown to the ground, paid homage, and said, “Help me, Your Majesty! ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the woman from Tekoa came to the king, she fell with her face to the ground in homage and said, &#8220Help me, my king!"&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when the woman of Tekoa spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The woman from Tekoa went to David. She bowed very low and said, "Your Majesty, please help me!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when the woman of Tekoa spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The woman from Tekoa came to the king and immediately bowed down with her face touching the ground. "Help [me], Your Majesty," she said. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The woman went to the king, bowed down to the ground in respect, and said, "Help me, Your Majesty!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the woman from Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, prostrating herself to address him, "Help, your majesty!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, ?Help me, O king!?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So the Tekoan woman went to the king. She bowed down with her face to the ground in deference to him and said, "Please help me, O king!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And the woman of Tekoa went to the king, and she bowed down with her face to the ground and showed respect, and said, "Help, O king."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when the woman of Tekoah spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, showed respect, and said, “Help, O king!” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the woman of Tekoah speaks to the king, and falls on her face to the earth, and pays respect, and says, “Save, O king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the woman of Tekoah speaketh unto the king, and falleth on her face to the earth, and doth obeisance, and saith, 'Save, O king.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the woman, the Tekoite, will speak to the king and fall upon her face to the earth, and worship him, and say, Save, O king!<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when the woman of Thecua was come in to the king, she fell before him upon the ground, and worshipped, and said: Save me, O king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so, when the woman of Tekoa had entered to the king, she fell before him on the ground, and she reverenced, and she said, “Save me, O king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So the woman of Tekoa went to the king and fell to the ground in homage, saying, “Help, O king!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the woman of Tekoa came to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and did obeisance, and said, “Help, O king!”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when the woman of Tekoah came to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance and said, Deliver me, O my lord the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Tequoan woman entered to the King, and she fell on her face on the ground, and she worshiped the King, and she said: “Save me, my Lord the King!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and prostrated herself, and said: 'Help, O king.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So the woman of Thecoe went in to the king and fell upon her face to the earth, and did him obeisance, and said, Help, O king, help.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/14-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=3678" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Absalom's Return to Jerusalem</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Then go to the king and speak these words to him.” And Joab put the words in her mouth. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: hā·’iš·šāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">When the woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/8621.htm" title="8621: hat·tə·qō·‘îṯ (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Inhab. of Tekoa. Or Tqo iy; patronymically from Tqowa'; a Tekoite or inhabitant of Tekoah.">from Tekoa</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">went to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: wat·tip·pōl (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">she fell</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’ap·pe·hā (N-mdc:: 3fs) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">facedown</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7812.htm" title="7812: wat·tiš·tā·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to depress, i.e. Prostrate.">in homage</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: hō·wō·ši·‘āh (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">“Help me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">O king!”</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>“What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-1.htm">2 Samuel 12:1-7</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-16.htm">1 Kings 3:16-28</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/13-39.htm">2 Samuel 13:39</a></span><br />And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">2 Samuel 18:33</a></span><br />The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-4.htm">2 Samuel 19:4</a></span><br />But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/13-1.htm">2 Samuel 13:1-2</a></span><br />After some time, David’s son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom. / Amnon was sick with frustration over his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed implausible for him to do anything to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/13-21.htm">2 Samuel 13:21</a></span><br />When King David heard all this, he was furious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/13-37.htm">2 Samuel 13:37-38</a></span><br />Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day. / After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">2 Samuel 15:1-6</a></span><br />Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. / He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” / Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-9.htm">2 Samuel 20:9-10</a></span><br />“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. / Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">Matthew 18:23-35</a></span><br />Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. / As he began the settlements, a debtor owing ten thousand talents was brought to him. / Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11-32</a></span><br />Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. / The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. / After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-3.htm">John 8:3-11</a></span><br />The scribes and Pharisees, however, brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before them / and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. / In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a></span><br />Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14-15</a></span><br />For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when the woman of Tekoah spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.</p><p class="hdg">fell on her</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm">2 Samuel 1:2</a></b></br> It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and <i>so</i> it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">1 Samuel 20:41</a></b></br> <i>And</i> as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of <i>a place</i> toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-23.htm">1 Samuel 25:23</a></b></br> And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,</p><p class="hdg">Help [heb] Save</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/6-26.htm">2 Kings 6:26-28</a></b></br> And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/29-12.htm">Job 29:12-14</a></b></br> Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and <i>him that had</i> none to help him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/18-3.htm">Luke 18:3-5</a></b></br> And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/13-31.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">Face</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-2.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-31.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-19.htm">Help</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-26.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-3.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-3.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-6.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">Prostrated</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-3.htm">Save</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-19.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-2.htm">Tekoa</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/11-6.htm">Teko'a</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-2.htm">Tekoah</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/14-11.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-20.htm">Face</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-12.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-12.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-22.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-14.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">Help</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-16.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-19.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-5.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-22.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-7.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-22.htm">Prostrated</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-16.htm">Save</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-10.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-9.htm">Tekoa</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-9.htm">Teko'a</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-9.htm">Tekoah</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/14-1.htm">Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah to incline the king's heart to fetch Absalom,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/14-21.htm">brings him home to Jerusalem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">Absalom's beauty, hair, and children</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/14-28.htm">After two years, Absalom is brought into the king's presence by Joab</a></span><br></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'; </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> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When the woman from Tekoa went to the king</b><br>Tekoa was a town in Judah, located about 10 miles south of Jerusalem. It was known for its wise inhabitants, as seen in the prophet Amos, who was also from Tekoa. The woman from Tekoa was sent by Joab, David's military commander, to present a parable to King David. This reflects the use of intermediaries and parables in ancient Near Eastern cultures to convey messages to rulers. The choice of a woman from Tekoa highlights the strategic use of wisdom and diplomacy in addressing the king.<p><b>she fell facedown in homage</b><br>Falling facedown was a common gesture of respect and submission in ancient cultures, especially when approaching a king. This act of homage signifies the woman's recognition of the king's authority and her plea for his favor. It reflects the hierarchical nature of society at the time, where kings were seen as God's appointed rulers, deserving of reverence and obedience.<p><b>and said, “Help me, O king!”</b><br>The plea for help indicates a desperate situation, often used in biblical narratives to elicit compassion and action from the listener. In this context, the woman's cry for help is part of Joab's plan to persuade David to reconcile with his estranged son Absalom. This phrase echoes other biblical instances where individuals cry out to God or a king for deliverance, such as in the Psalms. It underscores the theme of seeking justice and mercy from those in power, a recurring motif in the biblical text.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_woman_from_tekoa.htm">The Woman from Tekoa</a></b><br>A wise woman sent by Joab to King David to present a parable that would lead to the reconciliation between David and his son Absalom. Tekoa was a town in Judah, known for its wise inhabitants.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a></b><br>The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God but also for his personal and familial struggles. At this point, he is dealing with the estrangement from his son Absalom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a></b><br>The commander of David's army, who orchestrates the plan to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem by using the woman from Tekoa to appeal to David's sense of justice and mercy.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a></b><br>David's son, who had fled to Geshur after killing his brother Amnon. His relationship with David is strained, and Joab seeks to reconcile them.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/tekoa.htm">Tekoa</a></b><br>A town in Judah, south of Jerusalem, known for its strategic location and wise inhabitants, including the prophet Amos.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_parables.htm">The Power of Parables</a></b><br>Parables are a powerful tool for conveying truth and prompting introspection. Just as Nathan used a parable to convict David, the woman from Tekoa uses one to appeal to his heart.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/approaching_authority_with_respect.htm">Approaching Authority with Respect</a></b><br>The woman's approach to David, falling facedown in homage, demonstrates the importance of respect and humility when addressing those in authority.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_intercessors.htm">The Role of Intercessors</a></b><br>Joab's use of the woman from Tekoa highlights the role of intercessors in facilitating reconciliation. We, too, can act as intercessors in conflicts, seeking to bring about peace and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_justice_and_mercy.htm">Seeking Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>David's eventual decision to bring Absalom back reflects the balance of justice and mercy. As believers, we are called to seek both in our relationships and decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_heart_for_reconciliation.htm">God's Heart for Reconciliation</a></b><br>The account underscores God's desire for reconciliation, both in our relationships with others and with Him. We are reminded of the importance of forgiveness and restoration.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/2_sam_14_14_vs._god-sanctioned_deaths.htm">2 Samuel 14:14: If 'God does not take away life,' how does this verse reconcile with other biblical passages where God sanctions or orders death?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/david's_horsemen_capture__1,700_or_7,000.htm">When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture? One thousand and seven hundred (2 Samuel 8:4) Seven thousand (I Chronicles 18:4)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_condemn_ishbosheth's_killers.htm">2 Samuel 4:5-7 - If God intended David to become king, why would these assassins be condemned for eliminating Ishbosheth, who was hindering David's rule?</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>(4) <span class= "bld">Spake to the king.</span>--Many MSS. and the LXX., Vulg., and Syriac have <span class= "ital">came </span>to the king. The difference is immaterial.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When the woman of Tekoah spake.</span> All the versions and several manuscripts read, as the sense requires, "when the woman of Tekoah came." There is an interesting article in De Rossi, fixing with much probability the twelfth century as the date of this error. Though Absalom subsequently (<a href="/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4</a>) complained of the lax administration of justice in the realm, yet evidently this woman had the right of bringing her suit before the king; and we may be sure that Joab would take care that nothing unusual was done, lest it should awaken the king's suspicions. But possibly there was a want of method in judicial matters, and very much was left in the hands of the tribal officers, such as we find mentioned in <a href="/joshua/24-1.htm">Joshua 24:1</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/14-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When the woman</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאִשָּׁ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’iš·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from Tekoa</span><br /><span class="heb">הַתְּקֹעִית֙</span> <span class="translit">(hat·tə·qō·‘îṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8621.htm">Strong's 8621: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tekoite -- inhabitant of Tekoa</span><br /><br /><span class="word">went to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">she fell</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּפֹּ֧ל</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tip·pōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">facedown</span><br /><span class="heb">אַפֶּ֛יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ap·pe·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - mdc | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in homage</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּשְׁתָּ֑חוּ</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tiš·tā·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7812.htm">Strong's 7812: </a> </span><span class="str2">To depress, prostrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַ֠תֹּאמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Help me,</span><br /><span class="heb">הוֹשִׁ֥עָה</span> <span class="translit">(hō·wō·ši·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O king!”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/14-4.htm">2 Samuel 14:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/14-4.htm">2 Samuel 14:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/14-4.htm">2 Samuel 14:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/14-4.htm">2 Samuel 14:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/14-4.htm">2 Samuel 14:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/14-4.htm">2 Samuel 14:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/14-4.htm">2 Samuel 14:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/14-4.htm">2 Samuel 14:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/14-4.htm">2 Samuel 14:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/14-4.htm">2 Samuel 14:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/14-4.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 14:4 When the woman of Tekoa spoke (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/14-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 14:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 14:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/14-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 14:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 14:5" /></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>