David-A Woman's Plea

By Mary Vee

II Samuel 14

From the notes of the Woman at Tekoa

courtesy of christianimageresouce.com

The captain of our army visited me and asked for my help. Yes, I was rather surprised at his visit. But as he spoke, I sensed he needed me to assist the king with a problem. I felt honored.

For the last three years, all the Hebrew people have known King David's sorrow over the death of his son Amnon. He has also missed his son Absalom, despite what he did. He murdered Amnon. Joab, the captain, ask me to carry a message, to the king. Maybe if David realizes the people want  Absalom to return from hiding, he will allow it.

Joab asked me to dress like a woman in mourning, a black robe, no lotions, or cosmetics. He felt the king would listen to my words better. I also cried for the whole morning to stain my eyes red. Prepared what I would say to the king. And set out for the palace.

I arrived at the palace the next day around mid day, as I promised Joab and requested to address the king with a problem. King David allowed me into his chambers, I knew he would. We have truly been blessed with a compassionate king.

I bowed before him laying on the ground to show my grief. "My lord, help me." I buried my face into the floor and waited.

"What troubles you?"

I raised my face and let tears fall. "I am a widow, my husband died some time ago. I am left with two sons. One day my sons fought bitterly while out in the field. There was no one around to separate them. One struck the other and killed him."

The kings eyes glazed over, he understood the problem. I continued. "And now the whole family has risen up against me saying 'Give us him who struck his brother that we may execute him for the life of his brother. We will destroy the heir.' If left alone, they will destroy the last ember that is left and leave my dead husband without a name to carry on the family."

David looked at me with tender eyes. "Go to your house and I will send an order to take care of this problem."

Then I thought, maybe someone will blame the king for saving my son, the murderer. They will think he does not keep justice in the land. "My lord, please let any guilt from this matter fall on me and not the king or his throne."

He said, "Whoever says anything to you, bring him to me and he will not touch you anymore."

"My lord, please don't let anyone hurt my son."

"I won't let that happen."

I took a deep breath and wiped my eyes. "Thank you. May I speak another word with you?"

"Yes."

"If you are willing to treat my son so kindly, why have you kept your son, Absalom, from the people. He still sits, banished from his home. I have come because I am afraid of the people, ones who will be hurt."

"Who asked you to come. Was it my captain, Joab?"

I didn't want to tell him, but he was the king. "Yes."

David called for Joab to join the conversation. "You may bring Absalom back, but he is to go to his own home, not here."

Joab bowed. "Thank you, my lord. I know I have found favor in your sight because you granted my request."

Now that the matter had been settled, I felt free to return to my home and change out of the mourning clothes.

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1. Who asked the woman to go to King David?
2. What did he want her to do?
3. What story did the woman tell King David?
4. Did David offer to help her?
5. What was the second message she gave King David?
6. What did David tell Joab?
7. What clue does the story give at the end showing David was not pleased to bring Absalom back?


Psalm 5

Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation.

Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For to You I will pray.
 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up. 

For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil dwell with You.
 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.
 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;
The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. 

But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.
 Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
Make Your way straight before my face. 

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.
 Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
For they have rebelled against You. 

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.
 For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

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