Ezekiel Kimosop Supporter

Why did Joab use the wise woman of Tekoa to persuade David to bring Absalom back?
2 Samuel 14:1–20

Reading through the account of 2 Samuel 14:1-20 brings to mind a number of possible scenarios.

First, David may not have recovered from the trauma of losing his son following Absalom's murder of Amnon and his escape to his uncles in Geshur. The murder incident is recorded in 2 Samuel 13:23-33. 

Secondly, Joab's standing with David may have been affected by an unrelated incident. He therefore lost the guts to face the king on the request for Absalom's return to Jerusalem. 

Thirdly, public opinion on the issue may have suggested that David should forgive Absalom since the murder was not premeditated. Absalom reacted spontaneously in vengeance to protect the reputation of his sister who was raped by Amnon. 

Joab possibly acted in public interest to protect the king's reputation. It is possible that he had filed this request to the king on previous occasions but the king was unwilling to forgive Absalom. 

Joab therefore settled for the wise woman of Tekoa who perhaps commanded a strong reputation for her wisdom. This woman may have appeared before the king on a previous occasion on an unrelated issue during which she demonstrated profound wisdom and had earned his respect. 

This mediatory approach reminds us about the importance of pursuing reconciliation in our families. It also mirrors the mediation role that Christ played in reconciling us to God when we were lost in sinful disobedience (1 Timothy 2:5-6 says "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (NKJV).

March 09 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report