What does 2 Samuel 14:20 mean?
"To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth." - 2 Samuel 14:20
The Bible verse 2 Samuel 14:20 in the King James Version reads, "To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth."
This verse comes from the book of 2 Samuel in the Old Testament and is part of a larger narrative about the story of King David and his family. In this particular passage, a woman from Tekoah has come to David to seek his help in reconciling with her son who has committed a crime. The woman presents a fictional story to David in order to appeal to his sense of justice and mercy. In this verse, she is explaining to David why Joab, his servant, had helped her in concocting this story.
The verse holds several key themes and provides insight into human nature, wisdom, and the workings of God. There is a strong emphasis on the depth of human wisdom and the ability of Joab to craft a persuasive speech. The use of the word “form of speech” shows that Joab’s words were carefully chosen and arranged to achieve a specific purpose. This highlights the power of language and rhetoric in human interaction and influence. It also serves as a reminder of the potential for deception and manipulation when it comes to communication.
The verse also praises King David for his wisdom, comparing it to that of an angel of God. The woman is acknowledging David’s discernment and understanding, which is vital for a ruler. This theme of wisdom is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, where the value of wisdom in leading a just and prosperous life is frequently emphasized. David’s wisdom also reflects his position as a chosen leader by God.
The verse also points to the omnipotence and omniscience of God. The woman acknowledges that David is wise, “to know all things that are in the earth." This speaks to the belief that God is the ultimate arbiter of wisdom and knowledge. It highlights the understanding that all wisdom and knowledge ultimately come from God. This is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and it serves to underscore the importance of seeking divine guidance and understanding.
Symbolically, the verse can be seen as a reflection of the complexity and depth of human relationships and the use of language to navigate these relationships. The need for wisdom and discernment in decision-making is also highlighted, as well as the acknowledgement of God’s ultimate sovereignty and wisdom.
In a broader context, this passage can also be seen as a commentary on the nature of justice and mercy. It illustrates the complexities of human conflict and the importance of using wisdom and understanding to navigate these conflicts. The passage also underscores the power of language and rhetoric in influencing others and appealing to their sense of justice and compassion.
Overall, 2 Samuel 14:20 offers a rich and complex exploration of themes such as wisdom, human relationships, justice, and the sovereignty of God. It serves as a thought-provoking meditation on the nature of human interaction, the pursuit of wisdom, and the ultimate source of all knowledge and understanding.
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2 Samuel 14:20 - "To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth."
"To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth." - 2 Samuel 14:20
2 Samuel 20:14 - "¶ And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Beth-maachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him."
2 Samuel 22:17-20
2 Samuel 6:14
1 Samuel 20:14 - "And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:"
2 Samuel 20:20 - "And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy."
2 Samuel 20:25 - "And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:"
2 Samuel 6:14–22
2 Samuel 20:24 - "And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:"
2 Samuel 20:26 - "And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David."
2 Samuel 2:20 - "Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am."
2 Samuel 23:14 - "And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem."
1 Samuel 14:20 - "And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture."
2 Samuel 14:23 - "So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 16:20 - "¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do."
2 Samuel 22:14 - "The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice."
2 Samuel 16:14 - "And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there."
2 Samuel 14:1 - "Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom."
2 Samuel 14:28 - "¶ So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face."
2 Samuel 11:14 - "¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah."
2 Samuel 1:20 - "Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph."
2 Samuel 20:4 - "¶ Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present."
2 Samuel 2:14 - "And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise."
2 Samuel 7:20 - "And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant."
2 Samuel 20:23 - "¶ Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:"
2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."
2 Samuel 5:14 - "And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,"
2 Samuel 6:14 - "And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod."
2 Samuel 22:20 - "He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me."