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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:1-20

Here is, I. Joab's design to get Absalom recalled out of banishment, his crime pardoned, and his attainder reversed, 2 Sam. 14:1. Joab made himself very busy in this affair. 1. As a courtier that was studious, by all ways possible, to ingratiate himself with his prince and improve his interest in his favour: He perceived that the king's heart was towards Absalom, and that, the heat of his displeasure being over, he still retained his old affection for him, and only wanted a friend to court him... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:20

To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing ,.... Feigned a story in such form and manner as had been delivered to the king, that it might be accommodated and applied to the case of Absalom, and to transfer it in a figure to the king, to use the apostle's phrase, 1 Corinthians 4:8 , and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God ; as not only to understand the design of this fable or parable, but of such sagacity and penetration as to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 14:20

According to the wisdom of an angel of God - This is quite in the style of Asiatic flattery. A European is often addressed, "Saheb can do every thing; we can do nothing; none can prevent the execution of Saheb's commands; Saheb is God." See Ward. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:1-20

The facts are: 1 . Joab, observing that the king's heart was still adverse to Absalom, devised, in order to bring him round to a different feeling, that a wise woman from Tekoah should appear before him and plead a cause. 2 . The woman appears before the king, and narrates as facts certain circumstances, namely, 3 . David, touched with her story, undertakes to grant her request, whereupon the woman, recognizing the usage in such cases, desires to exonerate the king from blame in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:1-20

( JERUSALEM .) The woman of Tekoah. 1 . In David "the king" we hero see that fatherly affection may come into conflict with regal justice. He must have perceived the ill effects of sparing Amnon, and felt constrained to punish Absalom. But his grief and resentment were mitigated by the lapse of time ( 2 Samuel 13:39 ). Nevertheless, though prompted by natural affection to recall his son, he was deterred from doing so by political and judicial considerations. And to overcome his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:20

To fetch about this form of speech; correctly, as in the Revised Version, to change the face of the matter hath thy servant Joab, etc. The matter was that referred to in 2 Samuel 14:15 , which the king now understands to refer to Absalom. For in the earth, translate in the land. The Hebrew has no means of distinguishing the wider and narrower significations of the word; but while the king would be flattered by the supposition that he knew all that happened in his dominions, the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:20

Flattery. "My lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God," etc. Commendation is often proper and beneficial ( 2 Samuel 2:5-7 ). But flattery (false, partial, or extravagant praise) is always improper and pernicious. This language was not mere Oriental compliment, but a flattering speech, intended to make the king pleased with himself in doing what he was urged to do. 1 . It is agreeable to most persons when skilfully administered. "Flattery and the flatterer are... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 14:20

2 Samuel 14:20. To fetch about this form of speech That is, to propose his and the people’s desire of Absalom’s restoration, in this parabolical manner. To know all things that are in the earth Or, rather, in this land, in all thy kingdom; all the counsels and devices of thy subjects, and what is fit to be done in answer to their desires. She still persists in expressing her admiration of the king, that she might the more incline him to grant her request. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 14:1-33

David’s family troubles begin (13:1-14:33)The first of the foretold disgraces that fell on David’s family followed the same pattern as David’s own sin: sexual immorality followed by murder, with the murderer carefully plotting how to get rid of his victim.Amnon, David’s eldest son, tried to seduce his half-sister Tamar, but when Tamar resisted him he raped her (13:1-14). Cruelly, Amnon then drove Tamar away, and the young princess cried bitterly at the loss of her virginity in such... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 14:20

To fetch about this form of speech = To bring about this turn of affairs. read more

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