2 samuel 14:20 - to change the face of the matter has your servant Joab done this thing. My lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.”
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What does "2 samuel 14:20" mean?
This verse, from 2 Samuel 14:20, is part of a clever speech delivered to King David by a woman from Tekoa. Joab, David's general, orchestrated this elaborate scheme to manipulate David into bringing his exiled son Absalom back to Jerusalem. Let's break down what the verse means:
"To change the face of the matter has your servant Joab done this thing." This is the crux of the verse. The woman is implying that the whole situation (her made-up story about killing one of her sons) and her plea to the king are not what they seem. She's subtly revealing that Joab put her up to this, that he's behind the scenes, manipulating events to achieve a particular goal. The phrase "change the face of the matter" suggests a deliberate attempt to alter the king's perception of a situation.
"My lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.” This is heavy flattery and a subtle nudge. By praising David's extraordinary wisdom, she's acknowledging his intelligence while simultaneously reminding him that he should be able to see through the facade. The comparison to an "angel of God" (or "the angel of God") is hyperbole, emphasizing his perceived god-like ability to discern truth and understand hidden motives. She believes that with his wisdom, he should be able to realize what Joab is planning.
In essence, the verse means:
"Joab is behind this whole elaborate story and my request. He's trying to trick you. But you, my lord, are so wise, almost divinely so, that you can surely see through this deception and understand what Joab is really trying to achieve."
Why is this verse significant?
Subtle Warning: The woman's speech walks a fine line. She has to let David know she's part of Joab's plan without directly implicating Joab or disrespecting the king. She needs David to figure it out on his own.
Flattery and Manipulation: She uses flattery to appeal to David's ego, hoping he'll be motivated to prove his wisdom by uncovering the truth.
Highlighting David's Power: The praise reinforces David's authority and intelligence, subtly suggesting that he should be in control of the situation, not manipulated by his general.
Foreshadowing: The verse foreshadows David's eventual realization of Joab's machinations and sets the stage for the complex events that follow regarding Absalom's return and eventual rebellion.
Literary Device: It's a good example of indirect communication and how truth can be revealed through careful phrasing and veiled implications.
This verse demonstrates the political maneuvering and subtle power plays that characterized David's court. It's a crucial piece in understanding the complicated relationship between David and Joab, and the events leading to Absalom's uprising.
2 samuel 14:20 - to change the face of the matter has your servant Joab done this thing. My lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.”
What does "2 samuel 14:20" mean?
This verse, from 2 Samuel 14:20, is part of a clever speech delivered to King David by a woman from Tekoa. Joab, David's general, orchestrated this elaborate scheme to manipulate David into bringing his exiled son Absalom back to Jerusalem. Let's break down what the verse means:
"To change the face of the matter has your servant Joab done this thing." This is the crux of the verse. The woman is implying that the whole situation (her made-up story about killing one of her sons) and her plea to the king are not what they seem. She's subtly revealing that Joab put her up to this, that he's behind the scenes, manipulating events to achieve a particular goal. The phrase "change the face of the matter" suggests a deliberate attempt to alter the king's perception of a situation.
"My lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.” This is heavy flattery and a subtle nudge. By praising David's extraordinary wisdom, she's acknowledging his intelligence while simultaneously reminding him that he should be able to see through the facade. The comparison to an "angel of God" (or "the angel of God") is hyperbole, emphasizing his perceived god-like ability to discern truth and understand hidden motives. She believes that with his wisdom, he should be able to realize what Joab is planning.
In essence, the verse means:
"Joab is behind this whole elaborate story and my request. He's trying to trick you. But you, my lord, are so wise, almost divinely so, that you can surely see through this deception and understand what Joab is really trying to achieve."
Why is this verse significant?
Subtle Warning: The woman's speech walks a fine line. She has to let David know she's part of Joab's plan without directly implicating Joab or disrespecting the king. She needs David to figure it out on his own.
Flattery and Manipulation: She uses flattery to appeal to David's ego, hoping he'll be motivated to prove his wisdom by uncovering the truth.
Highlighting David's Power: The praise reinforces David's authority and intelligence, subtly suggesting that he should be in control of the situation, not manipulated by his general.
Foreshadowing: The verse foreshadows David's eventual realization of Joab's machinations and sets the stage for the complex events that follow regarding Absalom's return and eventual rebellion.
Literary Device: It's a good example of indirect communication and how truth can be revealed through careful phrasing and veiled implications.
This verse demonstrates the political maneuvering and subtle power plays that characterized David's court. It's a crucial piece in understanding the complicated relationship between David and Joab, and the events leading to Absalom's uprising.