2 Samuel 14 22

2 Samuel 14:22 kjv

And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.

2 Samuel 14:22 nkjv

Then Joab fell to the ground on his face and bowed himself, and thanked the king. And Joab said, "Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord, O king, in that the king has fulfilled the request of his servant."

2 Samuel 14:22 niv

Joab fell with his face to the ground to pay him honor, and he blessed the king. Joab said, "Today your servant knows that he has found favor in your eyes, my lord the king, because the king has granted his servant's request."

2 Samuel 14:22 esv

And Joab fell on his face to the ground and paid homage and blessed the king. And Joab said, "Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord the king, in that the king has granted the request of his servant."

2 Samuel 14:22 nlt

Joab bowed with his face to the ground in deep respect and said, "At last I know that I have gained your approval, my lord the king, for you have granted me this request!"

2 Samuel 14 verses

2 Samuel 14 22 Meaning

In 2 Samuel 14:22, Joab expresses profound gratitude and submission to King David after David grants his plea for Absalom's return to Jerusalem. Joab's prostration and blessing acknowledge David's absolute authority and benevolence in making a difficult decision, conveying his perception that David's compliance is a divine favor, solidifying Joab's standing with the king by acknowledging that his vital, strategic request has been met.

2 Samuel 14 22 Context

2 Samuel chapter 14 describes Joab's elaborate scheme to bring Absalom, who had murdered his half-brother Amnon, back to Jerusalem after three years of exile. David, though longing for Absalom, had not taken steps to recall him, possibly due to the gravity of Absalom's crime. Joab's strategic deployment of a wise woman from Tekoa to present a hypothetical case of a widow needing to protect her last son cleverly manipulates David into implicitly agreeing to principles that would justify Absalom's return. Having successfully maneuvered David to pronounce a judgment that covered Absalom's situation, Joab directly requests the king to bring Absalom back. Verse 22 captures Joab's humble and grateful response upon David's granting of this critical request, marking a turning point in the relationship between David and Absalom, though full reconciliation (Absalom seeing the king's face) would not happen until later. Historically, this incident reflects the complex political and family dynamics within David's court, where the commander-in-chief could influence, though always defer to, the divinely appointed monarch.

2 Samuel 14 22 Word analysis

• Then Joab fell on his face to the ground:

  • "Then": (Heb. וַיָּבֹא - wayyāḇōʾ) – Indicates a sequence, immediately following David's pronouncement. It shows the promptness of Joab's response.
  • "fell on his face": (Heb. וַיִּפֹּל עַל־פָּנָיו - wayyipōl ʿal-pānāyw) – This is a posture of profound submission, respect, and humility. In the ancient Near East, it signified recognizing the ultimate authority or sovereignty of the person before whom one prostrated. It could also signify reverence or supplication before a deity. For Joab, a powerful and often defiant military leader, this act underscores the king's supreme authority.
  • "to the ground": (Heb. אַרְצָה - ʾarṣāh) – Emphasizes the completeness of the prostration, a total physical abasement.

• and bowed down:

  • (Heb. וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ - wayyištaḥû) – From the root שׁחח (shaḥah), meaning "to bow down," "to prostrate," or "to worship." This reinforces the act of humble submission and respect, signifying reverence not just for a human king, but for David as God's anointed.

• and blessed the king:

  • (Heb. וַיְבָרֶךְ אֶת־הַמֶּלֶךְ - wayəḇāreḵ ʾeṯ-hammeleḵ) – To "bless" (בָּרַךְ - bārak) means to invoke good upon someone or to praise. Joab, in acknowledging David's decision, expresses not merely thanks, but formal praise and well wishes for David, implying his rule, and perhaps even acknowledging a divine element in David's choice.

• and Joab said, "Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord, O king,

  • "Today": (Heb. הַיּוֹם - hayyōm) – Specifies the immediate realization. It's not a general statement but tied directly to this very moment of granted petition.
  • "your servant": (Heb. עַבְדֶּךָ - ʿaḇdəḵā) – A deferential self-designation used by an inferior to a superior. It highlights Joab's loyal subordination, even as he previously employed cunning.
  • "knows": (Heb. יָדַעְתִּי - yāḏaʿtî) – Indicates clear understanding and certainty. It's a knowing that comes from experience of David's favor.
  • "I have found favor": (Heb. מָצָאתִי חֵן - māṣāʾtî ḥēn) – This idiomatic phrase is common throughout the Old Testament and signifies gaining approval, acceptance, or grace from someone in a position of authority, whether human or divine. It conveys a sense of unmerited reception of good.
  • "in your sight": (Heb. בְּעֵינֶיךָ - bəʿêneyḵā) – Literally "in your eyes," referring to David's personal assessment and decision.
  • "my lord, O king": (Heb. אֲדֹנִי הַמֶּלֶךְ - ʾăḏōnî hammeleḵ) – Direct and formal address, repeatedly affirming David's royal status and Joab's subservience.

• in that the king has granted the request of his servant.""

  • "has granted": (Heb. עָשָׂה - ʿāśâ, literally "has done" or "made") – Refers to the execution of the request.
  • "the request of his servant": (Heb. אֶת־דְּבַר עַבְדֶּךָ - ʾeṯ-dəḇar ʿaḇdəḵā) – Refers to the "word" or "matter" of the servant, which was the specific plea for Absalom's return.

Words-group analysis:

• "fell on his face... and bowed down and blessed the king": This sequence of actions vividly depicts the Oriental posture of utmost respect and deference before royalty. It transforms Joab from a calculating strategist into a humbly grateful servant, acknowledging David's authority and wisdom, perhaps even bordering on worship of the monarch who is God's anointed. This set of actions also helps secure Joab's own position with David.
• "Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord, O king": This phrase encapsulates Joab's political acumen and deep understanding of David's psyche. It isn't just about the practical outcome; it's about the confirmation of a relationship—Joab seeing himself as trusted and accepted by the king. The repetition of "my lord, O king" further underscores the absolute authority to whom he is subject, demonstrating his acknowledgement of David's divine right to rule. The emphasis on "today" highlights the immediate impact and the perceived completion of his diplomatic mission.
• "in that the king has granted the request of his servant": This specifies the precise reason for Joab's declaration of favor. It ties the abstract concept of "favor" directly to a tangible, significant act by David. It underscores that Joab's success is entirely due to the king's decision, framing it as an act of grace rather than the result of Joab's manipulation. This re-establishes the hierarchy and deflects any perception of Joab usurping royal prerogative.

2 Samuel 14 22 Bonus section

The nature of "favor" in this context is complex. While seemingly Joab finding personal favor with David, it is more profoundly about the request he made on behalf of Absalom being accepted. This highlights a subtle form of spiritual diplomacy where a human monarch, who serves as God's anointed, exercises authority, and a request granted by him can be interpreted as a divine blessing. Joab’s blessing of the king aligns with the ancient understanding of sacred kingship, where the king’s decisions could have quasi-divine authority and significance for the nation. Furthermore, Joab, known for his pragmatic and at times ruthless nature, demonstrates his astute understanding of court politics and how to manage the complex emotional and political landscape surrounding King David. His actions ensure Absalom's first step towards reintegration while reinforcing his own indispensability and loyalty to the king.

2 Samuel 14 22 Commentary

2 Samuel 14:22 marks the pivotal moment when Joab, David's formidable general, finally secures Absalom's return to Jerusalem. Joab's extreme prostration—falling on his face to the ground and bowing down—is a clear visual of ultimate submission and profound gratitude, atypical for such a powerful and strong-willed figure. It underlines the gravity of the king's decision and the success of Joab's elaborate political maneuvering with the wise woman of Tekoa. His blessing of the king and declaration of having "found favor" are not merely polite formalities but strategically confirm David's absolute authority and benevolence in granting a politically sensitive and personally painful request. While Joab's tactics were indirect, this verse signifies that the ultimate power rested with David, and any action, even bringing back his beloved son, required his explicit will. This act of partial reconciliation is crucial, setting the stage for future events, but it is limited: Absalom is back in Jerusalem, but not yet restored to David's presence.