2 Samuel 14:20
In order to change the course of things your servant Joab did this. But my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God to know all things that are on the earth.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Joab isn't just flattering David; he's acknowledging a spiritual discernment in David that goes beyond mere intelligence. This shows that true wisdom, in the biblical sense, is often seen as a divine gift, enabling one to understand deeper truths and hidden realities.
Joab, seeking to reconcile David with his banished son Absalom, orchestrates a clever but risky deception. He crafts a parable about two sons, one who killed the other, to elicit a merciful judgment from David, which Joab then applies to Absalom's situation. This verse highlights Joab's strategic maneuvering and his appeal to David's perceived wisdom, setting the stage for Absalom's eventual return to Jerusalem, though not yet full reconciliation.
Joab, a master strategist, pulls off an elaborate deception. But why? And what does this tell us about how even good goals can lead us down tricky paths?
Joab's plan to bring Absalom back was brilliant, but it involved a carefully crafted lie.
A Calculated Risk
Joab recognized that direct confrontation wouldn't work with King David's grief over Absalom. So, he employed a wise woman from Tekoa to present a hypothetical, but emotionally charged, scenario to the king. This 'woman of understanding' spoke of two sons, one killing the other, and the community's desire to spare the murderer, fearing the total loss of their family line. David, moved by the story, guaranteed the 'murderer's' safety.
The Deception's Purpose
Joab then revealed his hand, linking the hypothetical to Absalom's situation. He secured David's promise for Absalom's return. This wasn't just about cleverness; it was about intervening in a destructive situation, even if it meant bending the truth. Joab believed his deception was for the 'healing' or 'restoration' of the kingdom, which was being fractured by Absalom's exile.
Joab calls David's wisdom like that of an 'angel of God.' Is this genuine praise, or is he subtly manipulating David's self-perception to get what he wants?
The phrase 'wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God' is a powerful compliment. It suggests a level of insight that is almost supernatural, transcending ordinary human understanding.
High Praise, High Stakes
By attributing such profound wisdom to David, Joab is not just flattering him; he's setting him up. He's essentially saying, 'You are so wise, you will see the right path, even when it's complicated and requires a creative solution like mine.' It's a way of appealing to David's ego and his reputation as a wise king, encouraging him to act decisively and perhaps overlook the deceptive means Joab employed.
The Nuance of Spiritual Insight
Understand the original words
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
A deep, spiritual quality of insight, prudence, and understanding; it involves the practical application of knowledge, particularly in relation to the fear of God and living in accordance with His will.
Joab's actions, while ultimately successful in securing David's return, were manipulative and led to the tragic death of Absalom. The verse highlights the complex political landscape and the king's struggle with difficult decisions.
c. 990 BC
David becomes King of Israel
David is anointed king, uniting the tribes of Israel and establishing Jerusalem as his capital.
c. 990-980 BC
Absalom's Exile
Absalom flees to Geshur after murdering his half-brother Amnon, who had raped his full sister Tamar.
c. 980 BC
Joab engineers Absalom's return
Joab devises a clever plan using a wise woman from Tekoa to persuade David to allow Absalom to return to Jerusalem.
c. 978 BC
Absalom's Rebellion
Absalom, now back in Jerusalem but still estranged from David, incites a rebellion and seizes the throne.
c. 978 BC
David flees Jerusalem
This passage also speaks of God granting exceptional wisdom to a ruler, highlighting the divine source of understanding that people often recognized in wise leaders.
Proverbs 14:8This proverb directly connects wisdom with understanding one's path, echoing Joab's acknowledgment of David's profound insight and ability to navigate complex situations.
Job 28:23-28This passage ponders the immeasurable value and divine origin of true wisdom, paralleling Joab's awe at David's God-like understanding that was beyond human grasp.
Matthew 11:19Jesus' disciples are called 'wise' because of their understanding, reflecting the idea that true wisdom, like that attributed to David, often reveals itself through discerning actions and judgment.
Joab isn't just flattering David; he's acknowledging a spiritual discernment in David that goes beyond mere intelligence. This shows that true wisdom, in the biblical sense, is often seen as a divine gift, enabling one to understand deeper truths and hidden realities.
Joab, seeking to reconcile David with his banished son Absalom, orchestrates a clever but risky deception. He crafts a parable about two sons, one who killed the other, to elicit a merciful judgment from David, which Joab then applies to Absalom's situation. This verse highlights Joab's strategic maneuvering and his appeal to David's perceived wisdom, setting the stage for Absalom's eventual return to Jerusalem, though not yet full reconciliation.
Joab, seeking to reconcile David with his banished son Absalom, orchestrates a clever but risky deception. He crafts a parable about two sons, one who killed the other, to elicit a merciful judgment from David, which Joab then applies to Absalom's situation. This verse highlights Joab's strategic maneuvering and his appeal to David's perceived wisdom, setting the stage for Absalom's eventual return to Jerusalem, though not yet full reconciliation.
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While David clearly possessed wisdom, and was even chosen by God, attributing it to an 'angel of God' could also hint at the spiritual battles and complexities a ruler faces. Joab is appealing to that elevated capacity, hoping David will rise to the occasion and embrace the solution presented, even if it feels unconventional.
David and his loyal followers are forced to flee the capital as Absalom's forces advance.
c. 978 BC— this verse
Joab kills Absalom
Despite David's explicit command to treat Absalom gently, Joab kills him during the battle, leading to David's deep grief.
"In order to change the course of things your servant Joab did this. But my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God to know all things that are on the earth.”" — Joab isn't just flattering David; he's acknowledging a spiritual discernment in David that goes beyond mere intelligence. This shows that true wisdom, in the biblical sense, is often seen as a divine…
