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."
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."
NASB
And Joab fell on his face to the ground, prostrated himself, and blessed the king; then Joab said, 'Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord the king, in that the king has performed the request of his servant.'
CSB
Joab fell with his face to the ground in homage and blessed the king. "Today," Joab said, "your servant knows I have found favor with you, my lord the king, because the king has granted the request of your servant."
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!'
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.
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.”
What does 2 Samuel 14:22 mean?
David agrees to Joab's request to let Absalom return to Jerusalem. Joab's response reflects court customs. Petitioners often referred to themselves as "your servant." His blessing is also part of normal court customs. No one can leave the king's presence until he dismisses them and they have blessed him. We aren't told what the blessing is; it's not Joab's next words.Joab is also immensely relieved that he still has his head. He hired an actress to present David with a fake court case, to soften his heart toward Absalom. It's not clear if David knows the woman's story is fake, but he does now know her very presence is Joab's ploy.
Part of Joab's relief is that he honestly thinks this is the best decision for the kingdom (2 Samuel 14:13). Unfortunately, his status as a great general doesn't mean he's sensitive to the wisdom of God. By the time David dies, Joab will have murdered two honorable generals and tried to make Adonijah king, all against David's wishes (2 Samuel 3:12–30; 20:8–10; 1 Kings 1:7). Right now, by bringing Absalom home, he's setting the stage for Absalom's rebellion against David (2 Samuel 15).
Today, David does as Joab asks. As David lay dying, he orders Joab's execution (1 Kings 2:5).
