2 Samuel 14:3
ESV
Go to the king and speak thus to him." So Joab put the words in her mouth.
NIV
Then go to the king and speak these words to him." And Joab put the words in her mouth.
NASB
Then go to the king and speak to him in this way.' So Joab put the words in her mouth.
CSB
Go to the king and speak these words to him." Then Joab told her exactly what to say.
NLT
Then go to the king and tell him the story I am about to tell you.' Then Joab told her what to say.
KJV
And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth.
NKJV
Go to the king and speak to him in this manner.” So Joab put the words in her mouth.
What does 2 Samuel 14:3 mean?
Joab has a plan to convince David to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem from exile in Geshur. In essence, Joab is mimicking what God did through Nathan the prophet. Both set up David's understanding of a situation with a story about other people (2 Samuel 12:1–9). Joab has found a wise woman from a small town to come and tell David a tragic story about herself.One of the king's duties was to settle disputes according to the law. But he was also to protect the poor and powerless from mistreatment by the wealthy and influential in the community (Proverbs 31:8 – 9). Joab instructs this woman to present herself as if she's been mourning for a long time. Either her everyday clothes are torn or she's wearing sackcloth. They may be covered in dust or ash, and she may be barefoot. She is not dressed for a formal visit with the king; her appearance shows her great desperation. Only the king can help.
Joab gives her the story: she's to pretend she's a widow. Her sons fought, and one killed the other. Their clan demands that the murderer be held accountable, but if her last son dies, her husband's line will be broken (2 Samuel 14:4–7). Joab knows that if David responds with sympathy, he might see his own situation with Absalom from a new perspective.
