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2 Samuel 14 · Grade 5

God Devises Means

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Read and Think

Chapter 14 centers on reconciliation that is incomplete. Absalom had been in Geshur three years after killing Amnon. Joab perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom, so he sent for a wise woman from Tekoa and put the words in her mouth. Dressed as a mourner, she presented the king with a case like Nathan's parable: a widow whose surviving son faced death for killing his brother.

When David swore by Yahweh that not one hair of her son would fall to the earth, she applied the case to him. She argued that the king had convicted himself by not bringing home his banished son. Her most memorable words describe God's character: we must die and are like water spilled on the ground, but God does not take away life; He devises means, that he who is banished not be an outcast from him.

David recognized Joab's hand and granted the request, but with conditions. Absalom returned to Jerusalem but did not see the king's face for two full years. The writer notes Absalom's striking appearance and his heavy hair, hinting at his pride. Frustrated, Absalom burned Joab's barley field to force a meeting. At last Absalom bowed before the king, and the king kissed him. The outward reconciliation would soon prove hollow.

Show What You Know

  1. How was the woman's case like Nathan's parable?

  2. What did David swear about the woman's son?

  3. What do the woman's memorable words say about God?

  4. What hints at Absalom's pride?

  5. How did Absalom force a meeting?

Crossword

42153

Across

  1. The king's son who came back to Jerusalem
  2. The king ____ Absalom.

Down

  1. We must die, and are like ____ spilled on the ground.
  2. he weighed the ____ of his head
  3. brought a ____ woman from there

Think About It

  1. The woman said God devises means so that the banished is not an outcast from Him. How does that describe God's heart toward people who are far from Him?

  2. A kiss can look like peace without real change of heart. What makes reconciliation real between people?

Memory Verse

“For we must die, and are like water spilled on the ground, which can’t be gathered up again; neither does God take away life, but devises means, that he who is banished not be an outcast from him.”

2 Samuel 14:14 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for making a way back to You. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • What clues show that Absalom's heart was still proud?
  • Why can a half-finished reconciliation lead to more trouble?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.