2 Samuel 14:7
French (La Bible expliquée)
Alors tous les membres du clan se sont dressés contre moi; ils m'ont dit: “Livre-nous le meurtrier. Nous le ferons mourir pour venger le meurtre de son frère. – Et du même coup, nous supprimerons l'héritier. –” De cette manière, ils veulent anéantir le peu d'espérance qui me reste, et priver mon mari d'une descendance qui continue de porter son nom sur terre. » Absalom passe trois ans en exil. Cet exil lui pèse beaucoup; il veut rentrer à Jérusalem. Joab joue un rôle de médiateur. Pour rapprocher le père et le fils, il use d'un stratagème: il engage une femme qui doit jouer le rôle d'une veuve. Celle-ci tiendra à David un langage à double sens… que David ne pourra que percer à jour, en recevant de ce fait le vrai message. Le propre d'une parabole, c'est de pouvoir dire une vérité sans heurter l'autre. Ce procédé réussit encore une fois. On ne peut qu'admirer le courage de cette femme qui reproche à David d'avoir agi contre l'intérêt du peuple de Dieu. Le roi condamne son fils à vivre loin de Dieu sur une terre étrangère. La loi de la vengeance du sang versé empoisonne l'histoire biblique. Quand le sang crie vengeance, l'homme joue son honneur s'il ne répare pas l'affront. Entre-temps, on accumule les victimes dans un cercle infernal. A vrai dire, David n'avait pas chassé Absalom. Ce dernier ne pouvait que s'enfuir car il avait tué son frère Amnon, le fils aîné de David. Grâce à sa médiation dans le rapprochement de David et d'Absalom, Joab retrouve les bonnes grâces de son maître.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, a woman is talking to King David about a family situation. Her family is threatening to kill her son, who accidentally killed his brother, to extinguish the family line. She asks the king to protect her son and keep the family name alive.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a big family, and one day, your family gets into a big fight because someone accidentally hurt another person. Now, everyone wants to punish that person, even though it was an accident. The mom in this story is worried that if they punish her son, her whole family might disappear. She asks the king to help her keep her family together.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the Book of 2 Samuel, written around the 6th century BCE, recounting the reign of King David. The audience is likely Israelites, and the cultural setting is one of tribal law and kingship, where family lineage and leadership are paramount.
Living It Out Today
In today's context, this verse can remind us of the importance of seeking help from authority figures when family conflicts arise. For example, if a family dispute escalates to threats of violence, it might be necessary to involve police or social services to ensure everyone's safety and preserve the family unit.
Topics
familyjusticeprotectionlineageconflict resolutionauthority
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'coal' symbolize in this verse?
The 'coal' symbolizes the last remaining hope or continuation of the family line. In ancient times, a coal was often a symbol of life and continuity, especially when it came to family lineage.
How can this verse be applied in conflict resolution?
This verse highlights the importance of seeking external help in resolving family conflicts. When internal conflicts threaten to destroy a family, involving a neutral authority figure can help preserve the family and ensure justice.
What role does King David play in this story?
King David serves as the authority figure to whom the woman appeals for justice and protection. His role is to uphold the law and protect the family lineage from unjust punishment.
Why is lineage so important in this context?
Lineage was crucial in ancient Israel for maintaining family status, inheritance, and the continuity of the family name. Preserving the family line ensured that the family’s legacy and position in society were maintained.