20 in order to bring round the appearance of the thing hath thy servant Joab done this thing, and my lord 'is' wise, according to the wisdom of a messenger of God, to know all that 'is' in the land.'

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:20

Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:1-20

(Read 2 Samuel 14:1-20)

We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.