2 Samuel 14:7
And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth.
2 Samuel 14:7 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from 2 Samuel 14:7 portrays a desperate plea from a widow to King David, recounting how her family is rising against her and seeking to kill her remaining son, the heir to her late husband's name and inheritance. The widow fears that if her son is also killed, her deceased husband's lineage will be completely eradicated, leaving no legacy or remembrance on the earth. This passage illustrates the harsh reality of ancient societies where the survival and continuation of a family's name and lineage were of utmost importance. The widow's plea highlights the significance placed on preserving family heritage and the dire consequences that could result from the destruction of an heir. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths people would go to in order to protect their family's legacy and the importance of ensuring the continuity of one's lineage.
Theological Overview
Within this verse from 2 Samuel, we see a poignant portrayal of the struggles faced by women in ancient biblical times. The phrase "the whole family is risen against thine handmaid" highlights the vulnerability and powerlessness often experienced by women in a patriarchal society. The request to "Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him" reflects a desire for vengeance and justice, but also reveals the harsh realities of a culture where blood feuds and retribution were common. The mention of destroying the heir and quenching the coal left behind speaks to the importance placed on lineage and inheritance in ancient Israelite society. Overall, this verse sheds light on the complex social dynamics and moral dilemmas faced by biblical characters, providing valuable insight into the cultural context of the time.
2 Samuel 14:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
And, behold, the whole family is risen against thy handmaid, and they say, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him for the life of his brother whom he slew, and so destroy the heir also. Thus will they quench my coal which is left, and will leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the face of the earth.
World English Bible
Behold, the whole family has risen against your handmaid, and they say, ‘Deliver him who struck his brother, that we may kill him for the life of his brother whom he killed, and so destroy the heir also.’ Thus they would quench my coal which is left, and would leave to my husband neither name nor remainder on the surface of the earth.”
Douay-Rheims
And behold the whole kindred rising against thy handmaid, saith: Deliver him that hath slain his brother, that we may kill him for the life of his brother, whom he slew, and that we may destroy the heir: and they seek to quench my spark which is left, and will leave my husband no name, nor remainder upon the earth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And beholde, the whole familie is risen against thine handmayde, and they sayde, Deliuer him that smote his brother, that we may kill him for the soule of his brother whome hee slewe, that we may destroy the heire also: so they shall quenche my sparkle which is left, and shall not leaue to mine husband neither name nor posteritie vpon the earth.