16. Maybe he will listen. Perhaps he will save me from the man who wants to kill both me and my son. That man is trying to keep us from getting what God gave us.’
17. “Now I say, ‘May the words of my master the king give me rest. Like an angel of God, you know what is good and what is bad. May the Lord your God be with you!’”
18. Then King David said, “You must answer the question I will ask you.”The woman said, “My master the king, please ask your question.”
19. The king said, “Did Joab tell you to say all these things?”The woman answered, “As you live, my master the king, you are right. Your servant Joab did tell me to say these things.
20. Joab did it so you would see things differently. My master, you are wise like an angel of God. You know everything that happens on earth.”
21. The king said to Joab, “Look, I will do what I promised. Now please bring back the young man Absalom.”
22. Joab bowed facedown on the ground. He blessed the king. Then he said, “Today I know you are pleased with me. I know because you have done what I asked.”