John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. And come to the king , etc.] At his palace, in the above condition and circumstances: and speak on this manner unto him ; something to the following purpose he dictated to her: so Joab put the words in her mouth ; the substance of what she should say; the fable she was to deliver as her own case might be framed by Joab, and which she delivered word for word exactly as he put it, and the application of it; but as he knew not what questions the king would ask her, so he could not dictate to her what to reply, unless he supposed this and the other, and so formed answers; but this he left to her prudence, and for the sake of which he chose a wise woman to manage this affair.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-20 - We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemenc toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law an justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
Original Hebrew ובאת935 אל413 המלך4428 ודברת1696 אליו413 כדבר1697 הזה2088 וישׂם7760 יואב3097 את853 הדברים1697 בפיה׃6310
