John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king , etc.] Or after she had spoken to him, being introduced by Joab, as is probable; when she had saluted him with God save the king, or May the king live, or some such like expressions: she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance ; to him as her king, in reverence of his majesty: and said, help, O king ; signifying that she was in great distress, and came to him for assistance and deliverance.
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 ותאמר559 האשׁה802 התקעית8621 אל413 המלך4428 ותפל5307 על5921 אפיה639 ארצה776 ותשׁתחו7812 ותאמר559 הושׁעה3467 המלך׃4428
