Bible Figure
Woman of Tekoa
human biblical figure (Second Book of Samuel)
The wise woman of Tekoa was an unnamed woman recruited by Joab to persuade David to permit his estranged son Absalom to return to Jerusalem.
Biography
Second Samuel 14 says Joab sent to Tekoa for a wise woman and instructed her to present herself to David as a grieving widow. She told a fabricated story about one son killing another and the clan seeking to execute the surviving son, which would extinguish her family line. After obtaining David's protection, she turned the analogy toward David's treatment of Absalom. David recognized Joab's hand in the matter, and the woman acknowledged that Joab had instructed her. David then allowed Absalom to return to Jerusalem, though initially without seeing the king.
Biblical Significance
The woman of Tekoa demonstrates rhetorical skill and courage, but her successful appeal also contributes to the complicated restoration of Absalom that precedes his rebellion. Her story should be distinguished from that of the wise woman of Abel Beth-maacah.