2 Samuel 14:5

“And the king said unto her, what aileth thee? etc.] Or what is thy case? What is the condition, and what the circumstances, that thou art in, which require help and assistance? intimating that he was ready to grant it on knowledge thereof; however, he was ready to hear what she had to say: and she answered, I [am] indeed a widow woman; of a truth a widow, as the Targum; she was really one, a widow indeed, as in (<540503>1 Timothy 5:3,5); not one that was separated from her husband, he being alive, or divorced from him on any account; and therefore she adds, and mine husband is dead; and has been a long time; this she said to move the pity and compassion of the king, who, as the supreme…”

“Widow - One of them who most need thy compassion, and whom thou art by God's law obliged in a singular manner to relieve. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 14:9”

“I am indeed: It is very possible that the principal incidents mentioned here were real; and that Joab found out a person whose circumstances bore a near resemblance to that which he wished to represent. She did not make the similitude too plain and visible, lest the king should see her intention before she had obtained a grant of pardon; and thus her circumstances, her mournful tale, her widow's dress, her aged person (for Josephus says she was advanced in years), and her impressive manner, all combined to make one united irresistible impression on the heart of the aged monarch Sa2 12:1-3; Jdg 9:8-15 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 14:6”