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15. Have made me afraid. There is an intriguing and appealing ambiguity about these words. Is the woman talking of herself and her fears of the actions of her neighbors? Or does she mean this in regard to what she has said concerning Absalom and the attitude of the nation as a whole? She is still, in a manner, keeping up the pretense of reality, but she is also speaking directly to the heart of the king in relation to his dealings with Absalom. The ambiguity seems to be intentional, and it is that which gives to her words such a striking and touching appeal. In standing before the king she stands as a representative of the people. Her voice is the voice of the nation. Understanding the sentiment of Israel as a whole, she feels a pressure that she cannot resist, and it is this that gives her such boldness before the king. Surely David would not show greater consideration to her petition as a humble woman than he would show to her as uttering the wishes and desires of all the people.