2 Samuel 14
Joab Arranges for Absalom’s Return This section tells how Joab, David’s army commander, noticed that the king missed his son Absalom, who had fled after killing his brother Amnon. Joab used a wise woman from Tekoa to create a story that helped David see his own situation. The story teaches us about mercy, justice, and the complications caused by sin in families. It also shows how leaders sometimes need help to face difficult decisions. v. 1: Joab saw that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. He understood that David wanted to forgive his son but did not know how to bring him back. v. 2: Joab sent for a wise woman from Tekoa and told her to pretend to be mourning. He instructed her to go to the king and act as if she was deeply grieving. v. 3: Joab put the words in her mouth, giving her a speech to say to King David that would make him think about his situation with Absalom. v. 4: The woman from Tekoa went to the king, bowed down, and begged for help, crying out for the king to save her. v. 5: The king asked her what was wrong. She replied that she was a widow and that her husband was dead. v. 6: She explained that she had two sons, but they fought in the field, and one killed the other. Now the whole family wanted to kill the surviving son as punishment, leaving her with no one. v. 7: The woman said the rest of the family wanted to take away her only remaining son, which would end her husband’s family line and her hope. v. 8: The king told the woman to go home, promising that he would take care of the matter and protect her son. v. 9: The woman said any blame should be on her and her family, not on the king or his throne. v. 10: The king assured her that if anyone threatened her son, she should bring them to him, and they would not bother her again. v. 11: She asked the king to make an oath before the Lord that her son would not be harmed. The king swore that not a hair on her son’s head would fall to the ground. v. 12: The woman then asked the king if she could say one more thing. He agreed to listen. v. 13: She pointed out that the king was not practicing the same mercy in his own family, since he was keeping Absalom away. She compared David’s actions to not bringing back one of his own banished sons. v. 14: The woman reminded the king that everyone must die, but God does not take life away—He finds ways to bring back those who are separated. She suggested David should also find a way to bring Absalom home. v. 15: She explained that the people made her afraid, so she came to speak to the king, hoping he would help her. v. 16: The woman said she wanted the king to protect her and her son from those who wanted to destroy them. v. 17: She praised the king’s wisdom, saying his decisions were like those of an angel of God, knowing good and evil, and she prayed that the Lord would be with him. v. 18: The king asked the woman if Joab had put her up to this. She admitted that Joab had told her what to say and arranged the whole plan. v. 19: She said Joab was very wise and did this to help the king. She praised the king’s wisdom again, saying he knew everything that happened in the kingdom. v. 20: The king realized Joab wanted to bring Absalom back. David agreed, and Joab thanked him for listening and making peace in his family. Absalom's Recalled.This section tells how David allowed Absalom to return to Jerusalem after being in exile. David’s decision came after a wise woman, sent by Joab, pleaded for Absalom’s return. The story also describes Absalom’s appearance and family, but says nothing about his character or faith. It reminds us that outward beauty is not the same as true goodness, and that parents cannot give their children a godly heart just by raising them well.v. 21: David gave the order to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem . He was already feeling kind toward Absalom, but waited for someone to ask for him, to show respect for justice. This is like how God is willing to forgive sinners, but does so through a Mediator who pleads for us (God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, 2 Corinthians 5:19 a). David told Joab to bring Absalom home. v. 22: Joab thanked the king for letting him help with this matter . Joab was glad to be trusted with such an important job. Some people think Joab hoped this meant David would not punish him for his own past actions, but he was wrong about that (1 Kings 2:5-6 b). v. 23: Joab quickly obeyed David’s command and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem . However, David did not fully forgive Absalom or allow him to come to the palace. This was not in line with the old law, which said, Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed (Genesis 9:6 c). David’s pity for Absalom would later bring him trouble. v. 24: David allowed Absalom to return to his own house, but did not let him come to the royal court or see the king’s face . David did this to show he did not approve of Absalom’s crime and to humble Absalom. David may have heard that Absalom was not truly sorry for what he had done, so he wanted Absalom to feel his displeasure and hopefully repent. v. 25: The Bible says Absalom was the most handsome man in Israel, with no physical defect . But this is not a true measure of a person’s worth. Absalom’s heart was not right, even though he looked perfect on the outside. Sometimes parents are too proud of their children’s looks and forget to care more about their character. v. 26: Absalom was famous for his long, heavy hair. He let it grow until it became a burden, and when he cut it, he weighed it to show off how much it was . This was a sign of his pride. Later, his hair would cause his downfall (2 Samuel 18:9 d). v. 27: Absalom had three sons and one daughter named Tamar . At first, he had no children and set up a pillar to keep his name alive (2 Samuel 18:18 e). Later, God gave him children, but it is possible that his sons died young, which may be why he still wanted a monument for his name. Absalom’s ReturnThis section describes Absalom’s return to Jerusalem after being banished for killing his brother. Even though he was allowed back into the city, he was not allowed to see his father, King David. Absalom’s pride and impatience are clear in how he acts, showing that his heart was not changed by his punishment. The story warns us about the danger of pride and the importance of true repentance.v. 28: Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years but was not allowed to see King David. This was a kind of house arrest. Even though he was back in the city, he was not fully forgiven or restored . v. 29: Absalom wanted Joab’s help to get a meeting with the king. He sent for Joab twice, but Joab would not come. This shows Absalom’s impatience and pride; he expected others to serve him, even after all he had done . v. 30: After Joab ignored him, Absalom told his servants to set Joab’s barley field on fire. This was a spiteful and aggressive act to force Joab to come. Absalom did not care about right or wrong; he just wanted his own way . v. 31: Joab came to Absalom’s house, angry about his field. He asked why Absalom’s servants had set his field on fire. Even though Absalom had done wrong, he did not apologize . v. 32: Absalom explained that he wanted Joab to ask the king why he had been brought back from Geshur if he could not see the king’s face. He even said, “If there is any guilt in me, let him put me to death.” Absalom pretended to be humble but really wanted full acceptance and power again . v. 33: Joab went to King David and told him what Absalom wanted. David called for Absalom, who bowed down before the king. David kissed Absalom, welcoming him back. But this act of forgiveness was more emotional than wise, since Absalom’s heart was not truly changed (2 Samuel 14:33 f).
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