David Forgives Absalom
April 3, 2020
Commentary
No one in all Israel was as handsome and well-built as Absalom (v. 25). His hair was thick and heavy which he only cut once a year (v. 26). He had three sons and a daughter named Tamar who was very beautiful (v. 27). He came back and lived in Jerusalem for two years but didn’t see his father (v. 28). He wanted Joab to talk to his father for him, so one day he invited him to come over, but Joab refused to come (v. 29). Absalom contacted him the second time, but Joab still refused.
Finally, Absalom told his servants that Joab’s barley field was right next to his and he ordered them to set it on fire, which they did (v. 30). Immediately Joab went to Absalom’s house and demanded to know why he had ordered his servants to set his barley field in fire (v. 31). Absalom told Joab it was because he had refused to come when he sent for him. He told Joab he wanted him to ask his father why he wanted him to come back from Geshur when he was better off there (v. 32). He said, “I want to see my father now! If there is any guilt in me, let him kill me.” So, Joab went to David and told him what Absalom said. Then David called for Absalom, who came to the king and bowed to the ground and his father kissed him (v. 33).
Application
Holding a grudge is sin. I don’t want to leave this world having ill will toward anyone.
2 Samuel 14:25– 33 (NET)
25 Now in all Israel everyone acknowledged that there was no man as handsome as Absalom. From the soles of his feet to the top of his head he was perfect in appearance. 26 When he would shave his headâat the end of every year he used to shave his head, for it grew too long and he would shave itâhe used to weigh the hair of his head at three pounds according to the kingâs weight. 27 Absalom had three sons and one daughter, whose name was Tamar. She was a very attractive woman.
28 Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years without seeing the kingâs face. 29 Then Absalom sent a message to Joab asking him to send him to the king, but Joab was not willing to come to him. So he sent a second message to him, but he still was not willing to come. 30 So he said to his servants, âLook, Joab has a portion of field adjacent to mine and he has some barley there. Go and set it on fire.â So Absalomâs servants set Joabâs portion of the field on fire.
31 Then Joab got up and came to Absalomâs house. He said to him, âWhy did your servants set my portion of field on fire?â 32 Absalom said to Joab, âLook, I sent a message to you saying, âCome here so that I can send you to the king with this message: âWhy have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there.ââ Let me now see the face of the king. If I am at fault, let him put me to death!â
33 So Joab went to the king and informed him. The king summoned Absalom, and he came to the king. Absalom bowed down before the king with his face toward the ground and the king kissed him.