David Forgives Absalom
March 7, 2019
Commentary
No one in all Israel was as handsome and well-built as Absalom (14:25). He was widely admired for his appearance, especially his thick hair, which he cut only once a year because of its great weight (14:26). Absalom had three sons and a beautiful daughter named Tamar (14:27). After returning from exile, he lived in Jerusalem for two years, yet he was not allowed to see his father, King David (14:28). Though physically restored to the city, Absalom remained emo-tionally distant and deeply wounded by the lack of reconciliation.
Absalom wanted Joab to speak to David on his behalf, hoping Joab could arrange a meeting. He invited Joab twice, but Joab refused to come or respond (14:29). Frustrated and impatient, Absalom took drastic action. Knowing Joab’s barley field was next to his own, he ordered his servants to set it on fire (14:30). This reckless act finally forced Joab to respond. Joab confronted Absalom and demanded an explanation for the destruction of his property (14:31).
Absalom explained that he acted because Joab ignored his repeated re-quests. He questioned why David had allowed him to return from Geshur if he was only going to live as an outcast in Jerusalem (14:32). Absalom declared that he wanted to see his father and face judgment, even if it meant death. Joab reported these words to David. David then summoned Absalom, who came and bowed before the king. At last, David kissed his son (14:33). Though forgiveness was shown, reconciliation remained shallow. This passage reminds us that forgiveness without truth, repentance, and restored trust often leaves broken relationships unresolved.
Application
When forgiveness is offered, do I seek real healing or only peace on the surface? Do I avoid repentance because it feels uncomfortable? When relationships are broken, do I take humble steps to restore them? Today I will ask God to help me face truth, heal trust, and pursue reconciliation with patience and love.
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 head—at the end of every year he used to shave his head, for it grew too long and he would shave it—he used to weigh the hair of his head at three pounds according to the king’s 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 king’s 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, “Look, Joab has a portion of field adjacent to mine and he has some barley there. Go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set Joab’s portion of the field on fire.
31 Then Joab got up and came to Absalom’s house. He said to him, “Why did your servants set my portion of field on fire?” 32 Absalom said to Joab, “Look, I sent a message to you saying, ‘Come here so that I can send you to the king with this message: “Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there.”’ Let me now see the face of the king. If I am at fault, let him put me to death!”
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.
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