Absalom Returns to Jerusalem

II Samuel 14:1–24
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Joab knew that David couldn’t stop thinking about his son Absalom (v. 1). Because of this he sent someone to bring a woman from Tekoa to him and he asked her to put on funeral clothes and not use any makeup (v. 2). He told her to go to the king and pretend that she was mourning about the death of a loved one, and he also told her what to say (v. 3). She went to David and bowed down to him and said, “Your Majesty, please help me"(v. 4)! He asked her, “What’s the matter?” and she replied that her husband is dead and she is a widow (v. 5). She also told him how she had two sons who got into a fight and one killed the other (v. 6). She says that her relatives have demanded that she hand over  her son so they can put him to death for killing his brother; but what they really want is their land and to destroy their name (v. 7).

David tells her to go home and he will take care of it (v. 8). The woman tells him she hopes this won’t cause him any problems, but if it does he can blame her (v. 9). He replies that if anyone gives her trouble, bring them to him and it won’t happen again (v. 10). She tells him to make sure no one will be allowed to kill her son and he says, “I swear by the living Lord that no one will touch even a hair on his head” (v. 11)! 

The woman then asks the king if he isn’t personally hurting because he has a son who had to leave the country because he killed his brother and now when he judges in her favor he is admitting he needs to let his son come back (vv. 12-13). We need to each get out of the way and let God take over  (14). She tells David she came to tell him about her problem because she knew he would listen and help her and now she prays God will help him (vv. 15-17). David then asks her if Joab put her up to this, and the woman answers that he did and he is very wise to know this (vv. 18-20). He tells Joab to go and bring Absalom back and Joab thanks him for the approval (vv. 21-22). Joab brings Absalom back but David refuses to see him (vv. 23-24).

Application

I want to be the type of person who not only invites his son back but accepts him into the family.