2 Samuel 14
Now Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, and did not see the king's face. (verse 28)
Message: An Imperfect Reconciliation
Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader.
What the Lord is Saying: Verse 1 of Chapter 14 is unclear. It is not clear from the text if David is yearning favorably or unfavorably for his son Absalom. Joab, leader of David's army, who always seems to be trying to manage King David, sends for a woman to excite David interest in mourning and it seems to be giving David a reason to forgive a murderer. Absalom is currently in exile after killing his half-brother Amnon. David failed to confront sin. I suppose it is hard sometimes to see sin in your children, for you are always championing their best. David gets a woman from Tekoa, a town about 10 miles south of Jerusalem to come and display herself as a mourner. Joab is trying to get a certain response out of David and is setting things up. The woman will basically be Joab's puppet, communicating to David what he wants him to hear.
The woman starts with the words, "Help me, O King." This is appealing to David's compassion. She mentions that her husband is dead. A woman's place in society at this time was closely tied to her husband and without a husband she then had a great need for compassion. The woman presents a story that is akin to Cain and Abel. Two boys in a field and they get into an argument and their is no one to separate them. One brother kills the other. Capital punishment is expected, taking the live of the one who took a life. And the name of the family or the husband's name on the earth would be extinguished. David feels compelled to act on behalf of the woman, telling her to go home. The woman responds with basically, "Oh no, I can't let you do that for me." But David once again takes charge on behalf of this helpless widow and assures her that he will take over the situation and allow nothing to happen to the woman. So the woman pleads for her son to be absolved from the crime and nothing happen to him. David agrees and promises nothing will happen to him.
The woman asks David if she can speak again. The woman turns the table on David and now speaks of Absalom wondering why David has not welcomed him home. The woman appeals to preserving the life of his son despite his wrongdoing. She appeals to God's compassion and patience, asking David to restore things with his son Absalom. The woman pronounces a blessing on David, acknowledging that he can discern good and evil.
David then asks the woman if Joab is behind all of this and the woman answers affirmatively. But the woman appeals again to David to have the wisdom of God in this situation. David grants the requests and asks that Absalom return. Joab falls facedown that he has found favor in King David. Joab then goes to Geshur to bring Absalom back. While Absalom is allowed to come back home to Jerusalem he is not allowed to see King David's face.
Absalom's appearance is described and it is reminiscent of Saul's great appearance. He had long hair and it would be cut annually. A man's hair reflects the importance of personal appearance and Absalom is in great appearance. Absalom has 3 sons and 1 daughter naming the daughter Tamar in honor of the sister he loved. But the tension remained between him and King David for 2 years he did not see the face of the king. Absalom asks Joab come to act as an intermediary, but Joab doesn't respond. Joab manages things and doesn't seem to want to be a pawn in this situation. To force Joab, Absalom has his field set on fire. Joab asks Absalom why and is told that he wants him to go to King David so that the two of them can reconcile and Absalom be seen again. Joab tells the king, David request Absalom and King David kisses him, symbolizing forgiveness and acceptance.
Summary: With Absalom away, Joab brings a woman to David to petition through a parable him to bring back Absalom. He does, but takes 2 years before David is appeased to allow Absalom in his presence.
Promise: When reconciliation is partial or incomplete, other problems often arise.
Prayer: O God, sin has a way of getting in the way of people's lives. It creates a problem always and in this situation with Absalom killing his brother though David did not deal with it he dealt with it by not facing Absalom for quite some time. We can appeal to people's good graces, but we must be careful that we are not manipulating the situation. Lord, you are the King of reconciliation and have brought me into your fold despite my wandering and sinful ways. Thank you for that restoration. Be glorified. You are to be praised and adored.
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