Absalom Returns - II Samuel 14

 

II Samuel 14 – Absalom Returns

 

Joab grew up in the vicinity of` Tekoah and may have known this woman from earlier days. He had her play upon the feelings of David by telling him her sad story. Just as David had used deception, he was now being deceived.

David grants her imaginary son a full pardon. Then she makes the application to David and Absalom.

The widow of Tekoah was putting David in the place of her imaginary prosecutors. What her prosecutors could do to her remaining son, David was doing to God’s people by punishing Absalom for the crime he had committed. She is representing the people of Israel as the widowed mother. She claims to be speaking in the name of all Israel.

It is unfortunate that David did not want to see his son. It set the stage for Absalom’s rebellion. Absalom was a bad boy, but he was a great politician. Absalom’s action of setting Joab’s standing grain on fire to force Joab to come to him is another revelation of Absalom’s personality. This prank succeeded in persuading Joab to bring him to his father for reconciliation and restoration of Absalom’s position as the king’s son, it was given reluctantly. The fact that his father did not give him instant, wholehearted forgiveness rankled in his soul.

God had not forgiven David half-heartedly. When God forgives, He forgives completely. David should have forgiven Absalom.

There are times when the truth should be spoken, when forgiveness is asked for, it should be extended immediately. In not forgiving his son as God had forgiven David, He will live to regret it.

 

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.