Godly fathers-ungodly sons-25

Absalom had fled to the safety of the kingdom of his father-in-law, but now years have passed. What was David doing since Absalom murdered his half-brother?

2 Samuel 14:1  Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was inclined toward Absalom. 

David missed his ‘favorite’ son but did nothing to restore Absalom to him.

Joab got a woman to appear before David with a story about this problem without naming either. David relented and asked that Absalom would return to Jerusalem. But, there were strange conditions.

2Sa 14:21  Then the king said to Joab, "Behold now, I will surely do this thing; go therefore, bring back the young man Absalom." 

14:22  Joab fell on his face to the ground, prostrated himself and blessed the king; then Joab said, "Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, O my lord, the king, in that the king has performed the request of his servant." 14:23  So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 

Joab convinced Absalom to return on order from David. Yet, David would not or could not see him.

14:24  However the king said, "Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face." So Absalom turned to his own house and did not see the king's face. 

David longed to see Absalom and be restored, but he did nothing to truly make this happen. Instead, he ignored him.

14:28  Now Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, and did not see the king's face. 

Remember from last week’s study that Absalom had been gone for 3 years!

13:37  Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. 13:38  So Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, and was there three years. 

13:39  The heart of King David longed to go out to Absalom; for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he was dead. 

David mourned for which son? Was it for Amnon or Absalom? I believe it was for Absalom which makes this all very hard to truly understand. It would appear that David struggled to truly forgive.

14:29  Then Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king, but he would not come to him. So he sent again a second time, but he would not come. 14:30  Therefore he said to his servants, "See, Joab's field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire." So Absalom's servants set the field on fire. 

Who is in charge? David is ignoring Absalom. Absalom is not trying on his own to see his father. So years continue to pass on, as it is now 5 years since Amnon was murdered.

14:31  Then Joab arose, came to Absalom at his house and said to him, "Why have your servants set my field on fire?" 

14:32  Absalom answered Joab, "Behold, I sent for you, saying, 'Come here, that I may send you to the king, to say, "Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me still to be there."' Now therefore, let me see the king's face, and if there is iniquity in me, let him put me to death." 

Absalom holds Joab responsible and burns his fields. Was that Absalom’ only way to get Joab’s attention?

14:33  So when Joab came to the king and told him, he called for Absalom. Thus he came to the king and prostrated himself on his face to the ground before the king, and the king kissed Absalom. 

Is it all well now between Absalom and David? Has Absalom been fully restored? Is Absalom now content to be back as one of David’s sons?

More next Saturday.