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2 Samuel 14

33 verses

TL;DR

King David secretly brings back his exiled son Absalom to Jerusalem by sending a woman from Tekoah to plead with him, while Joab’s political maneuvering creates conflict between the king and the returning son.

Summary

David, who had banished Absalom for treason, uses a woman from Tekoah to appeal to his heart and persuade Joab to bring Absalom back. Joab delivers the woman’s plea, and David orders Absalom’s return. Absalom arrives in Jerusalem, but refuses to see the king’s face, citing past grievances. Absalom’s servants burn Joab’s barley field, provoking a clash that forces Joab to confront him. Despite the tension, the king accepts Absalom’s presence, though their relationship remains strained.

Outline
  1. Joab’s political persuasion of the king through the Tekoah woman
  2. Absalom’s return to Jerusalem and his refusal to see David
  3. Conflict erupts when Absalom’s servants set Joab’s field on fire
Themes
political intrigueloyalty and betrayaljustice and mercydivine providence
Keywords
JoabAbsalomkingTekoahGeshurJerusaleminquiryrevengefaithcrownbarley
People
DavidAbsalomJoabTekoah womanTamarAbsalom’s sons
Places
JerusalemTekoahGeshurIsrael
Things
wise woman’s pleaAbsalom’s hair measurementbarley field fire
Key Verses
  • 2 Samuel 14:4: The woman’s heartfelt appeal persuades Joab to act
  • 2 Samuel 14:21: David’s directive to bring Absalom back shows clemency
  • 2 Samuel 14:29: Absalom’s servants ignite Joab’s field, sparking conflict
Questions
  • Why did Joab choose to manipulate the king through a woman rather than acting openly?
  • In what ways does David’s decision to allow Absalom back reflect divine justice?
  • How does Absalom’s refusal to see David’s face affect the political stability of Israel?
  • What does the burning of Joab’s field reveal about loyalty and vengeance in the narrative?
  • How do the characters’ actions illustrate the tension between human authority and divine will?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter mixes political cunning with a fragile sense of forgiveness and underlying hostility.