1 Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.

2 And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:

3 And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth.

4 And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.

5 And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.

6 And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him.

7 And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth.

8 And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee.

9 And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.

10 And the king said, Whoever saith ought unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more.

11 Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the Lord thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.

12 Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.

13 And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished.

14 For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

15 Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.

16 For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man that would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God.

17 Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the Lord thy God will be with thee.

18 Then the king answered and said unto the woman, Hide not from me, I pray thee, the thing that I shall ask thee. And the woman said, Let my lord the king now speak.

19 And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:

20 To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.

22 And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.

23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

24 And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.

25 But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

26 And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight.

27 And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.

28 So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.

29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come.

30 Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

31 Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?

32 And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me.

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

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Was towards - He desired to see him, but was ashamed to shew kindness to one whom God's law and his own conscience obliged him to punish; he wanted therefore a fair pretence, which therefore Joab gave him.
McArther Bible Commentary
The recall and return of Absalom.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:39 2 Samuel 14:2

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Anoint - As they used to do when they were out of a mourning state.
McArther Bible Commentary
Tekoa. A town about ten miles south of Jerusalem (cf. Amo 1:1).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 12:20 2 Samuel 20:16 2 Samuel 23:26 1 Kings 14:2 1 Kings 14:5 2 Chronicles 11:6 Amos 1:1

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 14:19 2 Samuel 14:4

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 25:23 2 Samuel 14:5 2 Samuel 18:28 2 Kings 6:26

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Widow - One of them who most need thy compassion, and whom thou art by God's law obliged in a singular manner to relieve.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 21:17 2 Samuel 14:4 2 Samuel 14:6

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 14:5 2 Samuel 14:7

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
McArther Bible Commentary
leave to my husband neither name nor remnant. The story the woman told involved one brother killing another (2Sa 14:6). If the death penalty for murder was invoked (cf. Exo 21:12; Lev 24:17), there would be no living heir in the family, leaving that family with no future, a situation the law sought to avoid (Deu 25:5-10). This would extinguish the last "ember" of hope for a future for her line. Cf. 2Sa 21:17; Psa 132:17, where the lamp refers to posterity.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 21:38 Numbers 35:19 Deuteronomy 19:12 Deuteronomy 19:13 2 Samuel 14:6 2 Samuel 14:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 14:7 2 Samuel 14:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Be guiltless - If through thy forgetfulness or neglect of this my just cause, my adversaries prevail and destroy my son, my desire is, that God would not lay it to the king's charge, but rather to me and mine, so the king may be exempted thereby. Whereby she insinuates, that such an omission will bring guilt upon him; and yet most decently orders her phrase so as not to seem to blame or threaten the king. This sense seems best to agree with David's answer, which shew's that she desired some farther assurances of the king's care.
McArther Bible Commentary
let the iniquity be on me. The woman was willing to receive whatever blame might arise from the sparing of her guilty son.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 43:9 1 Samuel 25:24 2 Samuel 14:8 2 Samuel 14:10 1 Kings 2:33

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 14:9 2 Samuel 14:11

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Remember - Remember the Lord, in whose presence thou hast made me this promise, and who will be a witness against thee, if thou breakest it.
McArther Bible Commentary
avenger of blood. This is a specific term identifying the nearest relative of the deceased who would seek to put to death the murderer (Num 35:6-28; Deu 19:1-13; Mat 27:25). not one hair. This is an expression meaning that no harm will come to the son of the widow in the story.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 10:30 Numbers 35:19 Numbers 35:21 Deuteronomy 19:4 1 Samuel 14:45 2 Samuel 14:10 2 Samuel 14:12 2 Samuel 14:21 1 Kings 1:52

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 14:11 2 Samuel 14:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wherefore then - If thou shouldst not permit the avengers of blood to molest me, or to destroy my son, who are but two persons; how unreasonable is it that thou shouldest proceed in thy endeavours to avenge Amnon's blood upon Absalom, whose death would be grievous to the whole commonwealth of Israel, all whose eyes are upon him as the heir of the crown, and a wise, and valiant, and amiable person, unhappy only in this one act of killing Amnon, which was done upon an high provocation, and whereof thou thyself didst give the occasion by permitting Amnon to go unpunished? Faulty - By thy word, and promise, and oath given to me for my son, thou condemnest thyself for not allowing the same equity towards thy own son. It is true, Absalom's case was widely different from that which she had supposed. But David was too well affected to him, to remark that difference, and was more desirous than she could be, to apply that favourable judgment to his own son, which he had given concerning hers.
McArther Bible Commentary
against the people of God? The woman asserted that by allowing Absalom to remain in exile, David had jeopardized the future welfare of Israel. If he would be so generous to a son he did not know in a family he did not know, would he not forgive his own son?
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 12:7 2 Samuel 13:37 2 Samuel 13:38 2 Samuel 14:12 1 Kings 20:40

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
We - We shall certainly die, both thou, O king, who art therefore obliged to take care of thy successor, Absalom; and Absalom, who, if he do not die by the hand of justice, must shortly die by the necessity of nature: and Amnon too must have died in the common way of all flesh, if Absalom had not cut him off. Respect - So far as to exempt him from this common law of dying. Not expelled - He hath given laws to this purpose, that the man - slayer who is banished should not always continue in banishment, but upon the High - priest's death return to his own city.
McArther Bible Commentary
like water spilled on the ground. I.e., death is irreversible. God does not take away a life. The woman stated that since God acts according to the dictates of mercy, as in David's own experience (2Sa 12:13), David was obligated to do likewise.
Bible Cross References
Hebrews 9:27 Numbers 35:15 Numbers 35:25 2 Samuel 14:15 Job 30:23 Job 34:15 Psalm 58:7

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The people - The truth is, I was even forced to this bold address to thee by the disposition of thy people, who are discontented at Absalom's perpetual banishment, lest, if Absalom by his father - in - law's assistance invade the land, the people who have a great kindness for him, and think he is very hard used, should take up arms.
McArther Bible Commentary
the people … the man who would destroy me. Those who were seeking to kill the son of the woman were like the people David feared who resented what Absalom had done and would have stood against a pardon for him.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 14:14 2 Samuel 14:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Hear - For I know the king is so wise and just, that I assure myself of audience and acceptation. Deliver - To grant my request concerning my son, and consequently the peoples petition concerning Absalom. My son - Implying that her life was bound up in the life of her son, and that she could not outlive his death; (and supposing that it might be David's case also, and would therefore touch him in a tender part, though it were not proper to say it expressly:) and thereby suggesting, that the safety and comfort of the people of Israel, depended upon Absalom's restitution. Inheritance - That is, out of that land which God gave to his people to be their inheritance, and in which alone God hath settled the place of his presence and worship: whereby she intimates the danger of Absalom's living in a state of separation from God, and his house, amongst idolaters.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:9 1 Samuel 26:19 2 Samuel 14:15 2 Samuel 20:19

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Angel - In wisdom, and justice, and goodness. Therefore - Because thou art so wise and gracious to those who in strict justice deserve punishment, God will own and stand by thee in this thy act of grace: or God will prosper thee in thy enterprizes.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 29:9 2 Samuel 14:18 2 Samuel 14:20 2 Samuel 19:27 1 Kings 3:9

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
McArther Bible Commentary
David gets the intent of the story and discerns the source as Joab.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 14:17 2 Samuel 14:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Of Joab - Hast thou not said and done this by Joab's direction. Said - It is even so, thou hast discovered the truth. These words - As to the substance of them, but not as to all the expressions; for these were to be varied as the king's answer gave occasion.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 14:3 2 Samuel 14:18 2 Samuel 18:13

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Joab procures Absalom's recall.
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
To fetch - That is, to propose his, and the peoples desire of Absalom's restitution in this parabolical manner. In the earth - Or, in this land, in all thy kingdom; all the counsels and devices of thy subjects.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 29:9 2 Samuel 14:17 2 Samuel 18:13 2 Samuel 19:27

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Absalom recalled.
David was inclined to favour Absalom, yet, for the honour of his justice, he could not do it but upon application made for him, which may show the methods of Divine grace. It is true that God has thoughts of compassion toward poor sinners, not willing that any should perish; yet he is only reconciled to them through a Mediator, who pleads on their behalf. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and Christ came to this land of our banishment, to bring us to God.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 14:11 2 Samuel 14:22

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Absalom recalled.
David was inclined to favour Absalom, yet, for the honour of his justice, he could not do it but upon application made for him, which may show the methods of Divine grace. It is true that God has thoughts of compassion toward poor sinners, not willing that any should perish; yet he is only reconciled to them through a Mediator, who pleads on their behalf. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and Christ came to this land of our banishment, to bring us to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Fulfilled - But it seems David had no power to dispense with God's laws, nor to spare any whom God appointed him to destroy: for the laws of God bound the kings and rulers, as well as the people of Israel. How justly did God make this man, whom he had so sinfully spared, a scourge to him?
McArther Bible Commentary
Joab's motives were selfish, in that he sought to ingratiate himself further with David for greater influence and power.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 47:7 2 Samuel 14:21 2 Samuel 14:23

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Absalom recalled.
David was inclined to favour Absalom, yet, for the honour of his justice, he could not do it but upon application made for him, which may show the methods of Divine grace. It is true that God has thoughts of compassion toward poor sinners, not willing that any should perish; yet he is only reconciled to them through a Mediator, who pleads on their behalf. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and Christ came to this land of our banishment, to bring us to God.
McArther Bible Commentary
Geshur. See note on 2Sa 13:34, 2Sa 13:37.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 3:14 2 Samuel 13:37 2 Samuel 13:38 2 Samuel 14:22

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Absalom recalled.
David was inclined to favour Absalom, yet, for the honour of his justice, he could not do it but upon application made for him, which may show the methods of Divine grace. It is true that God has thoughts of compassion toward poor sinners, not willing that any should perish; yet he is only reconciled to them through a Mediator, who pleads on their behalf. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and Christ came to this land of our banishment, to bring us to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Let him turn - Lest whilst be shewed some mercy to Absalom, he should seem to approve of his sin. Likewise by this means Absalom might be drawn to a more thorough humiliation and repentance.
McArther Bible Commentary
do not let him see my face. Absalom returned to Jerusalem, but the estrangement with his father continued.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:20 2 Samuel 14:28

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
His personal beauty.
Nothing is said of Absalom's wisdom and piety. All here said of him is, that he was very handsome. A poor commendation for a man that had nothing else in him valuable. Many a polluted, deformed soul dwells in a fair and comely body. And we read that he had a very fine head of hair. It was a burden to him, but he would not cut it as long as he could bear the weight. That which feeds and gratifies pride, is not complained of, though uneasy. May the Lord grant us the beauty of holiness, and the adorning of a meek and quiet spirit! Only those who fear God are truly happy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Beauty - This is noted as the occasion of his pride, and of the people's affection to him.
McArther Bible Commentary
his good looks. As with Saul before him (1Sa 9:1-2), Absalom looked like a king. His popularity arose from his appearance.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 28:35 Job 2:7 Isaiah 1:6 Daniel 1:4

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
His personal beauty.
Nothing is said of Absalom's wisdom and piety. All here said of him is, that he was very handsome. A poor commendation for a man that had nothing else in him valuable. Many a polluted, deformed soul dwells in a fair and comely body. And we read that he had a very fine head of hair. It was a burden to him, but he would not cut it as long as he could bear the weight. That which feeds and gratifies pride, is not complained of, though uneasy. May the Lord grant us the beauty of holiness, and the adorning of a meek and quiet spirit! Only those who fear God are truly happy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Weighed - Others understand this not of the weight, but of the price of his hair.
McArther Bible Commentary
hair of his head. At his annual haircut, it was determined that Absalom's head produced approximately five pounds of hair that had to be cut off.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 23:16 2 Samuel 18:9 Ezekiel 44:20

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
His personal beauty.
Nothing is said of Absalom's wisdom and piety. All here said of him is, that he was very handsome. A poor commendation for a man that had nothing else in him valuable. Many a polluted, deformed soul dwells in a fair and comely body. And we read that he had a very fine head of hair. It was a burden to him, but he would not cut it as long as he could bear the weight. That which feeds and gratifies pride, is not complained of, though uneasy. May the Lord grant us the beauty of holiness, and the adorning of a meek and quiet spirit! Only those who fear God are truly happy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sons - All which died not long after they were born, as may be gathered from (2 Samuel 18:18) , where it is said, that Absalom had no son.
McArther Bible Commentary
three sons. See note on 2Sa 18:18. daughter … Tamar. Absalom named his daughter after his sister Tamar.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:1 2 Samuel 18:18

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is admitted to his father's presence.
By his insolent carriage toward Joab, Absalom brought Joab to plead for him. By his insolent message to the king, he gained his wishes. When parents and rulers countenance such characters, they will soon suffer the most fatal effects. But did the compassion of a father prevail to reconcile him to an impenitent son, and shall penitent sinners question the compassion of Him who is the Father of mercies?
McArther Bible Commentary
two full years. Whatever were David's errors in recalling Absalom, he displayed great restraint in wanting to stay apart from Absalom to lead his son through a time of repentance and a real restoration. Rather than produce repentance, however, Absalom's non-access to the royal court and all its amenities frustrated him so that he sent for Joab to intercede (2Sa 14:29).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 14:24 2 Samuel 14:29

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is admitted to his father's presence.
By his insolent carriage toward Joab, Absalom brought Joab to plead for him. By his insolent message to the king, he gained his wishes. When parents and rulers countenance such characters, they will soon suffer the most fatal effects. But did the compassion of a father prevail to reconcile him to an impenitent son, and shall penitent sinners question the compassion of Him who is the Father of mercies?
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 14:28 2 Samuel 14:30

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is admitted to his father's presence.
By his insolent carriage toward Joab, Absalom brought Joab to plead for him. By his insolent message to the king, he gained his wishes. When parents and rulers countenance such characters, they will soon suffer the most fatal effects. But did the compassion of a father prevail to reconcile him to an impenitent son, and shall penitent sinners question the compassion of Him who is the Father of mercies?
McArther Bible Commentary
set the field on fire. This was an act of aggression by Absalom to force Joab to act in his behalf with David, his father. Such a crime was serious, as it destroyed the livelihood of the owner and workers. It reveals that Absalom's heart was not repentant and submissive, but manipulative. He wanted an ultimatum delivered to David: Accept me or kill me!
Bible Cross References
Judges 15:3 2 Samuel 14:29 2 Samuel 14:31 2 Samuel 18:14

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is admitted to his father's presence.
By his insolent carriage toward Joab, Absalom brought Joab to plead for him. By his insolent message to the king, he gained his wishes. When parents and rulers countenance such characters, they will soon suffer the most fatal effects. But did the compassion of a father prevail to reconcile him to an impenitent son, and shall penitent sinners question the compassion of Him who is the Father of mercies?
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 14:30 2 Samuel 14:32

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is admitted to his father's presence.
By his insolent carriage toward Joab, Absalom brought Joab to plead for him. By his insolent message to the king, he gained his wishes. When parents and rulers countenance such characters, they will soon suffer the most fatal effects. But did the compassion of a father prevail to reconcile him to an impenitent son, and shall penitent sinners question the compassion of Him who is the Father of mercies?
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Kill me - For it is better for me to die, than to want the sight and favour of my dear father. Thus he insinuates himself into his father's affections, by pretending such respect and love to him It seems that by this time Absalom having so far recovered his father's favour, began to grow upon him, and take so much confidence as to stand upon his own justification, as if what he had done, had been no iniquity, at least not such as to deserve death. See how easily wise parents may be imposed on by their children, when they are blindly fond of them.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 20:8 2 Samuel 3:3 2 Samuel 13:37 2 Samuel 14:31 Proverbs 28:13

Verse 33

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is admitted to his father's presence.
By his insolent carriage toward Joab, Absalom brought Joab to plead for him. By his insolent message to the king, he gained his wishes. When parents and rulers countenance such characters, they will soon suffer the most fatal effects. But did the compassion of a father prevail to reconcile him to an impenitent son, and shall penitent sinners question the compassion of Him who is the Father of mercies?
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Kissed - Did the bowels of a father prevail to reconcile him to an impenitent son? And shall penitent sinners question the compassion of him who is the Father of mercy? If Ephraim bemoan himself, God soon bemoans him, with all the expressions of fatherly tenderness. He is a dear son, a pleasant child.
McArther Bible Commentary
the king kissed Absalom. The kiss signified David's forgiveness and Absalom's reconciliation with the family.
Bible Cross References
Luke 15:20 Genesis 33:4 2 Samuel 15:5 2 Samuel 19:39