Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Absalom's Return

◄ David: King of Israel: Absalom's Return ►

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Absalom, the third son of King David, is a significant figure in the narrative of David's reign, particularly in the events surrounding his return to Jerusalem after a period of exile. Absalom's account is primarily found in the Second Book of Samuel, chapters 13 to 19.

Background and Exile

Absalom's exile was a consequence of his vengeance against his half-brother Amnon, who had violated their sister Tamar. In response to this grievous act, Absalom orchestrated Amnon's murder during a feast, leading to his flight to Geshur, where he stayed with his maternal grandfather, King Talmai (2 Samuel 13:37-38). Absalom remained in Geshur for three years, during which time King David mourned for his son Amnon but also longed for Absalom (2 Samuel 13:39).

Joab's Intervention

The return of Absalom to Jerusalem was facilitated by Joab, the commander of David's army. Recognizing the king's deep-seated affection for Absalom, Joab devised a plan to reconcile father and son. He enlisted a wise woman from Tekoa to present a parable to David, which ultimately led the king to acknowledge his desire to bring Absalom back (2 Samuel 14:1-20).

David's Decision

Moved by the woman's words and Joab's persuasion, David consented to Absalom's return but imposed a condition: Absalom was not to see the king's face. "So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the king" (2 Samuel 14:24). This partial reconciliation left Absalom in a state of limbo, residing in Jerusalem but estranged from his father.

Absalom's Restoration to Favor

After two years of living in Jerusalem without seeing David, Absalom grew impatient. He summoned Joab to intercede on his behalf, but when Joab ignored his requests, Absalom resorted to setting Joab's field on fire to capture his attention (2 Samuel 14:28-30). This act of desperation succeeded in prompting Joab to approach David, who finally agreed to meet Absalom. "Then the king summoned Absalom, and he came in and bowed facedown before the king. And the king kissed Absalom" (2 Samuel 14:33). This gesture symbolized Absalom's full restoration to David's favor.

Significance

Absalom's return to Jerusalem is a pivotal moment in the narrative of David's kingship. It highlights the complexities of familial relationships, the challenges of justice and mercy, and the political dynamics within the royal household. Absalom's return set the stage for subsequent events, including his rebellion against David, which would test the king's leadership and the unity of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 14:1-24
Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

God's Banished Ones
... in- chief, a devoted friend of David, saw how ... that was left her would be 'quenched.'
The king's sympathy was ... of religious thought amongst the masses of Israel. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods banished ones.htm

The Historical Books.
... It was during the reign of the good king Hezekiah that ... hand, the history of the kingdom
of Israel, giving only a ... over in silence the adultery of David with its ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... it was the duty of the people of Israel to take ... of treason against God and his anointed
king, and justly deserved death; and though David could forgive ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Exile.
... louder acclaim for David's victories, startled the king for the ... may be taken as an
anticipation on David's lips of ... not all Israel which are of Israel." After a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iv the exile.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... It is the book from which King David got wisdom and ... If David had not given occasion
to the devil, by idling ... who took the vow of a Nazarite in Israel, not only ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... God's vengeance for the many evils they had inflicted on Israel. ... Achish, for example,
King of Gath ... pillaging tribes, owing to the intervention of David and his ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... client's cause.-Joseph's exaltation was Israel's advantage.-God's ... and murder, and
hypocrisy, in David's doings; here ... up an indictment against the king; and a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... as the ten tribes said to Rehoboam, the son of Solomon the king, "What portion have
we in David? ... in the son of Jesse; to your tents, O Israel: now see ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... captain that shall rule my people Israel."' Then I ... inquired so particularly about
the newborn King, he feigned ... was the former ancestral house of David of which ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... of this world; so the whale is called, king over all ... unto me, Go, prophesy unto my
people Israel" (Amos 7 ... head to defend that, from whence they return with shame ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm