14:1
The situation between David and Absalom had not been resolved. In this chapter a partial resolution was arrived at, but ultimately the situation was to end in disaster. The problem was Absalom’s sin, David’s sin and the fact that Absalom was David’s son and the heir to the throne. So David’s “heart longed for Absalom”. If David had disciplined Absalom properly would things have been different? One could even draw some parallels with the current situation of King Charles and Prince Harry!
14:2,3
Joab is scheming. He knew that the present situation with Absalom in a sort of exile could not be allowed to continue. Something had to be done about it. Joab is a very complex character. Some of his actions are clearly self-serving, but others are with the interests of David or Israel at heart. Joab chooses “a wise woman” from Tekoa. Tekoa was about twelve miles from Jerusalem, so the woman would not have been known in Jerusalem. The woman was to pretend that she was in mourning, and then go to the king and give him a tale that Joab would give to her. It is worth noting that the king was available for someone like this woman to speak to him.
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