2 Samuel 14:12-20 - Did Joab put you up to this?

14:12-17

The woman then makes explicit the connection between her story and how David is treating Absalom. David is “blamed” for not bringing back Absalom, and this is seen as an affront to the people of Israel. When Nathan confronted David the case was far clearer. David had overtly broken two of the ten commandments. In “exiling” Absalom David had not done any such thing,  indeed it was Absalom who had broken one of the commandments. Though it could be argued that Absalom was seeking justice for the rape of his sister. The woman claims that God wants Absalom to be restored, though whether he does or not is open to question! The woman now reverts back to speaking about her concocted story. 

14:18-20

When Nathan spoke to David, David realised that he had sinned against God, his eyes were opened to his own guilt. He was convicted of sin. In this case David’s eyes are opened, but opened to the machinations of Joab. So he asks the woman directly if Joab had put her up to this. In reply the woman says yes, but not before flattering David for his astute insight. She also admits that Joab wanted to change the current situation.