2 Samuel 14

  1. The three years the Absalom was away is now coming to an end (it has been nearly five years since David lost his eldest). Joab, David’s military commander, appeals to a wise woman of Tekoa to use a parable to help David see a point he was not seeing up to this time. David acquiesces to the illustration and brings Absalom out of hiding. For another two years Absalom resides in Israel, but does not see his father. Finally there is a reunion.
  2. Application: Does justice call out for reunification? David lost his firstborn because he would not render justice. His daughter lived the remainder of her days without a husband (13:20) because David would not render justice. When justice was rendered by David’s son, for five years Absalom was unable to see his father. During that time, and in the next number of month, Absalom worked on a plan to usurp his father on the throne. All because justice over an evil deed was not accomplished.