Why did Absalom summon Joab in 2 Samuel 14:29, and what resulted? Backdrop to the Request • After killing Amnon, Absalom spent three years in Geshur (2 Samuel 13:37–38). • Joab engineered Absalom’s return to Jerusalem, but David kept his son under a form of house arrest for two more years—“Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem without seeing the face of the king” (2 Samuel 14:28). The Immediate Action (2 Samuel 14:29) “Then Absalom sent for Joab to send him to the king, but Joab would not come to him. So he sent for him a second time, but Joab still would not come.” Why Absalom Summoned Joab • Joab was the one man with access to David who had already interceded for Absalom’s return (2 Samuel 14:1–23). • Absalom wanted full restoration to royal favor—permission to see the king’s face, resume public life, and reclaim status as heir apparent (cf. 2 Samuel 14:32). • By summoning Joab, Absalom sought an advocate to press his case before David. Joab’s Silence and Absalom’s Drastic Measure • Joab ignored two invitations, signaling reluctance to involve himself further. • Absalom set Joab’s barley field on fire to force a meeting (2 Samuel 14:30). • Joab confronted him; Absalom bluntly stated: “I sent word to you… Now then, let me see the king’s face; and if there is guilt in me, let him put me to death” (2 Samuel 14:32). Outcome of the Summons • Joab relented and reported Absalom’s plea to David (2 Samuel 14:33a). • David summoned Absalom; the prince bowed with his face to the ground, and the king kissed him—publicly affirming reconciliation (2 Samuel 14:33b). • Though restored outwardly, Absalom’s heart soon turned to conspiracy (2 Samuel 15:1–6), demonstrating that outward reconciliation without inner repentance breeds future rebellion. Key Takeaways • Absalom’s summons reveals a restless spirit unwilling to remain half-reconciled. • Joab’s eventual compliance shows the power of persistence—though Absalom’s methods were manipulative. • David’s kiss ends the immediate estrangement yet sets the stage for larger conflict, reminding us that peace without genuine heart change is fragile (Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:19). |
    |