Background: Absalom, the third son of King David, is a prominent figure in the narrative of 2 Samuel. Known for his striking appearance and charisma, Absalom's account is marked by familial conflict, ambition, and tragedy. The reconciliation between Absalom and David follows a period of estrangement due to Absalom's murder of his half-brother Amnon, who had violated their sister Tamar.

Estrangement and Exile: After the murder of Amnon, Absalom fled to Geshur, where he stayed for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38). During this time, David longed to go to Absalom, indicating a deep paternal affection despite the gravity of Absalom's actions (2 Samuel 13:39).

Joab's Intervention: Joab, the commander of David's army, perceived the king's longing for Absalom and devised a plan to facilitate their reconciliation. He enlisted a wise woman from Tekoa to present a parable to David, drawing a parallel between her fictional plight and David's situation with Absalom (2 Samuel 14:1-20). The woman's account moved David, prompting him to reconsider his stance on Absalom.

David's Decision: Convinced by the woman's plea and Joab's subsequent intervention, David instructed Joab to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem. However, David imposed a condition: "He must go to his own house; he must not see my face" (2 Samuel 14:24). This partial reconciliation allowed Absalom to return to the city but kept him at a distance from the king.

Full Reconciliation: After two years in Jerusalem without seeing the king, Absalom grew frustrated and sought Joab's help to secure an audience with David. When Joab initially ignored his requests, Absalom resorted to setting Joab's field on fire to capture his attention (2 Samuel 14:28-30). This act prompted Joab to arrange a meeting between Absalom and David.

The Meeting: When Absalom finally appeared before David, he bowed with his face to the ground, a gesture of submission and respect. David responded by kissing Absalom, symbolizing forgiveness and the restoration of their relationship (2 Samuel 14:33). This moment marked the official reconciliation between father and son, although underlying tensions and future conflicts remained.

Significance: The reconciliation of Absalom and David is a complex narrative that highlights themes of familial love, forgiveness, and the challenges of leadership. It underscores the tension between justice and mercy, as David navigates his roles as both a father and a king. The account also foreshadows the subsequent rebellion led by Absalom, which would further test David's reign and personal resolve.