This verse from 2 Samuel 14:21 is a turning point in the story of Absalom's exile and David's struggle as a father. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"The king said to Joab, “Behold now, I have done this thing." This indicates that King David has come to a decision. The "thing" he's referring to is agreeing to the elaborate plan orchestrated by Joab through the wise woman of Tekoa. This woman told a parable that mirrored David's situation with Absalom, prompting David to pronounce judgment in a way that applied to his own life.
"Go therefore, and bring the young man Absalom back.” This is the core of the verse. It's David's command to Joab to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem. This signifies David's change of heart (at least in part). He is willing to end Absalom's exile and allow him to return to the kingdom.
In context, the verse means:
After being manipulated by Joab, through the wise woman of Tekoa's parable, King David recognizes the similarity between the parable and his own relationship with Absalom. He realizes the extended exile is causing unrest and pain. Despite lingering feelings of anger and grief over Amnon's death (Absalom killed Amnon for raping his sister Tamar), David relents and commands Joab to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem.
Important considerations and implications:
David's reluctance: While David agrees to Absalom's return, it's crucial to note that he doesn't fully reconcile with Absalom immediately. As the subsequent verses show, David allows Absalom to return to Jerusalem, but he does not grant him an audience. He refuses to see him for a considerable time.
Unresolved issues: This verse highlights that David's decision is more about political expediency and resolving the unrest than genuine reconciliation. He is trying to manage the situation, but underlying tensions remain unresolved.
Seeds of rebellion: This decision to bring Absalom back, without addressing the deep-seated issues between father and son, ultimately contributes to the events that follow, leading to Absalom's rebellion against David. It shows how a superficial solution to a complex problem can have disastrous consequences. The superficial nature of the reconciliation allowed Absalom to gather support and eventually challenge David's kingship.
In essence, 2 Samuel 14:21 marks a turning point where David attempts to address the Absalom issue, but his decision, driven by political motivations and incomplete reconciliation, sets the stage for further conflict and tragedy.
This verse from 2 Samuel 14:21 is a turning point in the story of Absalom's exile and David's struggle as a father. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"The king said to Joab, “Behold now, I have done this thing." This indicates that King David has come to a decision. The "thing" he's referring to is agreeing to the elaborate plan orchestrated by Joab through the wise woman of Tekoa. This woman told a parable that mirrored David's situation with Absalom, prompting David to pronounce judgment in a way that applied to his own life.
"Go therefore, and bring the young man Absalom back.” This is the core of the verse. It's David's command to Joab to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem. This signifies David's change of heart (at least in part). He is willing to end Absalom's exile and allow him to return to the kingdom.
In context, the verse means:
After being manipulated by Joab, through the wise woman of Tekoa's parable, King David recognizes the similarity between the parable and his own relationship with Absalom. He realizes the extended exile is causing unrest and pain. Despite lingering feelings of anger and grief over Amnon's death (Absalom killed Amnon for raping his sister Tamar), David relents and commands Joab to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem.
Important considerations and implications:
David's reluctance: While David agrees to Absalom's return, it's crucial to note that he doesn't fully reconcile with Absalom immediately. As the subsequent verses show, David allows Absalom to return to Jerusalem, but he does not grant him an audience. He refuses to see him for a considerable time.
Unresolved issues: This verse highlights that David's decision is more about political expediency and resolving the unrest than genuine reconciliation. He is trying to manage the situation, but underlying tensions remain unresolved.
Seeds of rebellion: This decision to bring Absalom back, without addressing the deep-seated issues between father and son, ultimately contributes to the events that follow, leading to Absalom's rebellion against David. It shows how a superficial solution to a complex problem can have disastrous consequences. The superficial nature of the reconciliation allowed Absalom to gather support and eventually challenge David's kingship.
In essence, 2 Samuel 14:21 marks a turning point where David attempts to address the Absalom issue, but his decision, driven by political motivations and incomplete reconciliation, sets the stage for further conflict and tragedy.