2 samuel 14:28 - Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, and he didn’t see the king’s face.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 14:28

What does "2 samuel 14:28" mean?


The verse "Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, and he didn’t see the king’s face" (2 Samuel 14:28) means that Absalom, despite being allowed to return to Jerusalem after being in exile, was still estranged from his father, King David. Here's a breakdown of what it implies:

Restricted Freedom: Absalom was allowed to return to Jerusalem, a sign of some measure of reconciliation. However, it wasn't a full pardon. He was essentially living under a form of house arrest or at least significant restriction.

Continued Disfavor: The fact that he couldn't see the king's face indicates David was still angry and hadn't fully forgiven him for the murder of his brother Amnon. It was a deliberate act of distancing on David's part. Absalom was back in the city but remained in a state of disgrace.

Lack of Reconciliation: The key aspect is the broken relationship. In ancient Near Eastern culture, seeing the king's face was a sign of favor, acceptance, and restoration to fellowship. By being denied this, Absalom remained an outsider, and their relationship remained unresolved.

Growing Frustration: For Absalom, this period likely fueled his resentment and ambition. He had returned to Jerusalem, expecting a full reconciliation and restoration to his former status, but was instead treated as an outcast. This probably contributed to his eventual rebellion against David.

In short, the verse highlights the incomplete nature of Absalom's return and the continuing rift between father and son, setting the stage for the tragic events that followed.

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