This verse is part of a larger story in 2 Samuel 14 about Absalom trying to force a reconciliation with his father, King David. Let's break it down:
Context: Absalom had been banished from Jerusalem after killing his half-brother Amnon. Eventually, David allowed Absalom to return, but refused to see him. Absalom was living in Jerusalem, but in a state of royal quarantine.
"Therefore he said to his servants...": Absalom is taking action.
"...Behold, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there.": Joab was David's powerful military commander. Absalom's land was next to Joab's, and Joab's field was ripe with barley, ready for harvest. This emphasizes the economic loss Joab would experience.
"Go and set it on fire.": Absalom orders his servants to deliberately burn Joab's barley field.
"So Absalom's servants set the field on fire.": The order is carried out. This is an act of arson and aggression.
Meaning and Significance:
Desperation: Absalom is desperate for an audience with his father, King David. He feels ignored and is trying to force David's hand.
Manipulation: Absalom is using Joab as a means to an end. He knows Joab is close to David and that damaging Joab's property will likely get Joab's attention, and through Joab, potentially David's.
Disrespect/Arrogance: Setting fire to someone's field, especially a high-ranking official like Joab, is a blatant act of disrespect and a demonstration of Absalom's increasing arrogance. It shows he's willing to resort to extreme measures to get what he wants.
Poor Judgment: This action demonstrates Absalom's lack of political wisdom and poor judgment. Burning a field is a serious offense and likely to create enemies rather than foster reconciliation.
In summary, this verse shows Absalom using destructive and manipulative tactics to force a meeting with Joab, hoping that this will lead to a reconciliation with his father, David. It highlights his frustration, arrogance, and ultimately, his poor choices. This act sets the stage for further conflict and rebellion later in the story.
This verse is part of a larger story in 2 Samuel 14 about Absalom trying to force a reconciliation with his father, King David. Let's break it down:
Context: Absalom had been banished from Jerusalem after killing his half-brother Amnon. Eventually, David allowed Absalom to return, but refused to see him. Absalom was living in Jerusalem, but in a state of royal quarantine.
"Therefore he said to his servants...": Absalom is taking action.
"...Behold, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there.": Joab was David's powerful military commander. Absalom's land was next to Joab's, and Joab's field was ripe with barley, ready for harvest. This emphasizes the economic loss Joab would experience.
"Go and set it on fire.": Absalom orders his servants to deliberately burn Joab's barley field.
"So Absalom's servants set the field on fire.": The order is carried out. This is an act of arson and aggression.
Meaning and Significance:
Desperation: Absalom is desperate for an audience with his father, King David. He feels ignored and is trying to force David's hand.
Manipulation: Absalom is using Joab as a means to an end. He knows Joab is close to David and that damaging Joab's property will likely get Joab's attention, and through Joab, potentially David's.
Disrespect/Arrogance: Setting fire to someone's field, especially a high-ranking official like Joab, is a blatant act of disrespect and a demonstration of Absalom's increasing arrogance. It shows he's willing to resort to extreme measures to get what he wants.
Poor Judgment: This action demonstrates Absalom's lack of political wisdom and poor judgment. Burning a field is a serious offense and likely to create enemies rather than foster reconciliation.
In summary, this verse shows Absalom using destructive and manipulative tactics to force a meeting with Joab, hoping that this will lead to a reconciliation with his father, David. It highlights his frustration, arrogance, and ultimately, his poor choices. This act sets the stage for further conflict and rebellion later in the story.