2 Samuel 14

14:2 The woman with a reputation for great wisdom was summoned to carry out a delicate mission in the royal court (cp. 20:16).

14:9 If you are criticized: If David allowed a murder to go unavenged, he would be liable for not carrying out justice and would likely draw criticism.

14:11 As surely as the Lord lives: When the woman pressed David for a greater commitment of protection, David responded with this solemn oath (cp. 4:9; 12:5; 15:21; 1 Sam 20:3; 28:10; 29:6).

14:13 for the people of God: The woman argued that David was harming everyone in his kingdom by leaving Absalom in exile, perhaps because alienation in the royal family would be reproduced in the larger society or because David’s obsession with Absalom would distract him from attending to more important matters (14:16).

14:14 God . . . devises ways: The woman encouraged David to be reconciled with Absalom as God does with his people. God did not remain estranged from David when he sinned; he forgave the repentant king.

14:16 The woman again addressed her specific situation. The king’s concern for Absalom (see 13:39 and corresponding note) was keeping him from attending to matters of justice among his people. • cut us off: If her only remaining son were killed, the woman’s family would lose ownership of its ancestral property (cp. Num 27:1-11).

14:17 you are like an angel of God: This flattering expression is not used for anyone else in the Bible but appears four times to describe David (see also 14:20; 19:27; 1 Sam 29:9). The woman was expressing confidence that David would act with God-given wisdom and justice.

14:20 as wise as an angel of God: This wise woman (14:2) knew it was good policy to flatter a king rather than risk insulting him.

14:21 bring back . . . Absalom: It seems that David was not yet interested in full reconciliation with his son (14:24).

14:23 Geshur: See 13:37-38.

14:26 cut his hair only once a year: Absalom’s hair, an aspect of his attractiveness, ended up being a deadly snare for him (see 18:9-15).

14:27 Absalom’s three sons apparently died before he did (see 18:18). • Absalom named his daughter Tamar after his sister, and she too was very beautiful (13:1).

14:29 Joab persuaded David to welcome Absalom back (14:21-22) but then backed off from assisting Absalom further; perhaps Joab wanted to avoid aiding a would-be usurper (15:1-12).

14:33 Absalom bowed low, assuming a posture of respect and deference to the king’s majesty (see also 14:4, 22). • and the king kissed him: The lack of conversation, hugging (cp. Luke 15:20), or weeping (cp. Gen 33:4; 45:2, 14) suggests that this was a formal meeting rather than an affectionate reunion.