Joab’s command

At this point, David perceives that Joab was the one who had instructed the woman behind the scenes. (1) David asks the woman, “Is all this not the result of Joab’s direction?” (2) The woman replies, “Indeed, it was your servant Joab who commanded me, and it was he who put all these words into the mouth of your servant.” (3) David then summoned Joab and informed him that he was granting permission for Absalom to return. (4) Joab bowed with his face to the ground, paid homage to the king, and expressed words of blessing. He acted as though Absalom’s return was not for the king’s benefit, but for his own. There is much to learn from Joab’s attitude and readiness as a servant.

The return of Absalom

(1) Joab was greatly pleased with the king’s decision and immediately went to Geshur to bring Absalom back. (2) However, David only permitted the prince to return to Jerusalem; he did not allow a meeting with himself. “He shall return to his own house, but he shall not see my face.” As a result, Absalom remained confined to his house and lived without seeing the king’s face. (3) Some interpret David’s decision here in a favorable light, but it is not necessarily so. David showed indecisiveness when he should have acted firmly, and when he should have shown a heart of forgiveness, he responded with severity. His attitude was somewhat inconsistent and conflicted, lacking coherence. This inconsistency would once again become a cause of serious problems. The Apostle Paul writes the following, and it is a promise worthy of being accepted just as it is. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:20-21). God truly treats us as His own children. God’s “Yes” is “Yes,” and His “No” is “No.” Let us follow Him with full confidence and assurance.