Absalom’s extreme measures

Two years had passed since Absalom returned to Jerusalem. However, he remained under a kind of house arrest, unable to meet King David or move about freely. (1) Growing increasingly frustrated, Absalom sent messengers to Joab twice, asking him to intercede with the king. (2) But Joab refused to respond to his requests. (3) Angered by this, Absalom finally resorted to extreme measures. He ordered his servants to set fire to Joab’s barley field. (4) When the shocked Joab came rushing to him, Absalom complained, saying it would have been better for him to remain in Geshur than to be in his current situation. (5) Absalom said, “Now then, let me see the king’s face, and if there is guilt in me, he can have me executed.” In other words, he wanted clarity either to be punished for the crime of murder or to be fully forgiven.

Reconciliation

At last, Joab took action and interceded with the king. (1) King David summoned Absalom to the palace. (2) Absalom came and bowed down before the king, prostrating himself to the ground, seeking forgiveness for his sin. (3) King David kissed Absalom, symbolizing his forgiveness and reconciliation with him. In this way, at least formally, a reconciliation was achieved. (4) However, this reconciliation was not genuine. While David forgave Absalom and reconciled with him, Absalom did not reconcile with David. This becomes evident in his later actions. He began working to turn the hearts of the people of Israel toward himself. In every time, there are those who outwardly appear to be believers but are not in truth. Paul gives this warning: “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and take pride in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh” (Phil. 3:2-3). Let us ask God to give us the discernment to recognize what is genuine.