II Samuel Chapter 14
Please read: II Samuel 14 –
David was having a difficult time forgiving his son Absalom for the vengeful death of his half-brother Amnon. Absalom had left to live outside of Jerusalem and David could not bring himself to invite his son to come home. But the general of David’s army, Joab, had a plan that might soften the heart of David and mend fences.
Let's Reflect
1. Joab knew David very well. What does the first verse tell us how David really felt about his son Absalom?
2. People were allowed to bring their injustices before the king if they felt that local authorities had not treated their case fairly. So, the woman in this story was welcomed to speak before the king. There were of course similarities between the woman’s made-up story and the actual events of David’s life. Did he spot the ploy immediately?
3. What did the woman say about death as seen in verse 14?
4. The woman may have tried a bit too hard to “butter up” the king so that she could reveal her true intent. What wonderful things did she say about the king? See verse 17
5. At this point David began to suspect that Joab had put her up to this. She immediately admitted that it was Joab’s plan. She certainly knew how to flatter a man, what further compliment did she speak about David?
6. David did soften his heart a bit and instructed Joab to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem, but it was not a complete welcome of his son. What instructions did he give regarding how Absalom would live in Jerusalem?
7. What do we learn about Absalom in verses 25-27?
8. The coldness existed between David and Absalom for two years until Joab stepped in once again. What was the reunion like?
