2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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ABSALOM RETURNED HOME
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
2 Samuel 14
Hebrews 12:7-14
“Follow peace with all men,
and holiness, without which
no man shall see the Lord.”
ABSALOM RETURNED HOME
Absalom could have asked Joab to mediate for him. When the king heard the end of the story, he had a clear picture of what was going on. Then the woman revealed the whole truth to him. He received the message and he knew that he had to take action.
The communication with the king showed Joab’s pragmatic approach to the matter. He did not wish to offend the king, yet at the same time, he wanted to see an end to Absalom’s exile. Thus far, he was waiting for a favourable answer from the king. Apart from being the head of the king’s army, Joab served as an adviser to the king in matters of national interests, as well as his domestic matters.
David answered Joab and told him to fetch Absalom from Geshur. The parable of that woman to the king conveyed Joab’s desire. Even though the king did not have immediate plans for Absalom, the exile had remained as an unresolved matter that was in the heart of the king. Thus, as soon as this message came to him, David granted permission for his son to return. Joab went to fetch him back. It had been three years since Absalom was exiled, but David was not ready to meet him. He instructed Absalom to go to his own house.
The only comfort here is that the king did not order any punishment for his son. This was Joab’s response to the king when he granted him permission to bring Absalom back: “And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again. And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant” (2 Sam 14:21-22). It was human activity, with God directing the events behind the scenes.
THOUGHT: Chastisement is for the hard-hearted.
PRAYER: Father, “lead us not into temptation.”