2 Samuel 14:29

Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come.

Therefore Absalom {H53} sent {H7971} for Joab {H3097}, to have sent {H7971} him to the king {H4428}; but he would {H14} not come {H935} to him: and when he sent again {H7971} the second time {H8145}, he would {H14} not come {H935}.

Then Avshalom summoned Yo'av, planning to send him to the king; but he refused to come to him. He summoned him a second time, but he still wouldn't come.

Then he sent for Joab to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to him. So Absalom sent a second time, but Joab still would not come.

Then Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king; but he would not come to him: and he sent again a second time, but he would not come.

Commentary

2 Samuel 14:29 describes a critical moment in the strained relationship between Absalom and his father, King David, highlighting Absalom's impatience and Joab's strategic caution.

Context

After Absalom fled to Geshur for three years following his murder of his half-brother Amnon (2 Samuel 13:38), Joab, David's shrewd military commander, orchestrated his return to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 14:21). However, upon his return, Absalom was not fully reconciled with David. For two years, he lived in Jerusalem but was forbidden from seeing the king's face, a sign of continued parental displeasure and a form of house arrest (2 Samuel 14:28). This verse shows Absalom's growing frustration with this prolonged estrangement, leading him to seek Joab's intervention once more to gain full access to his father.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Absalom's Impatience and Ambition: Absalom desires full restoration and access to the king, likely driven by a mix of genuine desire for reconciliation and a strategic ambition for prominence in the royal court. His repeated attempts to summon Joab underscore his urgency.
  • Joab's Calculated Prudence: Joab, who previously facilitated Absalom's return, now refuses to come when summoned. This refusal is significant. It could indicate his reluctance to push King David further, his awareness of David's lingering anger, or perhaps a sense that Absalom's intentions were not purely about reconciliation. Joab often acted with pragmatic self-interest and political astuteness within the royal court.
  • Delayed Reconciliation and its Consequences: David's continued separation from Absalom, even after his return, created a fertile ground for resentment and impatience. This prolonged disfavor would ultimately contribute to Absalom's later actions, including his rebellion against his father.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come" simply but powerfully conveys Joab's firm and deliberate refusal. There isn't a complex Hebrew idiom here, but the repetition emphasizes Joab's resolve and Absalom's escalating frustration.

Practical Application

This passage offers insights into the complexities of strained relationships and the consequences of unresolved conflict. It highlights how prolonged periods of disfavor or unaddressed issues can fester, leading to impatience and potentially destructive actions. It also shows the delicate balance of mediation and the wisdom of knowing when to intervene and when to hold back, as exemplified by Joab's actions. Forgiveness and true reconciliation often require active engagement from all parties, and delays can have unforeseen consequences.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 14:30 (2 votes)

    Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

  • 2 Samuel 14:31 (2 votes)

    Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto [his] house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?

  • Matthew 22:3 (2 votes)

    And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

  • Esther 1:12 (2 votes)

    But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by [his] chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.