March 28, 2024

Here’s a question I didn’t think of from the situation about the violation of Tamar: Why didn’t David do something about it rather than Absolom? Now, Absolom is banished from the kingdom and has Amnon's blood on his hands. If David had served justice and followed the law, this situation mightn’t have happened, and Absolom wouldn't be guilty of a crime. Joab sent a wise woman to introduce a situation to King David similar to the situation between Absolom and Amnon to see if the king would allow him to return home. Still, he figured out that Joab was behind her story. David allowed Absolom to come back, but he wasn’t allowed to see his dad. I guess that David had to keep him at arm’s length so he wouldn’t have to punish him for his crime, which was death. Absolom remained in Jerusalem for two years without ever seeing David. Absolom wanted to see his dad, so he called for Joab to intercede on his behalf, but Joab ignored him. So Absolom set fire to his field, which was next to his, and finally, Joab came to him to question why he did it. Finally, Joab went to the king, and Absolom could see his dad. Absolom bowed himself to the ground before David, and David kissed him. 

We must handle our situations before they get out of hand. This situation is an example of why we must go before God and repent as soon as the guilt of our stain becomes apparent and the impression of the Holy Spirit weighs upon us. Live your life with a clear conscience.

So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom. 2 Samuel 14:33