- 13-
David could have no further difficulty in understanding the real meaning of the
woman's mission. Accordingly, Joab obtained permission to bring back Absalom, but
with this condition, that he was not to appear in the royal presence. We regard it as
evidence of the prince's continued disfavor, that Joab afterwards twice refused to come
to him, or to take a message to the king. It was a grave mistake to leave such a proud,
violent spirit to brood for two years over supposed wrongs. Absalom now acted
towards Joab like one wholly reckless - and the message which Joab finally undertook
to deliver was in the same spirit. At last a reconciliation took place between the king
and his son - but only outwardly, not really, for already Absalom had other schemes in
view.
Once more we notice here the consequences of David's fatal weakness, as manifest in
his irresolution and half-measures. Morally paralyzed, so to speak, in consequence of
his own guilt, his position sensibly and increasingly weakened in popular estimation,
that series of disasters, which had formed the burden of God's predicted judgments,
now followed in the natural sequence of events. If even before his return from Geshur
Absalom had been a kind of popular hero, his presence for two years in Jerusalem in
semi-banishment must have increased the general sympathy. Whatever his enemies
might say against him, he was a splendid man - every inch a prince, brave, warm-
hearted, and true to those whom he loved - witness even the circumstance, told about
Jerusalem, that he had called that beautiful child, his only daughter, after his poor
dishonored sister (2 Samuel 14:27), while, unlike an Oriental, he cared not to bring his
sons prominently forward.^11
Daring he was - witness his setting Joab's barley on fire; but an Eastern populace
would readily forgive, rather like in a prince, what might almost be called errors on the
side of virtue. And now Absalom was coming forward like a real prince! His state-
carriage and fifty outrunners would always attract the admiration of the populace. Yet
he was not proud - quite the contrary. In fact, never had a prince taken such cordial
interest in the people, nor more ardently wished to see their wrongs redressed; nor yet
was there one more condescending. Day by day he might be seen at the entering of the
royal palace, where the crowd of suppliants for redress were gathered. Would that he
had the power, as he had the will, to see them righted! It might not be the king's blame;
but there was a lack of proper officials to take cognizance of such appeal-cases - in
short, the government was wrong, and the people must suffer in consequence. As we
realize the circumstances, we can scarcely wonder that thus "Absalom stole the hearts
of the men of Israel."^12
How long this intrigue was carried on we cannot accurately determine,^13 and only once
more wonder at the weakness of the king who left it so entirely unnoticed. That the
conspiracy which Absalom had so carefully prepared, though kept very secret, was
(^)