The Book of second Samuel

Chapter 14B

[25] But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.
[26] And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight.
[27] And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.

1) Absalom’s Appearance (Vs 25-27)

Absalom, in being back home, was much praised by the people of Israel

He was a handsome young man, very attractive, w/o blemish

He was admired by the people as the son of King David, the crown prince of the royal family

Son #1 Amnon is murdered Son #2 Chileab we never hear of Son #3 Absalom

He had the look of a prominent polished politician, he could be elected president

Absalom, cut his hair once a year and it weighed somewhere around 5 ½ lbs

He was proud of his looks and of his ability

Absalom, appears to be a family man

He has 3 sons and 1 daughter whom he named Tamar to memorialize his wronged sister

All of the people of Israel see the outward appearance but God looks upon the heart (heart blemished?)

[28] So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.
[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.
[30] 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.
[31] Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?
[32] And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me.

2) Absalom’s Attention (Vs 28-32)

Absalom had been banished in Geshur for 3 years

This was because he murdered his ½ brother Amnon over the rape of his sister

Now Absalom has been allowed to be back at home for 2 years but King David will not see him

Probably growing more and more bitter all the while....because he thinks the murder was justified

So Absalom calls for General Joab to present him to the King of Israel

But Joab will not come (maybe because Absalom never thanked Joab for bringing him home)

Absalom sends again for Joab but Joab refuses to acknowledge Absalom

Angrily, Absalom orders Joab’s harvest field of barley to be burned

The servants carry out the order

This was a vicious thing to do (Ex 22:6 Absalom is obliged by law to make restitution)

· Kingsport TN in a time of much drought people have been maliciously burning hay barns

The prodigal (Lk 15) came home humble and repentant

Absalom comes home haughtily burning barley fields

Then Joab arose and came to Absalom and asks “why have thy servants set my field on fire”

Absalom responds, because you brought me home and I can’t even see the King

* Sometimes God Himself may set our “field on fire” to get our attention

*(God has the right to do so as the field really belongs to Him anyway)

Absalom says “If there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me” (self-righteousness)

What an arrogant statement! Absalom feels justified by every action he has committed

It is as if this young man thinks he can do wrong OR that David is not man enough to kill him

* What if we boastfully said to God “if you find iniquity in me then kill me?”

[33] 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.

3) Absalom’s Angle (Vs 33)

Joab then comes before the King and tells this, the King calls for Absalom

Absalom outwardly submits and bows and the King forgivingly kisses Absalom

Thus, King David has given forgiveness w/o repentance

It is a sign of love when we are willing to overlook wrongs Prov 10:12

A murderous heart must be dealt with. The sinner must receive atonement for his soul

God will not wink at sin, He will not pardon sin until there is repentance

Absalom is just looking for opportunity to deceive and supplant the King (to cause further hurt)