14:1 Joab David’s nephew and the commander of his army. See 2:13 and note.

the mind of the king was on The meaning of this phrase is ambiguous; it only means that Absalom was on his mind.

14:2 to Tekoa Located south of Jerusalem, between Hebron and Bethlehem, David’s hometown. Tekoa was later the hometown of the prophet Amos (Amos 1:1).

14:4 she fell on her face to the ground She exhibits proper protocol to the monarch (compare 1 Sam 24:8 and note; 2 Sam 9:6, 8; and 1 Kgs 1:16, 23).

14:5 Truly I am a widow Joab has formulated a story specifically designed to grab David’s attention. The king was specially charged with taking care of widows (e.g., Exod 22:22–24; Deut 24:17–21). Her case is especially poignant since the death of both her sons—one by murder and the other by death penalty—would mean that her family line would be destroyed.

14:6 One struck the other Recalls Absalom’s murder of Amnon. These sons of David were half-brothers (see note on 2 Sam 13:1).

14:7 Give up the one who struck In accordance with the Law, the brother should be put to death (Lev 24:17; Num 35:16–21). The woman is asking David to overrule this decision and exercise mercy.

14:9 On me, my lord the king, is the guilt The woman indicates that the family may hold her responsible for this leniency in the face of the Law’s demands.

14:11 blood avengers who kill See 2 Sam 3:27 and note.

As Yahweh lives David takes an oath to protect the murderer in this woman’s story; he unwittingly agrees to protect Absalom, whose situation is the same.

surely not one hair shall fall from your son to the ground David unwittingly foreshadows Absalom’s fate (see vv. 26; 18:9).

14:13 king convicts himself Like Nathan with his parable of the sheep in 12:1–6, the woman brings this fictional case before David so that he might pronounce judgment on himself (see 12:1 and note). She pressures him until he does so.

his banished one Refers to Absalom.

14:14 for a banished person not The woman appeals to God’s actions in order to prompt the king to respond accordingly in the case of Absalom.

14:16 the inheritance of God Refers to the land of Israel.

14:17 as an angel of God Compare 1 Sam 29:9; 2 Sam 19:27.

14:24 his house Compare 13:7 and note.

he may not see my face David allows Absalom to come back, but he will not give him an audience.

14:25 more handsome The description of Absalom in vv. 25–26 indicates that appearances can be deceiving (see 1 Sam 9:2 and note), and also foreshadows his manner of death (2 Sam 18:9).

14:26 shaved his head See v. 11 and note.

14:27 Three sons These sons may have died young; see 18:18 and note.

Tamar Absalom’s daughter is named for his disgraced sister (see 13:7–22).

14:29 in order that he send him to the king Absalom sends Joab because he cannot approach the king himself.

14:30 set the tract of land ablaze with fire Absalom sets Joab’s field on fire to gain his attention. His actions demonstrate his violent nature and foreshadow his deceitful conduct in subsequent chapters.

14:33 he bowed down to him with his face Compare vv. 4; 1 Sam 24:8 and note. This submission is short-lived, as Absalom still intends to take over the kingdom (see 2 Sam 15–18).

king kissed Absalom Signals their reconciliation.