2 Samuel 14 23

2 Samuel 14:23 kjv

So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 14:23 nkjv

So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 14:23 niv

Then Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 14:23 esv

So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 14:23 nlt

Then Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 14 verses

2 Samuel 14 23 Meaning

2 Samuel 14:23 describes the direct and swift action taken by Joab, King David's commander, to facilitate the return of Absalom from his three-year exile in Geshur. Having received David's reluctant permission, Joab immediately departed for Geshur and physically escorted Absalom back to Jerusalem. This verse marks a significant transition in Absalom's narrative, bringing him back to the capital, yet it only begins a complex and ultimately tragic sequence of events concerning his relationship with his father and his future rebellion.

2 Samuel 14 23 Context

This verse is embedded in the narrative of Absalom's exile and subsequent, problematic return to Jerusalem. Following his murder of his half-brother Amnon for the rape of Tamar (2 Sam 13:28-29), Absalom fled to Geshur, his maternal grandfather's kingdom, where he remained for three years (2 Sam 13:38). King David deeply mourned Absalom, longing for his return despite Absalom's heinous crime (2 Sam 13:39). Joab, observing David's persistent sorrow, devised a plan involving a wise woman from Tekoa to subtly persuade David to allow Absalom's return without explicitly commanding it (2 Sam 14:1-20). David, having understood the parable's intention, gave Joab permission to "bring the young man Absalom back" (2 Sam 14:21). Verse 23 details Joab's immediate execution of this command, initiating Absalom's physical relocation from exile. This return, however, was incomplete, as David still refused to see Absalom for two more years (2 Sam 14:24), highlighting the lingering unresolved issues.

2 Samuel 14 23 Word analysis

• So Joab arose (Wayiqâm Yo'âb, וַיָּ֙קָם יוֹאָב֙):
  • Wayiqâm (from Hebrew qum, קוּם): This verb often means "to stand up" or "to arise." Here, in the context of action, it conveys decisiveness and immediate initiation. It signifies that Joab did not delay but acted promptly upon David's permission. His action demonstrates agency and effectiveness in leadership.
  • Yoab (יוֹאָב): David's military commander. He is presented throughout Samuel as a cunning and powerful figure, often taking matters into his own hands. Here, he acts as an instrumental figure, mediating between David and Absalom, though his motives can be seen as a mix of loyalty to David, political acumen, and self-interest in stabilizing the royal house.
• and went to Geshur (wayyelekh Geshûrâh, וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ גְּשׁ֔וּרָה):
  • wayyelekh (from Hebrew halakh, הָלַךְ): "and he went." This indicates a direct physical journey. Geshur was a significant distance away, requiring conscious effort.
  • Geshur (גְּשׁוּרָה): A small Aramean kingdom east of the Sea of Galilee. It was Absalom's mother's (Maacah's) homeland (2 Sam 3:3), providing him refuge and protection from David's wrath after the murder of Amnon. Going to Geshur specifically highlights the active retrieving of Absalom from his safe haven.
• and brought Absalom (wayyâbê' 'eth-Abšâlôm, וַיָּ֣בֵא אֶת־אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם):
  • wayyâbê' (Hiphil stem of Hebrew bo' H2033, בּוֹא): "and he caused to come," "and he led," or "and he brought." This Hiphil form emphasizes Joab's active role as the agent in bringing Absalom back, rather than Absalom returning on his own volition or merely being permitted to return. Joab did the bringing, ensuring his safe transit.
  • Absalom (אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם): David's son, known for his beauty, charisma, and ruthless ambition. His return from exile is a critical step in the unraveling of David's reign, leading eventually to a civil war. His presence back in Jerusalem, despite his prior heinous act, foreshadows further trouble due to a lack of genuine repentance or complete reconciliation.
• to Jerusalem (Yerûshâlâyim, יְרוּשָׁלָֽיִם׃):
  • Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלָֽיִם׃): The capital city of Israel, David's royal seat. It is the ultimate destination for Absalom's return from exile, signifying his return to the heart of the kingdom and close proximity to David's power, which he would later attempt to seize.
• Word-Group Analysis:
  • "So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem." The consecutive use of waw-perfect forms (a literary feature of Hebrew narrative prose indicating sequential action) emphasizes the rapid and efficient execution of Joab's mission. There's no narrative pause or obstacle mentioned, indicating Joab's successful and immediate fulfillment of the king's implied wish. The flow of verbs highlights Joab's decisive intervention, transforming a longing into a concrete action.

2 Samuel 14 23 Bonus section

• Incomplete Restoration: This verse details Absalom's physical return to Jerusalem, but it's crucial to note it doesn't signify full reconciliation with David (2 Sam 14:24-28). David's refusal to see Absalom's face for two more years shows a deep personal and royal distancing, which festered and became fertile ground for Absalom's subsequent rebellion. This illustrates that proximity doesn't equal peace or true healing without genuine restoration of relationship.
• Joab's Strategic Role: Joab consistently acts as the proactive agent in David's court, often performing tasks David cannot bring himself to do, or navigating politically delicate situations. Here, he secures Absalom's return, fulfilling David's longing, but potentially underestimating Absalom's dangerous ambition. Joab is a pivotal human instrument, for better or worse, in God's sovereign unfolding of Davidic history.
• Foreshadowing of Tragedy: While seemingly a moment of potential hope for family reunification, this verse paradoxically serves as the prelude to Absalom's rebellion (2 Sam 15). His return, facilitated by Joab, puts him back in a position to scheme for the throne, leading to further bloodshed and heartache for David. The narrative demonstrates how unaddressed sin and unresolved family strife can escalate into greater calamities.

2 Samuel 14 23 Commentary

2 Samuel 14:23 is a compact verse pregnant with future consequences. It represents the physical reconciliation of David's estranged son, Absalom, with the kingdom of Israel, initiated by the pragmatic Joab. Joab’s role here is that of a powerful, decisive intermediary, instrumental in maneuvering events where the king was hesitant. This act of bringing Absalom back highlights Joab’s keen understanding of David’s unspoken desires, demonstrating his strategic foresight in consolidating David's realm. However, this is only a partial restoration; David does not immediately grant Absalom full access to his presence, indicating a deep, unresolved personal wound. This partiality hints at the flawed nature of the reconciliation process—based more on human manipulation and reluctant compromise than genuine repentance and divine leading. The verse is thus a turning point, ushering Absalom back onto the stage of power, yet setting the groundwork for further family dysfunction and national turmoil that will test David’s leadership to its core.