Absalom – In Geshur and Jerusalem: 14:1  Although his reason for wanting Absalom back in Israel is obscure, Joab plays the key role in the account of Absalom’s return. Again, the writers’ awareness of people, their characters, and their motivations is remarkable. Both Joab and Absalom are portrayed with a great deal of insight. It is possible that Joab had tried before to obtain a pardon for Absalom, as David’s comment in verse 19 could indicate. That would then explain the circuitous route that Joab used to get his own way. Later, directly defying David’s orders, Joab killed Absalom. However, it seems that at this stage Joab saw Absalom as the best prospect to be David’s successor and recognized that would not happen if Absalom remained too long outside of Israel.

14:2–24  Joab followed Na…