What is the context?
Absalom lives in Jerusalem for two years without seeing David. Twice he sends for Joab to seek an audience with the king, and twice Joab refuses to come. Absalom then orders his servants to burn Joab’s neighboring barley field.
The fire brings Joab to his house. Absalom demands to know why he was brought back from Geshur only to remain excluded, and asks either to see the king or be put to death if he is guilty. Joab conveys the message, David summons Absalom, and Absalom bows before him. The king kisses him.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry criticizes the pressure Absalom uses to gain what he wants. Wesley also sees a son pressing his own justification rather than plainly confessing his wrongdoing. The success of the demand does not make burning Joab’s field a good example.
Gill understands David’s kiss as a sign of reconciliation. That is an important change from exclusion, but the account records no confession by Absalom and gives no assurance that every conflict between father and son has ended.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.