2 Samuel 14:28-33

International Standard Version

²⁸ Meanwhile, Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years, but never saw the king’s face. ²⁹ After this, Absalom sent for Joab, intending to send him to the king, but Joab^[a] would not come. Absalom^[b] sent for him a second time, but he still^[c] would not come. ³⁰ So Absalom^[d] told his servants, “Observe that Joab’s grain field lies next to mine. He has barley planted there. Go set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.

³¹ At this, Joab got up, went to Absalom’s home, and demanded of him, “Why did your servants set fire to my grain field?”

³² In answer to Joab, Absalom replied, “Look, I sent for you, telling you ‘Come here so I can send you to the king to ask him “What’s the point in moving here from Geshur? I would have been better off to have remained there!”’ So let me see the king’s face, and if I’m guilty of anything, let him execute me!”

³³ So when Joab approached the king and told him what Absalom had said,^[e] he summoned Absalom, who then came to the king and fell to the ground on his face in front of him.^[f] Then the king kissed Absalom.