2 Samuel 14:28-33

GOD’S WORD Translation

²⁸ Absalom stayed in Jerusalem two full years without seeing the king. ²⁹ So Absalom sent for Joab in order to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come. Absalom sent for him a second time, but he still refused to come. ³⁰ So Absalom said to his servants, “Look, Joab’s field is next to mine. He has barley in it. Go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set it on fire.

Joab’s servants came to him ⌞in grief⌟ and said, “Absalom’s servants have set ⌞your⌟ field on fire.” ^[a]

³¹ Then Joab immediately went to Absalom at his home. “Why did your servants set my field on fire?” he asked.

³² Absalom answered Joab, “I sent someone to tell you to come here because I wanted to send you to the king to ask him why I had to come from Geshur. It would be better for me if I were still there. Let me see the king now! If I’m guilty of a sin, he should kill me.”

³³ Joab went to the king and told him this. The king then called for Absalom, who came to the king and bowed down with his face touching the ground. And the king kissed Absalom.