²¹ Then the king said to Joab, “I hereby grant this request. Go, bring back the young man Absalom.”

²² Joab fell with his face to the ground in homage and blessed the king. “Today,” Joab said, “your servant knows I have found favor with you, my lord the king, because the king has granted the request of your servant.”

²³ So Joab got up, went to Geshur, and brought Absalom^(A) to Jerusalem. ²⁴ However, the king added, “He may return to his house, but he may not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his house, but he did not see the king.^[a]