21 Then the king said to Joab , "Behold now , I will surely do this thing ; go therefore, bring back the young man Absalom ." 22 Joab fell on his face to the ground , prostrated himself and blessed the king ; then Joab said , "Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight , O my lord , the king , in that the king has performed the request of his servant ." 23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem . 24 However the king said , "Let him turn to his own house , and let him not see my face ." So Absalom turned to his own house and did not see the king's face .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:21-24
Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:21-24
(Read 2 Samuel 14:21-24)
David was inclined to favour Absalom, yet, for the honour of his justice, he could not do it but upon application made for him, which may show the methods of Divine grace. It is true that God has thoughts of compassion toward poor sinners, not willing that any should perish; yet he is only reconciled to them through a Mediator, who pleads on their behalf. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and Christ came to this land of our banishment, to bring us to God.