31 Then Joab arose and came to Absalom's house, and said to him, "Why have your servants set my field on fire?"

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:31

Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:28-33

(Read 2 Samuel 14:28-33)

By his insolent carriage toward Joab, Absalom brought Joab to plead for him. By his insolent message to the king, he gained his wishes. When parents and rulers countenance such characters, they will soon suffer the most fatal effects. But did the compassion of a father prevail to reconcile him to an impenitent son, and shall penitent sinners question the compassion of Him who is the Father of mercies?