Absalom, David’s son, is now in exile after killing his brother Amnon. He settles in Geshur, but after a long exile yearns to go back to Jerusalem. Through the intercedence of Joab, the commander of Israel’s armies, David allows Absalom to return to the city, so long as he doesn’t leave his home or come near the palace. Some time afterward, David lifts this restriction, too. David, who loves his son, succumbs to his selfish emotions and allows Absalom to return to his palace, despite Absalom’s sinful actions. Absalom is described as a fair man with long hair. In other words, Absalom’s glory is in his appearance, whereas his inner world is empty. David is convinced to accept Absalom back into his life, even though David knows that Absalom is an egotistical person who cares only for himself. Absalom will eventually pay the price for his empty, corrupt soul.
“So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king’s face. But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him” (2 Samuel 14:23-25)
There is order in both the natural and spiritual worlds; orderly studies and deeds are necessary for achieving self-improvement.
