28 So Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, without coming into the king’s presence. 29 Then Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king, but Joab would not come to him. And he sent a second time, but Joab would not come. 30 Then he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. 31 Then Joab arose and went to Absalom at his house and said to him, “Why have your servants set my field on fire?” 32 Absalom answered Joab, “Behold, I sent word to you, ‘Come here, that I may send you to the king, to ask, “Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me to be there still.” Now therefore let me go into the presence of the king, and if there is guilt in me, let him put me to death.’” 33 Then Joab went to the king and told him, and he summoned Absalom. So he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king, and the king kissed Absalom.
Comment: With the King’s order for him not to cross the street to see his own father, Absalom feared to do it without the presence of Joab, the C-in-C of David’s forces. Joab was reticent to take Absalom to his father, but couldn’t afford to. lose too many crops to be burned! Absalom is trying to force his father, David, to restore him to Princely status. Humbling himself before his father was surely hard for such a proud handsome young man, but he did and was reinstated as a Prince of the land. Was he truly repentant?
Prayer: You are the God who waits to forgive if we come in repentance. May our words to You be honest words, O Father.
As I read it! 