Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come.
2 SAMUEL 14:29KJVWhat does 2 Samuel 14:29 mean?
2 Samuel 14:29 describes how Absalom tried twice to get Joab’s attention so Joab would speak to King David for him, but Joab refused to come either time. This shows Absalom’s frustration and the difficulty he faced in getting an audience with the king through Joab.
Absalom, David’s son, was living in Jerusalem but was not allowed to see his father, King David. Absalom sent messengers to Joab, David’s military commander, hoping Joab would act as a go-between. Joab ignored both requests, leaving Absalom feeling increasingly desperate and isolated.
The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 14:29
- שָׁלַח (shalach, “sent”): This word appears several times in the verse, emphasizing Absalom’s repeated efforts to reach Joab. The repetition underlines how intentional and persistent Absalom was.
- לֹא אָבָה (lo avah, “would not”): This phrase means “was not willing.” It highlights Joab’s deliberate refusal, not just a passive absence.
- בּוֹא (bo, “come”): Used for Joab’s refusal to come when summoned. The word often means to enter or arrive, so Joab is actively choosing not to respond or engage.
Why 2 Samuel 14:29 matters
- This verse highlights the strained relationships and lack of communication within David’s family and court, setting the stage for further conflict.
- The repeated refusal by Joab shows that even powerful figures like Absalom could be ignored, revealing the complexity of power and influence in David’s kingdom.
- Understanding Absalom’s frustration here helps explain his later actions and the tension that builds in the narrative.