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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 14:24 But the king added, "He may return to his house, but he must not see my face." So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the king.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/14-24.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/10_2Sa_14_24.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 14:24 - Absalom's Return to Jerusalem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But the king added, He may return to his house, but he must not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the king." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/14-24.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/14-24.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 24</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/14-23.htm" title="2 Samuel 14:23">◄</a> 2 Samuel 14:24 <a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm" title="2 Samuel 14:25">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/14.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But the king said, &#8220He must go to his own house; he must not see my face.&#8221 So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the face of the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But the king gave this order: “Absalom may go to his own house, but he must never come into my presence.” So Absalom did not see the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king said, “Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my presence.” So Absalom lived apart in his own house and did not come into the king’s presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the king added, “He may return to his house, but he must not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the face of the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the king said, “Let him return to his own house, but do not let him see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, but did not see the king’s face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, the king said, “He shall return to his own house, but he shall not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house and did not see the king’s face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />However the king said, &#8220Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face.&#8221 So Absalom turned to his own house and did not see the king&#8217s face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />However, the king said, “Let him go to his own house, and do not let him see my face.” So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the king’s face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, the king added, “He may return to his house, but he may not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his house, but he did not see the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, the king added, &#8220He may return to his house, but he may not see my face.&#8221 So Absalom returned to his house, but he did not see the king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, but let him not see my face. So Absalom turned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />David told Joab, "I don't want to see my son Absalom. Tell him to stay away from me." So Absalom went to his own house without seeing his father. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, but let him not see my face. So Absalom turned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But the king said, "Absalom should return to his own house. He will not see me." So Absalom returned to his house and didn't see the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The king, however, gave orders that Absalom should not live in the palace. "I don't want to see him," the king said. So Absalom lived in his own house and did not appear before the king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the king said, "Let him return to his own home and not show his face to me." So Absalom returned to his own home and did not show his face to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the king added, ?He may return to his house, but he must not see my face.? So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the face of the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But the king said, "Let him go over to his own house. He may not see my face." So Absalom went over to his own house; he did not see the king's face. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The king said, "He must return to his own house, but he must not see my face." So Absalom returned to his own house, and did not see the king?s face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king said, “Let him return to his own house, but let him not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, and didn’t see the king’s face. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the king says, “Let him turn around to his house, and he does not see my face.” And Absalom turns around to his house, and he has not seen the face of the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the king saith, 'Let him turn round unto his house, and my face he doth not see.' And Absalom turneth round unto his house, and the face of the king he hath not seen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king will say, He shall turn about to his house and not see my face. And Absalom will turn to his house and not see the face of the king.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But the king said: Let him return into his house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned into his house, and saw not the king's face. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But the king said, “Let him return to his own house, but let him not see my face.” And so, Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the face of the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But the king said, “Let him go off to his own house; he shall not appear before me.” So Absalom went off to his house and did not appear before the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The king said, “Let him go to his own house; he is not to come into my presence.” So Absalom went to his own house, and did not come into the king’s presence.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the king said, Let him go to his own house, but let him not be seen in my presence. So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the king's face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the King said: “He shall go to his house and he shall not appear before me.” And Abishlum went to his house and he did not see the face of the King<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the king said: 'Let him turn to his own house, but let him not see my face.' So Absalom turned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the king said, Let him return to his house, and not see my face. And Abessalom returned to his house, and saw not the king's face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/14-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=3930" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/14.htm">Absalom's Return to Jerusalem</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">23</span>So Joab got up, went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. <span class="reftext">24</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">But the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">added,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5437.htm" title="5437: yis·sōḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively.">“He may return</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bê·ṯōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">his house,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">but he must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: yir·’eh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">see</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: ū·p̄ā·nay (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">my face.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/53.htm" title="53: ’aḇ·šā·lō·wm (N-proper-ms) -- Or babshalowm; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace; Abshalom, a son of David; also a later Israelite.">So Absalom</a> <a href="/hebrew/5437.htm" title="5437: way·yis·sōḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively.">returned</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bê·ṯōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">his own house,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: ū·p̄ə·nê (Conj-w:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">but</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’āh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">see the king.</a> </span><span class="reftext">25</span>Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/13-37.htm">2 Samuel 13:37-39</a></span><br />Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day. / After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years. / And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">2 Samuel 18:33</a></span><br />The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-4.htm">2 Samuel 19:4</a></span><br />But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-37.htm">2 Samuel 3:37-38</a></span><br />So on that day all the troops and all Israel were convinced that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner. / Then the king said to his servants, “Do you not realize that a great prince has fallen today in Israel?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-13.htm">2 Samuel 15:13-14</a></span><br />Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” / And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-10.htm">2 Samuel 12:10-12</a></span><br />Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ / This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight. / You have acted in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-6.htm">1 Kings 1:6</a></span><br />(His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-24.htm">1 Kings 2:24-25</a></span><br />And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” / So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/4-16.htm">Genesis 4:16</a></span><br />So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/12-14.htm">Numbers 12:14-15</a></span><br />But the LORD answered Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.” / So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until she was brought in again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/13-46.htm">Leviticus 13:46</a></span><br />As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a></span><br />But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a></span><br />If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Matthew 5:23-24</a></span><br />So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20-24</a></span><br />So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. / The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ / But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">let him not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/14-28.htm">2 Samuel 14:28</a></b></br> So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/3-13.htm">2 Samuel 3:13</a></b></br> And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Genesis 43:3</a></b></br> And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother <i>be</i> with you.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/14-23.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-23.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/judges/20-17.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-10.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-20.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-22.htm">Face</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-9.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-25.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-1.htm">King's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-17.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-11.htm">Round</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-19.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-10.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-4.htm">Turneth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-23.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-36.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-28.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-27.htm">Face</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-31.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-20.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-26.htm">King's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-28.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-15.htm">Round</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-27.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-12.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-16.htm">Turneth</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/14-1.htm">Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah to incline the king's heart to fetch Absalom,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/14-21.htm">brings him home to Jerusalem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">Absalom's beauty, hair, and children</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/14-28.htm">After two years, Absalom is brought into the king's presence by Joab</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But the king added</b><br>This phrase refers to King David, who is making a decision regarding his son Absalom. David's role as king is central to the narrative of 2 Samuel, where he is depicted as a ruler who must balance justice and mercy. The context here is David's struggle with familial loyalty and the demands of kingship, reflecting the tension between personal relationships and public duty.<p><b>“He may return to his house</b><br>Absalom had been in exile after killing his brother Amnon, who had raped their sister Tamar. David's decision to allow Absalom to return to his house in Jerusalem signifies a partial reconciliation. This act of allowing Absalom back into the city can be seen as a step towards forgiveness, yet it is incomplete. The return to his house symbolizes a restoration of Absalom's status, but not a full restoration of his relationship with David.<p><b>but he must not see my face.”</b><br>David's stipulation that Absalom must not see his face indicates a continued estrangement. In ancient Near Eastern culture, seeing the king's face was a sign of favor and acceptance. By denying Absalom this privilege, David is withholding full reconciliation and maintaining a distance. This reflects the unresolved tension and the consequences of Absalom's actions, highlighting the theme of justice and the cost of sin.<p><b>So Absalom returned to his own house</b><br>Absalom's return to his own house marks a physical return to Jerusalem but not a relational one with his father. This separation within proximity underscores the fractured nature of their relationship. It also sets the stage for Absalom's future actions, as his return to Jerusalem becomes a pivotal moment leading to his rebellion against David.<p><b>but he did not see the face of the king.</b><br>The repetition of Absalom not seeing David's face emphasizes the ongoing estrangement. This lack of direct communication and reconciliation foreshadows the eventual conflict between father and son. It serves as a narrative device to highlight the consequences of unresolved familial conflict and the importance of true reconciliation. This situation can be contrasted with the reconciliation offered through Christ, who restores believers to a right relationship with God, symbolized by seeing His face.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a></b><br>The reigning king of Israel, father of Absalom, who is dealing with the aftermath of Absalom's actions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a></b><br>David's son, who had fled after killing his brother Amnon and is now returning to Jerusalem.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a></b><br>David's military commander who orchestrated Absalom's return to Jerusalem.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The capital city of Israel, where David's palace is located and where Absalom returns.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_absalom's_return.htm">The Event of Absalom's Return</a></b><br>After being in exile, Absalom is allowed to return to Jerusalem but is not permitted to see King David.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_complexity_of_forgiveness.htm">The Complexity of Forgiveness</a></b><br>David's decision to allow Absalom to return but not see him reflects the struggle between justice and mercy. In our lives, we must seek God's wisdom in balancing these aspects.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_unresolved_conflict.htm">Consequences of Unresolved Conflict</a></b><br>The strained relationship between David and Absalom serves as a warning about the dangers of unresolved family issues. We should strive for reconciliation and healing in our relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_intermediaries.htm">The Role of Intermediaries</a></b><br>Joab's involvement in bringing Absalom back shows the importance of wise counsel and mediation in resolving conflicts. We should seek godly counsel when dealing with difficult situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_partial_restoration.htm">The Impact of Partial Restoration</a></b><br>Absalom's partial restoration to Jerusalem without seeing the king highlights the need for complete reconciliation. In our spiritual lives, we should seek full restoration with God and others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_bitterness.htm">Guarding Against Bitterness</a></b><br>The ongoing tension between David and Absalom can lead to bitterness, which can have destructive consequences. We must guard our hearts and seek to forgive as Christ forgave us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_david_use_subterfuge_for_absalom.htm">2 Samuel 14:21–24: Why would David, a supposedly just king, rely on subterfuge rather than open negotiation to resolve Absalom’s banishment? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_link_god's_favor_to_david's_power.htm">1 Chronicles 14:2 - Why would God's favor be linked to David's increasing power and multiple wives, despite biblical warnings against polygamy elsewhere?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_2_kings_24_14_deportation_be_verified.htm">Can we verify the large-scale deportation described in 2 Kings 24:14 through Babylonian records or archaeological data?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_ldrs_succeed.htm">What is Absalom's Monument?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(24) <span class= "bld">Let him not see my face.</span>--David allowed Absalom's return, but forbade him his presence. The former had been done in weakness, the latter through a sense of justice. The effect of this half measure was unfortunate; Absalom was irritated, and yet placed in a favourable position to carry out his plots. It is probable that Absalom was confined to his own house.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 24.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let him turn to his own house,</span> etc. This half forgiveness was unwise, and led to unhappy results. It seems even as if Absalom was a prisoner in his house, as he could not leave it to visit Joab. Still, we must not assume that even kind treatment would have made Absalom a dutiful son, or weaned him from his ambitions purposes. The long plotted revenge, carried out so determinately, gives us a low idea of his character, and probably during these two years of waiting, he had brooded over David's criminal leniency, and regarded it as a justification for his own foul deed. And now, when allowed to come home, but still treated unkindly, thoughts condemnatory of his father's conduct were cherished by him. It seems, too, as if a protracted punishment is always dangerous to the moral character of the criminal. And must we not add another reason? Absalom, we may feel sure, saw with indignation the growing influence of Bathsheba over the king. A granddaughter of Ahithophel, she was sure to be an adept in those intrigues in which the women of a harem pass their time; and even if, upon the whole, we form a favourable judgment upon her character, yet undoubtedly she was a very able woman, and could have no affection for Absalom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/14-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">added,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“He may return</span><br /><span class="heb">יִסֹּ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(yis·sōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn about, go around, surround</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his house,</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּית֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bê·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but he must not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">see</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְאֶ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(yir·’eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my face.”</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפָנַ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄ā·nay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">So Absalom</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> </span><span class="str2">Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">returned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּסֹּ֤ב</span> <span class="translit">(way·yis·sōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn about, go around, surround</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his own house,</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּית֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bê·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but he did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">see the king.</span><br /><span class="heb">רָאָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/14-24.htm">2 Samuel 14:24 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/14-24.htm">2 Samuel 14:24 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/14-24.htm">2 Samuel 14:24 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/14-24.htm">2 Samuel 14:24 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/14-24.htm">2 Samuel 14:24 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/14-24.htm">2 Samuel 14:24 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/14-24.htm">2 Samuel 14:24 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/14-24.htm">2 Samuel 14:24 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/14-24.htm">2 Samuel 14:24 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/14-24.htm">2 Samuel 14:24 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/14-24.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 14:24 The king said Let him turn (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/14-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 14:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 14:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 14:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 14:25" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>