King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 14:29 Mean?

2 Samuel 14:29 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 14:29 · KJV


Context

27

And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.

28

So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.

29

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.

30

Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire. near: Heb. near my place

31

Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Return, emphasizing incomplete reconciliation. Joab's elaborate scheme to restore Absalom demonstrates human wisdom that undermines divine purposes. The partial reconciliation (Absalom returns but doesn't see David's face) proves insufficient for genuine restoration. Theological themes include the inadequacy of human reconciliation methods apart from genuine repentance, the danger of manipulation even for apparently good ends, and the necessity of complete rather than partial restoration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 14 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding incomplete reconciliation provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of incomplete reconciliation?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח1 of 18

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אַבְשָׁל֜וֹם2 of 18

Therefore Absalom

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

אֶל3 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֗ב4 of 18

for Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח5 of 18

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֹתוֹ֙6 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶל7 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ8 of 18

him to the king

H4428

a king

וְלֹ֥א9 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָבָ֖ה10 of 18

but he would

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

לָבֽוֹא׃11 of 18

not come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלָ֑יו12 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח13 of 18

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

עוֹד֙14 of 18
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

שֵׁנִ֔ית15 of 18

the second time

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

וְלֹ֥א16 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָבָ֖ה17 of 18

but he would

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

לָבֽוֹא׃18 of 18

not come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 14:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 14:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study