17. I can rest easy now that you have given your decision. You know the difference between right and wrong just like an angel of God, and I pray that the Lord your God will be with you.
18. Then David said to the woman, “Now I'm going to ask you a question, and don't try to hide the truth!”The woman replied, “Please go ahead, Your Majesty.”
19. David asked, “Did Joab put you up to this?”The woman answered, “Your Majesty, I swear by your life that no one can hide the truth from you. Yes, Joab did tell me what to say,
20. but only to show you the other side of this problem. You must be as wise as the angel of God to know everything that goes on in this country.”
21. David turned to Joab and said, “It seems that I have already given my decision. Go and bring Absalom back.”
22. Joab bowed very low and said, “Your Majesty, I thank you for giving your permission. It shows that you approve of me.”
23. Joab went to Geshur to get Absalom. But when they came back to Jerusalem,
24. 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.
25. No one in all Israel was as handsome and well-built as Absalom.
26. He got his hair cut once a year, and when the hair was weighed, it came to over two kilogrammes.
27. Absalom had three sons. He also had a daughter named Tamar, who grew up to be very beautiful.
28. Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years without seeing his father.
29. He wanted Joab to talk to David for him. So one day he sent a message asking Joab to come over, but Joab refused. Absalom sent another message, but Joab still refused.
30. Finally, Absalom told his servants, “Joab's barley field is next to mine. Go and set it on fire!” And they did.
31. Joab went to Absalom's house and demanded, “Why did your servants set my field on fire?”
32. Absalom answered, “You didn't pay any attention when I sent for you. I want you to ask my father why he told me to come back from Geshur. I was better off there. I want to see my father now! If I'm guilty, let him kill me.”
33. Joab went to David and told him what Absalom had said. David sent for Absalom, and Absalom came. He bowed very low, and David leaned over and kissed him.