23. Then Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem.
24. 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.
25. Now Absalom was praised as the most handsome man in all Israel. He was flawless from head to foot.
26. He cut his hair only once a year, and then only because it was so heavy. When he weighed it out, it came to five pounds!
27. He had three sons and one daughter. His daughter’s name was Tamar, and she was very beautiful.
28. Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years, but he never got to see the king.
29. Then Absalom sent for Joab to ask him to intercede for him, but Joab refused to come. Absalom sent for him a second time, but again Joab refused to come.
30. So Absalom said to his servants, “Go and set fire to Joab’s barley field, the field next to mine.” So they set his field on fire, as Absalom had commanded.
31. Then Joab came to Absalom at his house and demanded, “Why did your servants set my field on fire?”
32. And Absalom replied, “Because I wanted you to ask the king why he brought me back from Geshur if he didn’t intend to see me. I might as well have stayed there. Let me see the king; if he finds me guilty of anything, then let him kill me.”
33. So Joab told the king what Absalom had said. Then at last David summoned Absalom, who came and bowed low before the king, and the king kissed him.