‏ 2 Samuel 14

* Joab procures Absalom's recall. (1-20) Absalom recalled.

(21-24) His personal beauty. (25-27) He is admitted to his

father's presence. (28-33)

1-20 We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and

his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is

a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the

dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent;

nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others. 21-24 David was inclined to favour Absalom, yet, for the honour

of his justice, he could not do it but upon application made for

him, which may show the methods of Divine grace. It is true that

God has thoughts of compassion toward poor sinners, not willing

that any should perish; yet he is only reconciled to them

through a Mediator, who pleads on their behalf. God was in

Christ reconciling the world to himself, and Christ came to this

land of our banishment, to bring us to God. 25-27 Nothing is said of Absalom's wisdom and piety. All here

said of him is, that he was very handsome. A poor commendation

for a man that had nothing else in him valuable. Many a

polluted, deformed soul dwells in a fair and comely body. And we

read that he had a very fine head of hair. It was a burden to

him, but he would not cut it as long as he could bear the

weight. That which feeds and gratifies pride, is not complained

of, though uneasy. May the Lord grant us the beauty of holiness,

and the adorning of a meek and quiet spirit! Only those who fear

God are truly happy. 28-33 By his insolent carriage toward Joab, Absalom brought

Joab to plead for him. By his insolent message to the king, he

gained his wishes. When parents and rulers countenance such

characters, they will soon suffer the most fatal effects. But

did the compassion of a father prevail to reconcile him to an

impenitent son, and shall penitent sinners question the

compassion of Him who is the Father of mercies?