SUMMARY
Reconciliation between DavidSecond king of Israel, David united the northern and southern kingdoms. More and AbsalomThe son of King David who tried to usurp David's throne. More (vv. 21-33) is brought about through the use of a subterfuge, masterminded by JoabDavid's military commander who killed Absalom More and carried out by an accomplished actress from the village of Tekoa, outside of Bethlehem.
ANALYSIS
In order to bring about reconciliation with Absalom, Joab makes use of a “wise woman” from Tekoa to trick David into allowing Absalom’s return. The story is structured concentrically:
A Joab knows (yada) David’s situation (v. 1)
B Joab’s scheme (vv. 2-3)
C The wise woman’s parableA parable is a brief story with a setting, an action, and a result. A prominent aspect of Jesus' teaching was telling parables to illustrate something about the kingdom, or reign, of God. More (vv. 4-10)
D The wise woman pleads for her son’s life (v. 11a)
D′ David grants her request (v. 11b)
C′ The wise woman’s parable applied (vv. 12-17)
B′ Joab’s scheme discovered (vv. 18-19)
A′ David knows (yada) all (v. 20)
As the structure makes clear, the story revolves around a parable put forth by the wise woman (vv. 4-9). As had NathanThe prophet who condemned David for adultery and promised that God would establish a Davidic dynasty More (12:1-4), she weaves a narrative that is similar to but not identical with the actual facts in order to hoist David on his own petard. In addition, she is a talented actress who acts out the tale and dresses accordingly. David is no match for the conspiracy. He agrees to bring Absalom back. In a subtle stroke of genius, the author has refrained from using the name “David,” referring to David as “the king” throughout the chapter. This suggests that David, though duped into allowing the return of his son, is functioning as “the king” and not as “David” or as a parent. The reconciliation is purely formal and testifies to his parental weakness in this half of the book, a weakness that will have political repercussions.