1 – Is Joab a fan of Absalom? (see 14:30-31, 18:14) Why does Joab want Absalom to come back to Jerusalem? Where is he now?

2 – How is the woman from Tekoa similar and dissimilar from the prophet Nathan? How is her story similar and dissimilar?

3 – David doesn't seem troubled to be tricked by the fabricated story. Why not? Why might he be actually happy about the legal precedent his decision renders?

4 – Why might Joab be happy about the king's ruling? Why does Absalom come home, but only under house arrest?

5 – Why does Joab ignore Absalom? How does Absalom get his attention? Does Absalom think he is worthy of death? Does he think king David might find him guilty

and condemn him? Is he bluffing?

6 – The king receives Absalom with a kiss; he is now released from house arrest and free to move about in society. Is he declared not guilty? Innocent? Forgiven? What?

7 – How does God justify us, guilty sinners and cosmic traitors, forgiven and restored? How does the holy and just God remain holy and just and pardon your sin?