What does 2 Samuel 14:23 mean?

David has several wives and many sons from those wives. His first wife, Michal, had no children (2 Samuel 6:23). His second wife, Ahinoam, gave birth to Amnon. Then Abigail had Chileab, and Maacah had Absalom (2 Samuel 3:2–3). Maacah also had Tamar, David's only recorded daughter (2 Samuel 13:1). Amnon lusted after Tamar and raped her. After waiting for the right moment, Absalom murdered Amnon. Absalom immediately fled to Maacah's father, the king of Geshur (2 Samuel 13). Geshur is a small kingdom just east of the Sea of Galilee. Absalom stayed there for three years.

Joab, David's military commander and the son of his sister, believes Absalom's continued exile is a detriment to the nation. With Amnon dead, it seems Joab believes Absalom is the next in line to be king. There's no mention of Chileab outside the genealogies; he may have died, or he may have inherited his mother's first husband's estate.

But Joab is so convinced that he's gone to extreme lengths to convince David. Finally, David agrees, and Joab retrieves Absalom. When Absalom returns, he doesn't find a welcoming father. David refuses to see Absalom or allow him into the royal court. For two years, Absalom lives in Jerusalem, but he's still exiled from his father (2 Samuel 14:24, 28).