2 Samuel 14:28
ESV
So Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, without coming into the king 's presence.
NIV
Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem without seeing the king’s face.
NASB
Now Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, yet he did not see the king’s face.
CSB
Absalom resided in Jerusalem two years but never saw the king.
NLT
Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years, but he never got to see the king.
KJV
So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.
NKJV
And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, but did not see the king’s face.
What does 2 Samuel 14:28 mean?
David legally pardoned Absalom for the murder of Amnon (2 Samuel 13:32). But forgiveness remains incomplete. Erasing a death sentence on Absalom allowed him to return from exile. But David refused to allow Absalom to ever be in his presence. This would mean Absalom was barred from the palace and participating in official functions of the court. Some commentators speculate that Absalom may have been under a kind of permanent house arrest. This went on for two full years, meaning that it has now been seven years since Amnon raped Tamar (2 Samuel 13:23), five years since Absalom had Amnon murdered (2 Samuel 13:38), and now two more years under restricted movements in Jerusalem.Scripture records the bare bones of this story while revealing little of people's motivations. Joab convinced David to let Absalom come home because he believed it was best for the kingdom (2 Samuel 14:13). We're not told why David agrees. He may have been ashamed for not disciplining Amnon. He may secretly think Absalom's vengeance was right. He may miss Absalom. He may be afraid that the people will revolt if he doesn't act.
This last fear would have been the most ironic, if true. David brings Absalom home and gives him legitimacy by reconciling (2 Samuel 14:33). Before long, Absalom leads the people in a revolt (2 Samuel 15).
