2 SAMUEL 14
Nathan had told a story to help David do a right thing, repent of his sins (2 Sam. 12:1–6). This woman told a story to encourage David to do a wrong thing, restore Absalom without first insisting on repentance.
Forgiveness that ignores justice is only a fiction. Even God does not restore a “banished one” (v. 13) without first paying the price to uphold His law. Forgiveness is not cheap; it is costly (
God’s forgiveness is complete; we can come into His presence and “see His face” (1 John 1:9–2:2). David restored Absalom’s position, but he did not improve his character, so the young man returned to his sinful ways. The only thing weighty about Absalom was his hair; the rest of him was chaff. His good looks camouflaged a bad heart.