1. Absalom's return (18-24)

David knew that Joab put all words in the woman's mouth. He ordered Joab to bring Absalom home. But Absalom still had not repented. Moreover, David did not help him to repent, but simply refused to see him. King David said, "He must not see my face." (24) The relationship was still broken and a form of banishment still existed.

2. Absalom's popularity (25-33)

Absalom was highly praised for his handsome appearance. He lived to please people rather than repent his sin. After two years passed, he thought he had waited enough time to see David and be restored to his princely position. Joab help him to reconcile with David, but this was not based on repentance and true reconciliation. Later, David would be humiliated by Absalom (12:11, 15:1-15, 16:22). We have to repent of sin first, then we will be reconciled with God and others. Time cannot solve my sin problem, but only the blood of Jesus can take away my sin.