v1-3: Joab wanted to bring reconciliation between David and Absalom. He used deceit to achieve that end.

v4-10: The king had the responsibility to resolve inter-personal disputes, although presumably he had other people who would take on such roles, as in 8.15-18.

v11-17: The woman used the opportunity to rebuke David for failing to bring Absalom back. David would "issue an order" (v8) about some matters, but had failed to deal with the dispute in his own family.

The woman had spoken about one son killing another, and the living son in danger of losing his life, just as had happened between Amnon and Absalom. David had promised, therefore, to protect Absalom. The Lord God would devise a way to bring back a rebellious son, but David had not done so.

v18-22: David discerned the hand of Joab. David agreed to have Absalom brought back. Joab was delighted to have had his request answered.

v23-24: Although Absalom returned to Jerusalem, David refused to see him. This attitude continued to build up resentment in Absalom. It also provided him an opportunity to conspire against David, which opportunity would not have existed while he stayed in Geshur.

See Eccl 8.11; situations not dealt with properly will fester; David failed to deal with either Absalom or Amnon, and hence trouble spread, see James 1.15.

v25-29: Absalom lived in Jerusalem. His daughter was called Tamar, after his sister, whom Amnon had raped. Neither David nor Joab would see Absalom.

v30-32: Eventually, in desperation, Absalom set Joab's field on fire. This annoyed Joab, but gave Absalom opportunity to see David.

v33: David and Absalom finally met. But there was little real repentance on Absalom's part. It was now 7 years since Amnon's rape of Tamar, and 5 years since Absalom had killed Amnon.

But Absalom had already used this time to win over many of the people.