2 Samuel 14:21
2 Samuel 14:21 in Multiple Translations
Then the king said to Joab, “I hereby grant this request. Go, bring back the young man Absalom.”
¶ And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom back.
And the king said to Joab, See now, I will do this thing: go then and Come back with the young man Absalom.
The king said to Joab, “Fine, I'll do it. Go and bring young Absalom back.”
And the King sayde vnto Ioab, Beholde nowe, I haue done this thing: go then, and bring the yong man Absalom againe.
And the king saith unto Joab, 'Lo, I pray thee, thou hast done this thing; and go, bring back the young man Absalom.'
The king said to Joab, “Behold now, I have granted this thing. Go therefore, and bring the young man Absalom back.”
And the king said to Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
And the king said to Joab: Behold I am appeased and have granted thy request: Go therefore and fetch back the boy Absalom.
Then the king summoned Joab and said to him, “Listen! I have decided to do what you want. So go and get that young man Absalom and bring him back to Jerusalem.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 14:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 14:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
אֶל
יוֹאָ֔ב
הִנֵּה
נָ֥א
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
אֶת
הַ/דָּבָ֣ר
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
וְ/לֵ֛ךְ
הָשֵׁ֥ב
אֶת
הַ/נַּ֖עַר
אֶת
אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יוֹאָ֔ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דָּבָ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
וְ/לֵ֛ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
הָשֵׁ֥ב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/נַּ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 14:21
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יוֹאָ֔ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
"Joab"
N-proper
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/דָּבָ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
וְ/לֵ֛ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
הָשֵׁ֥ב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/נַּ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Art | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
"Absalom"
N-proper
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 14:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 14:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 14:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 14:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:21
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 14:21
Context — Absalom’s Return to Jerusalem
19So the king asked, “Is the hand of Joab behind all this?” The woman answered, “As surely as you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right or to the left from anything that my lord the king says. Yes, your servant Joab is the one who gave me orders; he told your maidservant exactly what to say.
20Joab your servant has done this to bring about this change of affairs, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that happens in the land.”
21Then the king said to Joab, “I hereby grant this request. Go, bring back the young man Absalom.”
22Joab fell facedown in homage and blessed the king. “Today,” said Joab, “your servant knows that he has found favor in your eyes, my lord the king, because the king has granted his request.” 23So Joab got up, went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 14:11 | “Please,” she replied, “may the king invoke the LORD your God to prevent the avenger of blood from increasing the devastation, so that my son may not be destroyed!” “As surely as the LORD lives,” he vowed, “not a hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 14:39 | As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word. |
| 3 | Mark 6:26 | The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. |
2 Samuel 14:21 Summary
[In this verse, King David is showing mercy and forgiveness to his son Absalom by allowing him to return to Jerusalem, which is a powerful example of the importance of forgiveness in our relationships with others, as taught in Matthew 6:14-15 and Ephesians 4:32. King David's decision was influenced by the wise words of Joab, his commander, who had a deep understanding of the situation. This story reminds us that forgiveness is a key part of healing and restoration, and that seeking wise counsel can help us make difficult decisions, as seen in Proverbs 15:22. By considering King David's actions, we can learn to balance justice and mercy in our own lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David agree to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem?
King David agreed to bring Absalom back because Joab, his commander, had wisely intervened and presented a persuasive case, as seen in 2 Samuel 14:19-20, and also because of the wisdom given to him, as stated in 2 Samuel 14:20, similar to the wisdom granted to Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
What role did Joab play in this situation?
Joab played a significant role as he was the one who instructed the woman to approach King David and plead for Absalom's return, as seen in 2 Samuel 14:19, demonstrating his influence and strategic thinking, much like his actions in 2 Samuel 12:27-28.
How did King David's decision reflect his character?
King David's decision to bring Absalom back reflects his merciful and forgiving nature, as also seen in his actions towards Saul in 1 Samuel 24:6 and 1 Samuel 26:9, showcasing his ability to put the needs of others before his own, in line with the teachings of Leviticus 19:18.
What can we learn from King David's interaction with Joab in this verse?
We can learn about the importance of wise counsel and the value of humble leadership, as King David listens to Joab's advice and grants his request, much like the counsel given in Proverbs 11:14 and Proverbs 24:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have sought forgiveness or reconciliation, and how did I approach those situations?
- How can I demonstrate the same kind of mercy and forgiveness that King David showed to Absalom in my relationships with others?
- What role do wise advisors or mentors play in my life, and how can I seek their counsel in difficult situations?
- In what ways can I balance justice and mercy in my interactions with others, as King David did in this situation?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 14:21
And the king said unto Joab,.... Who was present, or but at a little distance, waiting the issue of this affair: behold now I have done this thing; have agreed to recall Absalom, at the suit of this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 14:21
Then the king answered and said unto the woman, Hide not from me, I pray thee, the thing that I shall ask thee. And the woman said, Let my lord the king now speak. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:21
I have done this thing, in compliance with thy desire; although in truth it was according to his own desire. He overlooks the woman in this grant, because she was but Joab’ s instrument in it. The young man; by which expression he mitigates his crime, as being an act of youthful heat, and folly, and rashness.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:21
2 Samuel 14:21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.Ver. 21. And the king said unto Joab.] Who was present, it seemeth, when this woman acted her part, and had brought her in to the king for that purpose. Behold now, I have done this thing.] But how well David did it, the event will prove. Cassandra could not be hard when she sung, “ Graia iuvenca venit quae te patriamque domumque Perdit, io prohibe, Graia iuvenca venit. ” - Ovid., Epist. David was ever too indulgent a father, and smarted for it. This fact of his is neither to be commended nor justified, saith Willet; excused it may be by some circumstances: but the wrath of God was soon revealed from heaven against it: as also it was against Maud, wife to William the Conqueror, and her eldest son Robert Curtuoise, whom she maintained out of her motherly indulgence in his quarrel for Normandy, out of her own coffers paying the charges of war against his father and her own husband. Speed.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:21
(21) I have done.—This is the Hebrew text; the margin has thou hast done. The former is simply a form of granting Joab’s request; the latter would convey an implied censure on Joab’s stratagem, although in the next clause there is a compliance with his wish.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:21
Verse 21. And the king said unto Joab] It appears that Joab was present at the time when the woman was in conference with the king, and no doubt others of David's courtiers or officers were there also.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 14:21
21–24. Joab sent to bring Absalom back 21. I have done this thing] I have granted thy wish and restored Absalom to favour. The “read” text or Qrî has thou hast done, but the “written” text or Kthîbh (supported by the Sept. and Vulg.) is certainly right here.