15. My lord and king, I came to say these words to you, because the people made me afraid. I said to myself, ‘I will talk to the king. Maybe the king will help me.
16. The king will listen to me and save me from the man who wants to kill me and my son. That man just wants to keep us from getting what God gave us.’
17. I know that the words of my lord the king will give me rest, because you are like an angel from God. You know what is good and what is bad. And the Lord your God is with you.”
18. King David answered the woman, “You must answer the question I will ask you.” The woman said, “My lord and king, please ask your question.”
19. The king said, “Did Joab tell you to say all these things?” The woman answered, “As you live, my lord and king, you are right. Your officer Joab did tell me to say these things.
20. Joab did this so that you would see things differently. My lord, you are as wise as God’s angel. You know everything that happens on earth.”
21. The king said to Joab, “Look, I will do what I promised. Now please bring back the young man Absalom.”
22. Joab bowed with his face on the ground. He blessed King David, and said, “Today I know that you are pleased with me. I know because you have done what I asked.”
23. Then Joab got up and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.