New King James Version

2 Samuel 14:22-31 New King James Version (NKJV)

22. Then Joab fell to the ground on his face and bowed himself, and thanked the king. And Joab said, “Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord, O king, in that the king has fulfilled the request of his servant.”

23. So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

24. And the king said, “Let him return to his own house, but do not let him see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, but did not see the king’s face.

25. Now in all Israel there was no one who was praised as much as Absalom for his good looks. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

26. And when he cut the hair of his head—at the end of every year he cut it because it was heavy on him—when he cut it, he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels according to the king’s standard.

27. To Absalom were born three sons, and one daughter whose name was Tamar. She was a woman of beautiful appearance.

28. And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, but did not see the king’s face.

29. Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king, but he would not come to him. And when he sent again the second time, he would not come.

30. So he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.

31. Then Joab arose and came to Absalom’s house, and said to him, “Why have your servants set my field on fire?”