14 ²⁵ No one in all Israel was so greatly admired for his beauty as Absalom; he was without flaw from the crown of his head to the sole of his foot. 14 ²⁶ His hair, when he cut his hair (as he had to do every year, for he found it heavy), weighed two hundred shekels by the royal standard. 14 ²⁷ Three sons were born to Absalom, and a daughter named Tamar, who was a very beautiful woman.

14 ²⁸ Absalom remained in Jerusalem for two whole years without entering the king's presence. 14 ²⁹ He summoned Joab to send a message by him to the king, but Joab refused to come; he sent for him a second time, but he still refused. 14 ³⁰ Then Absalom said to his servants, 'You know that Joab has a field next to mine with barley growing in it; go and set fire to it.' So Absalom's servants set fire to the field. 14 ³¹ Joab promptly came to Absalom in his own quarters and said to him, 'Why have your servants set fire to my field?' 14 ³² Absalom answered Joab, 'I had sent for you to come here, so that I could ask you to give the king this message from me: "Why did I leave Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there. Let me now come into your majesty's presence and, if I have done any wrong, put me to death." ' 14 ³³ When Joab went to the king and told him, he summoned Absalom, who came and prostrated himself humbly before the king; and he greeted Absalom with a kiss.