Background Context:
Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was a prominent military commander under King David. Known for his strategic acumen and loyalty to David, Joab played a crucial role in the political and military affairs of Israel. The narrative of Joab's plan to reconcile David and Absalom is found in 2 Samuel 14. This episode occurs after Absalom, David's son, had fled to Geshur following the murder of his half-brother Amnon, who had violated Absalom's sister, Tamar.

The Estrangement:
Absalom's act of vengeance against Amnon led to his estrangement from King David. Absalom fled to his maternal grandfather, Talmai, king of Geshur, and remained there for three years. During this time, David longed for reconciliation with Absalom but did not take steps to bring him back, possibly due to the complexities of justice and royal authority.

Joab's Intervention:
Recognizing the king's deep-seated affection for Absalom and the potential threat of a divided kingdom, Joab devised a plan to facilitate reconciliation. Joab's actions were motivated by both political prudence and personal loyalty to David. He sought to restore harmony within the royal family and stabilize the kingdom.

The Wise Woman of Tekoa:
Joab enlisted the help of a wise woman from Tekoa to present a parable to King David. This woman was instructed to appear before the king in mourning attire, feigning the role of a bereaved mother. Her account was crafted to mirror David's situation with Absalom, thereby eliciting the king's empathy and prompting him to reconsider his stance.

The woman told David of her two sons, one of whom had killed the other. The family sought to execute the surviving son, which would leave her without an heir. Moved by her plight, David assured her of protection for her son. The woman then revealed the parable's true purpose, drawing a parallel to David's own estrangement from Absalom.

David's Realization:
Upon realizing Joab's involvement, David acknowledged the wisdom behind the plan. The king's heart was softened, and he instructed Joab to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem. However, David imposed a condition: Absalom was not to see the king's face, indicating a partial reconciliation.

Absalom's Return:
Absalom returned to Jerusalem but lived in isolation from the king for two years. Eventually, through further intervention by Joab, Absalom was fully reconciled with David. The king kissed Absalom, symbolizing the restoration of their relationship.

Scriptural Reference:
The account of Joab's plan and the subsequent events are detailed in 2 Samuel 14:1-33. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear translation of this narrative, capturing the emotional and political nuances of the account.

Theological Implications:
Joab's plan highlights themes of justice, mercy, and reconciliation. It underscores the tension between the demands of justice and the need for familial and national unity. The narrative also reflects the complexities of human relationships and the role of intermediaries in facilitating reconciliation. Joab's actions, while politically motivated, ultimately served to restore a fractured family and stabilize the kingdom, aligning with the broader biblical theme of reconciliation.