שמואל ב, פרק י״ד, פסוק כ״א

Once the truth behind the woman of Tekoa's story is revealed and she is sent home, King David turns to Joab to officially set Absalom's return into motion. The exact nature of David's instruction depends on two distinct traditions regarding how his opening words to Joab are understood.

According to the widely accepted tradition, David speaks about his own decision. He informs Joab that he has listened to his advice and resolved to carry out the plan presented through the woman. Having agreed to grant Absalom protection, the King commands Joab to go and retrieve him [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This understanding is firmly rooted in precise ancient traditions, with some scholars entirely dismissing any alternative interpretation [מנחת שי].

Conversely, another tradition understands David's statement as a direct address regarding Joab's actions. In this scenario, the King points out that Joab is the one who orchestrated the entire scheme by sending the woman to maneuver the situation [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Because Joab is the mastermind behind the plan, David's command to bring the young man back serves as a directive for Joab to finish what he started. It follows the principle that the one who initiates a task is responsible for seeing it through to completion [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].