Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 14:24

"And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, but let him not see my face. So Absalom turned to his own house, and saw not the king`s face." — 2 Samuel 14:24 (ASV)

Let him not see my face. — David allowed Absalom’s return, but forbade him his presence. The former had been done in weakness, the latter through a sense of justice. The effect of this half measure was unfortunate; Absalom was irritated, and yet placed in a favourable position to carry out his plots. It is probable that Absalom was confined to his own house.