Talmai was king of Geshur, a small Aramean kingdom northeast of Israel. He is best known as the father-in-law of King David, since his daughter Maacah became one of David's wives and the mother of Absalom. Geshur served as a place of refuge for Absalom after he killed his half-brother Amnon.
After Absalom killed his half-brother Amnon in revenge for the rape of his sister Tamar, he fled to his grandfather Talmai in Geshur, where he stayed for three years.
Absalom lived with his grandfather Talmai in Geshur for three years while David mourned the situation. Geshur provided Absalom protection outside of David's jurisdiction.
After three years in Geshur with Talmai, Joab persuaded King David to allow Absalom to return to Jerusalem, even though David initially refused to see him face to face.
32Absalom answered Joab, "Look, I sent word to you and said, 'Come here, so I can send you to the king to ask why I have come home from Geshur. It would be better for me if I were still there.' Now let me see the king's face, and if there is guilt in me, let him put me to death."
33So Joab went to the king and told him. Then the king summoned Absalom, and he came in and bowed with his face to the ground before the king; and the king kissed Absalom.