Introduction:
Absalom, a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, is known for his striking appearance, ambitious nature, and tragic end. He was the third son of King David and Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). Absalom's account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel, where his life is marked by familial conflict, rebellion, and a quest for power.

Family and Early Life:
Absalom was born into the royal family of Israel, and his lineage is noted in 2 Samuel 3:3. He had a sister named Tamar and a brother named Amnon. Absalom is described as exceptionally handsome, with no blemish from head to toe, and his hair was particularly noteworthy for its weight and beauty (2 Samuel 14:25-26).

The Incident with Amnon and Tamar:
The narrative of Absalom's life takes a dramatic turn with the incident involving his sister Tamar and his half-brother Amnon. Amnon, infatuated with Tamar, deceived and violated her, leading to Absalom's deep-seated hatred for Amnon (2 Samuel 13:1-22). Absalom waited two years before avenging his sister by orchestrating Amnon's murder during a feast (2 Samuel 13:23-29).

Exile and Return:
Following Amnon's death, Absalom fled to his maternal grandfather's kingdom in Geshur, where he stayed for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38). King David mourned for his son Amnon but longed for Absalom's return. Joab, David's military commander, eventually facilitated Absalom's return to Jerusalem, though he was not immediately allowed to see the king (2 Samuel 14:1-24).

Rebellion Against David:
Absalom's return to Jerusalem marked the beginning of his political maneuvering. He gained favor with the people by presenting himself as a just and accessible leader, subtly undermining David's authority (2 Samuel 15:1-6). After four years, Absalom declared himself king in Hebron, sparking a rebellion against David (2 Samuel 15:7-10).

David's Flight and Absalom's Pursuit:
David, upon hearing of Absalom's rebellion, fled Jerusalem with his loyal followers (2 Samuel 15:13-17). Absalom entered the city and took counsel from Ahithophel, David's former advisor, who suggested pursuing David immediately. However, Absalom heeded the advice of Hushai, David's spy, who recommended a more cautious approach, allowing David time to regroup (2 Samuel 17:1-14).

The Battle and Absalom's Death:
The conflict between Absalom and David culminated in the forest of Ephraim. David's forces, led by Joab, engaged Absalom's army, resulting in a decisive victory for David. During the battle, Absalom's hair became entangled in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him hanging as his mule ran off. Joab, despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with Absalom, killed him, ending the rebellion (2 Samuel 18:6-15).

David's Mourning:
Upon hearing of Absalom's death, David was overcome with grief, lamenting, "O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Samuel 18:33). David's mourning was so profound that Joab had to remind him of the need to encourage his troops, who had fought for his restoration (2 Samuel 19:1-8).

Legacy:
Absalom's life is a complex narrative of beauty, ambition, and tragedy. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition and familial discord. Despite his rebellion, Absalom's legacy is also marked by David's deep paternal love and the enduring impact of their fractured relationship on the history of Israel.53. Abishalom -- "my father is peace," two Israelites
... "my father is peace," two Israelites. Transliteration: Abishalom Phonetic Spelling:
(ab-ee-shaw-lome') Short Definition: Absalom. ... Abishalom, Absalom. ...
/hebrew/53.htm - 6k

The Wail of a Broken Heart
... THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL THE WAIL OF A BROKEN HEART. 'Now Absalom in his lifetime
had taken and reared up for ... And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the wail of a broken.htm

God's Banished Ones
... 14:14. David's good-for-nothing son Absalom had brought about the murder
of one of his brothers, and had fled the country. His father ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods banished ones.htm

The Barley Field on Fire
... "Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to
him; and when he sent again, the second time, he would not come. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the barley field on fire.htm

Chastisements.
... which were the natural fruits of David's sin, soon began to show themselves, though
apparently ten years at least passed before Absalom's revolt, at which time ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xiv chastisements.htm

David and Nathan
... And from that came Absalom's murder of his brother, and from that Absalom's exile,
and from that Absalom's rebellion, and from that Absalom's death, which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and nathan.htm

A Broken-Hearted Father
... After Absalom and all the men of Israel crossed the Jordan, David counted the troops
who were with him, and put over them commanders of thousands and of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a broken-hearted father.htm

Pardoned Sin Punished
... 'And It came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots ... And he said,
Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.3. And Absalom said unto him. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/pardoned sin punished.htm

Fifth Commandment
... Which would you rather be"a Joseph or an Absalom? ... He wasn't ashamed of the old man,
with his shepherds clothes. What a contrast we see in Absalom. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/fifth commandment.htm

The Songs of the Fugitive.
... The psalms which probably belong to the period of Absalom's rebellion correspond
well with the impression of his spirit gathered from the historical books. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xv the songs of the.htm

Sermon.
Is The Young Man Absalom Safe? . ... SERMON. 2 SAMUEL xviii.29. "IS THE YOUNG
MAN ABSALOM SAFE?". The touch of nature comes out strongly here. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wright/is the young man absalom safe/sermon.htm

Absalom's (16 Occurrences)
...Absalom's (16 Occurrences). ... Won't you tell me?" Amnon said to him, "I love Tamar,
my brother Absalom's sister." (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NIV). ...
/a/absalom's.htm - 12k

Ab'salom's (5 Occurrences)
Ab'salom's. Absalom's, Ab'salom's. Absalon . ... Won't you tell me?" Amnon said
to him, "I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister." (See RSV). ...
/a/ab'salom's.htm - 8k

Vale (20 Occurrences)
... tou basileos; the King James Version King's Dale): The place where the king of Sodom
met Abram (Genesis 14:17), and the situation of Absalom's monument (2 ...
/v/vale.htm - 29k

Dale (2 Occurrences)
... Some have identified it with the southern part of the valley of Jehoshaphat,
where Absalom reared his family monument (2 Samuel 18:18). ...
/d/dale.htm - 9k

Ahithophel (17 Occurrences)
... At the time of Absalom's revolt he deserted David (Psalm 41:9; 55:12-14)
and espoused the cause of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:12). David ...
/a/ahithophel.htm - 16k

King's (375 Occurrences)
... DALE, KING'S. (dal, `emeq hamelekh): (1) "Absalom in his lifetime had taken and
reared up for himself the pillar, which is in the king's dale" (2 Samuel 18:18). ...
/k/king's.htm - 46k

Hair (135 Occurrences)
... Long hair is especially noticed in the description of Absalom's person (2 Samuel
14:26); but the wearing of long hair was unusual, and was only practised as an ...
/h/hair.htm - 60k

Ziba (13 Occurrences)
... When David has to leave Jerusalem at the time of Absalom's revolt, Ziba (2 Samuel
16:1-4) takes two asses for members of the king's household to ride on, and ...
/z/ziba.htm - 14k

Kings (350 Occurrences)
... read incorrectly, "The First Book of Kings," even the use of the article being
superfluous.gs (stadia) from Jerusalem, which he named Absalom's Hand." In all ...
/k/kings.htm - 61k

Ahimaaz (15 Occurrences)
... On the occasion of the revolt of Absalom he remained faithful to David, and was
of service to him in conveying to him tidings of the proceedings of Absalom in ...
/a/ahimaaz.htm - 14k

What is Absalom's Monument? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Absalom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Ahimaaz in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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