Overview:
Absalom's conspiracy is a significant event in the history of Israel, detailed in the Old Testament. It involves Absalom, the third son of King David, who orchestrates a rebellion against his father to seize the throne of Israel. This narrative is primarily found in 2 Samuel 15-18 and highlights themes of ambition, betrayal, and the complexities of familial relationships.

Background:
Absalom was known for his striking appearance and charisma, which endeared him to the people of Israel. His relationship with his father, King David, was strained following the incident involving his sister Tamar and half-brother Amnon. After avenging Tamar by killing Amnon, Absalom fled and lived in exile for several years before being allowed to return to Jerusalem.

The Conspiracy:
The conspiracy begins with Absalom's strategic efforts to win the hearts of the Israelites. He positioned himself at the city gate, where he would intercept those coming to seek justice from the king. Absalom would express sympathy and suggest that he could provide better justice if he were in charge. This tactic is described in 2 Samuel 15:2-6 :

"Absalom would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for judgment, Absalom would call out to him, 'What city are you from?' And he would reply, 'Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.' Then Absalom would say to him, 'Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.' And he would add, 'If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then every man with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.' Also, whenever anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him. Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for judgment. So he stole the hearts of the men of Israel."

The Rebellion:
After four years of cultivating support, Absalom asked King David for permission to go to Hebron, under the pretense of fulfilling a vow. Once there, he declared himself king and gathered followers, including Ahithophel, one of David's trusted advisors. The rebellion gained momentum, forcing David to flee Jerusalem to avoid confrontation. This is recorded in 2 Samuel 15:10-14 :

"Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: 'When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, "Absalom reigns in Hebron!"' Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom, who had invited them and went innocently, knowing nothing of the matter. While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his city of Giloh. And the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing. Then a messenger came to David and reported, 'The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.' And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, 'Arise, and let us flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. Hurry, or he will overtake us quickly, heap disaster upon us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.'"

David's Response:
David's response to the rebellion was marked by strategic retreat and reliance on loyal supporters. He left Jerusalem with his household and a group of faithful followers, including the Cherethites, Pelethites, and the Gittites led by Ittai. David also sent Hushai the Archite back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and counter Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom.

The Battle:
The conflict culminated in a battle in the forest of Ephraim. David's forces, led by Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, engaged Absalom's army. Despite being outnumbered, David's men achieved a decisive victory. During the battle, Absalom was caught by his hair in the branches of a large oak tree, and Joab, against David's explicit instructions to deal gently with Absalom, killed him. This is recounted in 2 Samuel 18:9-15 :

"Now Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so he was suspended in midair. When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, 'I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!' 'You just saw him!' Joab exclaimed. 'Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt!' But the man replied, 'Even if a thousand shekels of silver were weighed out into my hands, I would not raise my hand against the king’s son. For we heard the king command you and Abishai and Ittai, "Protect the young man Absalom for my sake."' Joab said, 'I am not going to wait like this for you.' So he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through Absalom’s heart while he was still alive in the oak tree."

Aftermath:
The death of Absalom marked the end of the rebellion, but it brought profound grief to King David. Despite Absalom's betrayal, David mourned deeply for his son, expressing his sorrow in one of the most poignant laments in the Bible, found in 2 Samuel 18:33 :

"The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. As he walked, he cried out, 'O my son Absalom, O my son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!'"