Topical Bible: Absalom

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Introduction:
Absalom, a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, is best known as the third son of King David. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel, where he is depicted as a handsome and charismatic, yet ultimately tragic, figure. Absalom's life is marked by familial conflict, ambition, and rebellion.

Family Background:
Absalom was born to King David and Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). He had a sister named Tamar and a brother named Amnon. Absalom's family dynamics were complex and fraught with tension, which played a significant role in his later actions.

The Incident with Amnon and Tamar:
The catalyst for Absalom's rebellion against his father was the incident involving his sister Tamar and his half-brother Amnon. Amnon, infatuated with Tamar, deceived and violated her (2 Samuel 13:1-14). Absalom, deeply angered by this act and David's inaction, harbored a grudge against Amnon. Two years later, Absalom avenged 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 remained for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38). David longed for Absalom but did not immediately recall him. Eventually, through the intercession of Joab, David's military commander, Absalom was allowed to return to Jerusalem, though he was not permitted to see the king's face for two more years (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, contrasting with his father's perceived aloofness (2 Samuel 15:1-6). After four years, Absalom declared himself king in Hebron, initiating a rebellion against David (2 Samuel 15:7-10).

The Battle and Absalom's Death:
David, upon learning of Absalom's rebellion, fled Jerusalem with his loyal followers (2 Samuel 15:13-17). The ensuing conflict culminated in the Battle of Ephraim's Wood, where Absalom's forces were defeated by David's army. During the battle, Absalom's hair became entangled in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him suspended. Joab, despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with Absalom, killed him (2 Samuel 18:9-15).

David's Mourning:
The news of Absalom's death brought profound grief to David, who lamented, "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 underscored the deep personal loss and the tragic nature of Absalom's rebellion.

Legacy:
Absalom's account is a complex narrative of familial strife, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked desires. His life and actions serve as a cautionary tale within the biblical text, illustrating the destructive potential of vengeance and rebellion. Despite his tragic end, Absalom's legacy persisted, as evidenced by the monument he erected for himself in the King's Valley, known as Absalom's Pillar (2 Samuel 18:18).

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

Absalom

father of peace

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Absalom

(father of peace),third son of David by Maachah, daughter of Tamai king of Geshur, a Syrian district adjoining the northeast frontier of the Holy Land. (Born B.C. 1050.) Absalom had a sister, Tamar, who was violated by her half-brother Amnon. The natural avenger of such an outrage would be Tamar's full brother Absalom. He brooded over the wrong for two years, and then invited all the princes to a sheep-shearing feast at his estate in Baalhazor, on the borders of Ephraim and Benjamin. Here he ordered his servants to murder Amnon, and then fled for safety to his grandfather's court at Geshur, where he remained for three years. At the end of that time he was brought back by an artifice of Joab. David, however, would not see Absalom for two more years; but at length Joab brought about a reconciliation. Absalom now began at once to prepare for rebellion. He tried to supplant his father by courting popularity, standing in the gate, conversing with every suitor, and lamenting the difficulty which he would find in getting a hearing. He also maintained a splendid retinue, (2 Samuel 15:1) and was admired for his personal beauty. It is probable too that the great tribe of Judah had taken some offence at David's government. Absalom raised the standard of revolt at Hebron, the old capital of Judah, now supplanted by Jerusalem. The revolt was at first completely successful; David fled from his capital over the Jordan to Mahanaim in Gilead, and Absalom occupied Jerusalem. At last, after being solemnly anointed king at Jerusalem, (2 Samuel 19:10) Absalom crossed the Jordan to attack his father, who by this time had rallied round him a considerable force. A decisive battle was fought in Gilead, in the wood of Ephraim. Here Absalom's forces were totally defeated, and as he himself was escaping his long hair was entangled in the branches of a terebinth, where he was left hanging while the mule on which he was riding ran away from under him. He was dispatched by Joab in spite of the prohibition of David, who, loving him to the last, had desired that his life might be spared. He was buried in a great pit in the forest, and the conquerors threw stones over his grave, an old proof of bitter hostility. (Joshua 7:26)

ATS Bible Dictionary

Absalom

Only son of David by Maacah, 2 Samuel 3:3. He was remarkable for his beauty and for his fine head of hair, 2 Samuel 14:25, which being cut from time to time when it incommoded him, used to weigh 200 shekels by the king's standard, that is, probable about thirty ounces, an extraordinary, but not incredible weight. Ammon, another of the king's sons, having violated his sister Tamar, Absalom caused him to be slain, and then fled to Geshur, where Talmai his grandfather was king. After three years, at the intercession of Joab, David permitted him to return to Jerusalem, and at length received him again into favor, 2 Samuel 14:1-33. Absalom, however, grossly abused his father's kindness; he soon began to play the demagogue, and by many artful devices "stole the hearts of the people," and got himself proclaimed king in Hebron. David retired from Jerusalem; Absalom followed him; and in the battle, which ensued, the troops of the latter were defeated, and he himself, being caught by his head in a tree, was found and slain by Joab. David was much affected by his death, and uttered bitter lamentations over him, 2 Samuel 18:33.

His history affords instructive lessons to the young against the sins to which they are prone, particularly vanity, ambition, lawless passions, and filial disobedience.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Father of peace; i.e., "peaceful" David's son by Maacah (2 Samuel 3:3; Comp. 1 Kings 1:6). He was noted for his personal beauty and for the extra-ordinary profusion of the hair of his head (2 Samuel 14:25, 26). The first public act of his life was the blood-revenge he executed against Amnon, David's eldest son, who had basely wronged Absalom's sister Tamar. This revenge was executed at the time of the festivities connected with a great sheep-shearing at Baal-hazor. David's other sons fled from the place in horror, and brought the tidings of the death of Amnon to Jerusalem. Alarmed for the consequences of the act, Absalom fled to his grandfather at Geshur, and there abode for three years (2 Samuel 3:3; 13:23-38).

David mourned his absent son, now branded with the guilt of fratricide. As the result of a stratagem carried out by a woman of Tekoah, Joab received David's sanction to invite Absalom back to Jerusalem. He returned accordingly, but two years elapsed before his father admitted him into his presence (2 Samuel 14:28). Absalom was now probably the oldest surviving son of David, and as he was of royal descent by his mother as well as by his father, he began to aspire to the throne. His pretensions were favoured by the people. By many arts he gained their affection; and after his return from Geshur (2 Samuel 15:7; marg., R.V.) he went up to Hebron, the old capital of Judah, along with a great body of the people, and there proclaimed himself king. The revolt was so successful that David found it necessary to quit Jerusalem and flee to Mahanaim, beyond Jordan; where upon Absalom returned to Jerusalem and took possession of the throne without opposition. Ahithophel, who had been David's chief counsellor, deserted him and joined Absalom, whose chief counsellor he now became. Hushai also joined Absalom, but only for the purpose of trying to counteract the counsels of Ahithophel, and so to advantage David's cause. He was so far successful that by his advice, which was preferred to that of Ahithophel, Absalom delayed to march an army against his father, who thus gained time to prepare for the defence.

Absalom at length marched out against his father, whose army, under the command of Joab, he encountered on the borders of the forest of Ephraim. Twenty thousand of Absalom's army were slain in that fatal battle, and the rest fled. Absalom fled on a swift mule; but his long flowing hair, or more probably his head, was caught in the bough of an oak, and there he was left suspended till Joab came up and pierced him through with three darts. His body was then taken down and cast into a pit dug in the forest, and a heap of stones was raised over his grave. When the tidings of the result of that battle were brought to David, as he sat impatiently at the gate of Mahanaim, and he was told that Absalom had been slain, he gave way to the bitter lamentation: "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Samuel 18:33. Comp. Exodus 32:32; Romans 9:3).

Absalom's three sons (2 Samuel 14:27; Comp. 18:18) had all died before him, so that he left only a daughter, Tamar, who became the grandmother of Abijah.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ABSALOM (1)

ab'-sa-lom ('abhshalom, "father is peace," written also Abishalom, 1 Kings 15:2, 10): David's third son by Maacah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, a small territory between Hermon and Bashan.

1. A General Favorite:

Absalom was born at Hebron (2 Samuel 3:3), and moved at an early age, with the transfer of the capital, to Jerusalem, where he spent most of his life. He was a great favorite of his father and of the people as well. His charming manners, his personal beauty, his insinuating ways, together with his love of pomp and royal pretensions, captivated the hearts of the people from the beginning. He lived in great style, drove in a magnificent chariot and had fifty men run before him. Such magnificence produced the desired effect upon the hearts of the young aristocrats of the royal city (2 Samuel 15:1).

2. In Exile:

When Amnon, his half-brother, ravished his sister Tamar, and David shut his eyes to the grave crime and neglected to administer proper punishment, Absalom became justly enraged, and quietly nourished his anger, but after the lapse of two years carried out a successful plan to avenge his sister's wrongs. He made a great feast for the king's sons at Baalhazor, to which, among others, Amnon came, only to meet his death at the hands of Absalom's servants (2 Samuel 13:1). To avoid punishment he now fled to the court of his maternal grandfather in Geshur, where he remained three years, or until David, his father, had relented and condoned the murderous act of his impetuous, plotting son. At the end of three years (2 Samuel 13:38) we find Absalom once more in Jerusalem. It was, however, two years later before he was admitted to the royal presence (2 Samuel 14:28).

3. Rebels against His Father:

Absalom, again reinstated, lost no opportunity to regain lost prestige, and having his mind made up to succeed his father upon the throne, he forgot the son in the politician. Full of insinuations and rich in promises, especially to the disgruntled and to those having grievances, imaginary or real, it was but natural that he should have a following. His purpose was clear, namely, to alienate as many as possible from the king, and thus neutralize his influence in the selection of a successor, for he fully realized that the court party, under the influence of Bathsheba, was intent upon having Solomon as the next ruler. By much flattery Absalom stole the hearts of many men in Israel (2 Samuel 15:6). How long a period elapsed between his return from Geshur and his open rebellion against his father David is a question which cannot be answered with any degree of certainty. Most authorities regard the forty years of 2 Samuel 15:7 as an error and following the Syriac and some editions of the Septuagint, suggest four as the correct text. Whether forty or four, he obtained permission from the king to visit Hebron, the ancient capital, on pretense of paying a vow made by him while at Geshur in case of his safe return to Jerusalem. With two hundred men he repairs to Hebron. Previous to the feast spies had been sent throughout all the tribes of Israel to stir up the discontented and to assemble them under Absalom's flag at Hebron. Very large numbers obeyed the call, among them Ahithophel, one of David's shrewdest counselors (15:7).

4. David's Flight:

Reports of the conspiracy at Hebron soon reached the ears of David, who now became thoroughly frightened and lost no time in leaving Jerusalem. Under the protection of his most loyal bodyguard he fled to Gilead beyond Jordan. David was kindly received at Mahanaim, where he remained till after the death of his disloyal son. Zadok and Abiathar, two leading priests, were intent upon sharing the fortunes of David; they went so far as to carry the Ark of the Covenant with them out of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:24). David, however, forced the priests and Levites to take it back to its place in the city and there remain as its guardians. This was a prudent stroke, for these two great priests in Jerusalem acted as intermediaries, and through their sons and some influential women kept up constant communications with David's army in Gilead (2 Samuel 15:24). Hushai, too, was sent back to Jerusalem, where he falsely professed allegiance to Absalom, who by thins time had entered the royal city and had assumed control of the government (2 Samuel 15:32). Hushai, the priests and a few people less conspicuous performed their part well, for the counsel of Ahithophel, who advised immediate action and advance upon the king's forces, while everything was in a panic, was thwarted (2 Samuel 17:1); nay more, spies were constantly kept in contact with David's headquarters to inform the king of Absalom's plans (2 Samuel 17:15). This delay was fatal to the rebel son. Had he acted upon the shrewd counsel of Ahithophel, David's army might have been conquered at the outset.

5. Absalom's Death and Burial:

When at length Absalom's forces under the generalship of Amasa (2 Samuel 17:25) reached Gilead, ample time had been given to David to organize his army, which he divided into three divisions under the efficient command of three veteran generals: Joab, Abishai and Ittai (2 Samuel 18:1). A great battle was fought in the forests of Ephraim. Here the rebel army was utterly routed. No fewer than 20,000 were killed outright, and a still greater number becoming entangled in the thick forest, perished that day (2 Samuel 18:7). Among the latter was Absalom himself, for while riding upon his mule, his head was caught in the boughs of a great oak or terebinth, probably in a forked branch. "He was taken up between heaven and earth; and the mule that was under him went on" (2 Samuel 18:9). In this position he was found by a soldier who at once ran to inform Joab. The latter without a moment's hesitation, notwithstanding David's positive orders, thrust three darts into the heart of Absalom. To make his death certain and encouraged by the action of their general, ten of Joab's young men "compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him" (2 Samuel 18:15). He was buried in a great pit, close to the spot where he was killed. A great pile of stones was heaped over his body (2 Samuel 18:17), in accordance with the custom of dishonoring rebels and great criminals by burying them under great piles of stone (Joshua 7:26; Joshua 8:29). Thomson reforms us that Syrian people to this day cast stones upon the graves of murderers and outlaws (LB, II, 61).

6. David's Lament:

The death of Absalom was a source of great grief to the fond and aged father, who forgot the ruler and the king in the tenderhearted parent. His lament at the gate of Mahanaim, though very brief, is a classic, and expresses in tender language the feelings of parents for wayward children in all ages of the world (2 Samuel 18:33).

Little is known of Absalom's family life, but we read in 2 Samuel 14:27 that he had three sons and one daughter. From the language of 18:18, it is inferred that the sons died at an early age.

7. Absalom's Tomb:

As Absalom had no son to perpetuate his memory "he reared up for himself a pillar" or a monument in the King's dale, which according to Josephus was two furlongs from Jerusalem (Ant., VII, x, 3). Nothing is known with certainty about this monument. One of the several tombs on the east side of the Kidron passes under the name of Absalom's tomb. This fine piece of masonry with its graceful cupola and Ionic pillars must be of comparatively recent origin, probably not earlier than the Roman period.

W. W. Davies

ABSALOM (2)

(Apocrypha) (Codex Vaticanus, Abessalomos and Abessalom; Codex Alexandrinus, Absalomos, the King James Version Absalon):

(1) Father of Mattathias, a captain of the Jewish army (1 Maccabees 11:70; Ant, XIII, v, 7).

(2) Father of Jonathan who was sent by Simon Maccabee to take possession of Joppa; perhaps identical with Absalom (1) (1 Maccabees 13:11; Ant, XIII, vi, 4).

(3) One of two envoys of the Jews, mentioned in a letter sent by Lysias to the Jewish nation (2 Maccabees 11:17).

Strong's Hebrew

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

Library

How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ...
... From The Death Of Saul To The Death Of David. CHAPTER 10. How, When Absalom
Was Beaten, He Was Caught In A Tree By His Hair And Was Slain. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how when absalom.htm

How Absalom Murdered Amnon, who had Forced his Own Sister; and How ...
... CHAPTER 8. How Absalom Murdered Amnon, Who Had Forced His Own Sister;
And How He Was Banished And Afterwards Recalled By David. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how absalom murdered.htm

Concerning the Insurrection of Absalom against David and ...
... CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Insurrection Of Absalom Against David And Concerning
Ahithophel And Hushai; And Concerning Ziba And Shimei; And How Ahithophel Hanged ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the insurrection.htm

Absalom the Ungrateful Son
... THE OLD TESTAMENT ABSALOM THE UNGRATEFUL SON. Some time later Absalom, David's son,
prepared a chariot and horses and fifty men to run before him. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/absalom the ungrateful son.htm

Is The Young Man Absalom Safe?
Is The Young Man Absalom Safe? . ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wright/is the young man absalom safe/

Is The Young Man Absalom Safe?
Is The Young Man Absalom Safe? . ... Title Page. "IS THE YOUNG MAN
ABSALOM SAFE?". A SERMON. PREACHED IN THE CHURCH OF ST. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wright/is the young man absalom safe/title page.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

David's Sorrow.
... DAVID'S SORROW. David had a very beautiful son named Absalom. ... But the Lord who looks
upon the heart saw that the heart of Absalom was wicked and false. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxv davids sorrow.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

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

Thesaurus

Absalom (93 Occurrences)
... The first public act of his life was the blood-revenge he executed against Amnon,
David's eldest son, who had basely wronged Absalom's sister Tamar. ...
/a/absalom.htm - 50k

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

Ahith'ophel (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 15:31 And one told David, saying: 'Ahithophel is among the conspirators
with Absalom.' And David said: 'O LORD, I pray Thee, turn the counsel of ...
/a/ahith'ophel.htm - 10k

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

Amnon (23 Occurrences)
... 17). (2.) The eldest son of David, by Ahinoam of Jezreel (1 Chronicles 3:1; 2 Samuel
3:2). Absalom caused him to be put to death for his great crime in the ...
/a/amnon.htm - 15k

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

Geshur (11 Occurrences)
... In the time of David it was ruled by Talmai, whose daughter he married, and who
was the mother of Absalom, who fled to Geshur after the murder of Amnon (2 ...
/g/geshur.htm - 13k

Ittai (9 Occurrences)
... ai, it'-i ('ittay, 'ithay): (1) A Gittite or native of Gath, one of David's chief
captains and most faithful friends during the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel ...
/i/ittai.htm - 12k

Maachah (19 Occurrences)
... (2.) A daughter of Talmai, king of the old native population of Geshur. She became
one of David's wives, and was the mother of Absalom (2 Samuel 3:3). ...
/m/maachah.htm - 16k

Advice (52 Occurrences)
... mine own hand. (KJV WBS). 2 Samuel 15:34 but if you return to the city,
and tell Absalom,'I will be your servant, O king. As I have ...
/a/advice.htm - 23k

Resources

Who was Absalom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is an Absalom spirit? | GotQuestions.org

What is Absalom's Monument? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Absalom (93 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 3:3
and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:1
It happened after this, that Absalom the son of David had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:4
He said to him, "Why, son of the king, are you so sad from day to day? Won't you tell me?" Amnon said to him, "I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:20
Absalom her brother said to her, "Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother. Don't take this thing to heart." So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:22
Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad; for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:23
It happened after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:24
Absalom came to the king, and said, "See now, your servant has sheepshearers. Please let the king and his servants go with your servant."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:25
The king said to Absalom, "No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you." He pressed him; however he would not go, but blessed him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:26
Then Absalom said, "If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us." The king said to him, "Why should he go with you?"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:27
But Absalom pressed him, and he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:28
Absalom commanded his servants, saying, "Mark now, when Amnon's heart is merry with wine; and when I tell you,'Strike Amnon,' then kill him. Don't be afraid. Haven't I commanded you? Be courageous, and be valiant!"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:29
The servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man got him up on his mule, and fled.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:30
It happened, while they were in the way, that the news came to David, saying, "Absalom has slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left!"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:32
Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother, answered, "Don't let my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead; for by the appointment of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:34
But Absalom fled. The young man who kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, many people were coming by way of the hillside behind him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:37
But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai the son of Ammihur, king of Geshur. David mourned for his son every day.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:38
So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 13:39
the soul of king David longed to go forth to Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 14:1
Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 14:21
The king said to Joab, "Behold now, I have done this thing. Go therefore, bring the young man Absalom back."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 14:23
So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 14:24
The king said, "Let him return to his own house, but let him not see my face." So Absalom returned to his own house, and didn't see the king's face.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 14:25
Now in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 14:27
To Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a beautiful face.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 14:28
Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem; and he didn't see the king's face.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 14:29
Then Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king; but he would not come to him: and he sent again a second time, but he would not come.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 14:30
Therefore he said to his servants, "Behold, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire." Absalom's servants set the field on fire.
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2 Samuel 14:31
Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom to his house, and said to him, "Why have your servants set my field on fire?"
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2 Samuel 14:32
Absalom answered Joab, "Behold, I sent to you, saying,'Come here, that I may send you to the king, to say, "Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me to be there still. Now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there is iniquity in me, let him kill me."'"
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2 Samuel 14:33
So Joab came to the king, and told him; and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 15:1
It happened after this, that Absalom prepared him a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
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2 Samuel 15:2
Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate. It was so, that when any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him, and said, "What city are you from?" He said, "Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel."
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2 Samuel 15:3
Absalom said to him, "Behold, your matters are good and right; but there is no man deputized by the king to hear you."
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2 Samuel 15:4
Absalom said moreover, "Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!"
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2 Samuel 15:5
It was so, that when any man came near to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took hold of him, and kissed him.
(See NIV)

2 Samuel 15:6
In this manner Absalom did to all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
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2 Samuel 15:7
It happened at the end of forty years, that Absalom said to the king, "Please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to Yahweh, in Hebron.
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2 Samuel 15:10
But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say,'Absalom is king in Hebron!'"
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2 Samuel 15:11
Two hundred men went with Absalom out of Jerusalem, who were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they didn't know anything.
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2 Samuel 15:12
Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. The conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
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2 Samuel 15:13
A messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom."
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2 Samuel 15:14
David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, "Arise, and let us flee; for else none of us shall escape from Absalom. Make speed to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword."
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2 Samuel 15:19
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why do you also go with us? Return, and stay with the king; for you are a foreigner, and also an exile. Return to your own place.
(See NIV)

2 Samuel 15:31
Someone told David, saying, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." David said, "Yahweh, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness."
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2 Samuel 15:34
but if you return to the city, and tell Absalom,'I will be your servant, O king. As I have been your father's servant in time past, so will I now be your servant; then will you defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.'
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2 Samuel 15:37
So Hushai, David's friend, came into the city; and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
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2 Samuel 16:8
Yahweh has returned on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned! Yahweh has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son! Behold, you are caught by your own mischief, because you are a man of blood!"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 16:15
Absalom, and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.
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2 Samuel 16:16
It happened, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, had come to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"
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2 Samuel 16:17
Absalom said to Hushai, "Is this your kindness to your friend? Why didn't you go with your friend?"
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2 Samuel 16:18
Hushai said to Absalom, "No; but whoever Yahweh, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him I will stay.
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2 Samuel 16:20
Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, "Give your counsel what we shall do."
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2 Samuel 16:21
Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Go in to your father's concubines, that he has left to keep the house. Then all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father. Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS)

2 Samuel 16:22
So they spread Absalom a tent on the top of the house; and Absalom went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.
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2 Samuel 16:23
The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
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2 Samuel 17:1
Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me now choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David tonight.
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2 Samuel 17:4
The saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
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2 Samuel 17:5
Then said Absalom, "Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he says."
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2 Samuel 17:6
When Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, "Ahithophel has spoken like this. Shall we do what he says? If not, speak up."
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2 Samuel 17:7
Hushai said to Absalom, "The counsel that Ahithophel has given this time is not good."
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2 Samuel 17:9
Behold, he is now hidden in some pit, or in some other place. It will happen, when some of them have fallen at the first, that whoever hears it will say,'There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom!'
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 17:14
Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel." For Yahweh had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that Yahweh might bring evil on Absalom.
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2 Samuel 17:15
Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, "Ahithophel counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way; and I have counseled this way.
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2 Samuel 17:18
But a boy saw them, and told Absalom. Then they both went away quickly, and came to the house of a man in Bahurim, who had a well in his court; and they went down there.
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2 Samuel 17:20
Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house; and they said, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" The woman said to them, "They have gone over the brook of water." When they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
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2 Samuel 17:24
Then David came to Mahanaim. Absalom passed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.
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2 Samuel 17:25
Absalom set Amasa over the army instead of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother.
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2 Samuel 17:26
Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead.
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2 Samuel 18:5
The king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom." All the people heard when the king commanded all the captains concerning Absalom.
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2 Samuel 18:9
Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the sky and earth; and the mule that was under him went on.
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2 Samuel 18:10
A certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, "Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak."
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2 Samuel 18:12
The man said to Joab, "Though I should receive a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I still wouldn't put forth my hand against the king's son; for in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, saying,'Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.'
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 18:14
Then Joab said, "I'n not going to wait like this with you." He took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 18:15
Ten young men who bore Joab's armor surrounded and struck Absalom, and killed him.
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2 Samuel 18:17
They took Absalom, and cast him into the great pit in the forest, and raised over him a very great heap of stones. Then all Israel fled everyone to his tent.
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2 Samuel 18:18
Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself the pillar, which is in the king's dale; for he said, "I have no son to keep my name in memory." He called the pillar after his own name; and it is called Absalom's monument, to this day.
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2 Samuel 18:29
The king said, "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" Ahimaaz answered, "When Joab sent the king's servant, even me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I don't know what it was."
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2 Samuel 18:32
The king said to the Cushite, "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" The Cushite answered, "May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up against you to do you harm, be as that young man is."
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2 Samuel 18:33
The king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. As he went, he said, "My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! I wish I had died for you, Absalom, my son, my son!"
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2 Samuel 19:1
It was told Joab, "Behold, the king weeps and mourns for Absalom."
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2 Samuel 19:4
The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, "My son Absalom, Absalom, my son, my son!"
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2 Samuel 19:6
in that you love those who hate you, and hate those who love you. For you have declared this day, that princes and servants are nothing to you. For today I perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it would have pleased you well.
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2 Samuel 19:9
All the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "The king delivered us out of the hand of our enemies, and he saved us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he has fled out of the land from Absalom.
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2 Samuel 19:10
Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why don't you speak a word of bringing the king back?"
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2 Samuel 20:6
David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than did Absalom. Take your lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get himself fortified cities, and escape out of our sight."
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1 Kings 1:6
His father had not displeased him at any time in saying, "Why have you done so?" and he was also a very handsome man; and he was born after Absalom.
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1 Kings 2:7
But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those who eat at your table; for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother.
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1 Kings 2:28
The news came to Joab; for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he didn't turn after Absalom. Joab fled to the Tent of Yahweh, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
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1 Chronicles 3:2
the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;
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2 Chronicles 11:20
After her he took Maacah the daughter of Absalom; and she bore him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith.
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2 Chronicles 11:21
Rehoboam loved Maacah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines: (for he took eighteen wives, and sixty concubines, and became the father of twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters.)
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Psalms 2:12
Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him. Psalm 3 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
(ASV)

Psalms 3:1
A Psalm by David, when he fled from Absalom his son. Yahweh, how my adversaries have increased! Many are those who rise up against me.
(WEB JPS BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Absalom

Absalom is Permitted by David to Return to Jerusalem

Absalom: Beauty of

Absalom: Children of

Absalom: Conspiracy

Absalom: David's Mourning For

Absalom: Death and Burial

Absalom: Flees to Geshur

Absalom: His Demagogism

Absalom: Kills Amnon

Absalom: Pillar of