Absalom: Beauty of
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Absalom, the third son of King David, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known not only for his tumultuous life and rebellion against his father but also for his striking physical appearance. The Bible provides specific details about Absalom's beauty, which played a significant role in his influence and the events surrounding his life.

Physical Appearance

Absalom's beauty is explicitly mentioned in the Scriptures, highlighting his exceptional physical attributes. In 2 Samuel 14:25, the Berean Standard Bible states: "Now in all Israel there was no one as handsome as Absalom, so highly praised; from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him." This verse underscores the unparalleled nature of Absalom's appearance, suggesting that his beauty was a topic of admiration throughout Israel.

Hair

One of the most notable aspects of Absalom's beauty was his hair. The Bible provides a detailed description of his hair, which was a symbol of his allure and charisma. In 2 Samuel 14:26 , it is recorded: "And when he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it at the end of every year because it became too heavy for him—the weight of the hair from his head was two hundred shekels by the royal standard." This passage indicates that Absalom's hair was not only abundant but also remarkably heavy, further contributing to his striking appearance.

Influence and Charisma

Absalom's beauty and charisma were instrumental in his ability to garner support and influence among the people of Israel. His physical appearance, combined with his royal lineage, made him a figure of considerable appeal. This is evident in his ability to win the hearts of the Israelites, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:6 : "Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. So he stole the hearts of the men of Israel." His beauty, therefore, was not merely superficial but played a crucial role in his political maneuvers and the eventual rebellion against his father, King David.

Symbolism and Legacy

Absalom's beauty, while a source of admiration, also serves as a symbol of the fleeting nature of physical allure and the potential for vanity and pride to lead to one's downfall. His account is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human nature and the consequences of relying solely on external attributes for power and influence.

In summary, Absalom's beauty is a significant aspect of his biblical portrayal, contributing to his influence and the dramatic events of his life. His physical attributes, particularly his hair, are highlighted in the Scriptures, emphasizing the role of appearance in his rise and fall within the narrative of the Hebrew Bible.
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2 Samuel 14:25
But 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.
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Library

How Absalom Murdered Amnon, who had Forced his Own Sister; and How ...
... which daughter was of very great beauty, and which Rehoboam, the son of Solomon,
took to wife afterward, and had by her a son named Abijah. But Absalom sent to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how absalom murdered.htm

How it was with Him at that Hour in Regard of his Interior Man.
... If I had Samson's strength, Absalom's beauty, Solomon's wisdom, and the riches and
greatness of all kings, my only wish would be to devote them to Thy praise ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xviii how it was.htm

How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ...
... thousand that day. But all David's men ran violently upon Absalom, for he
was easily known by his beauty and tallness. He was himself ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how when absalom.htm

David's Sorrow.
... hair was thick and long, and his beauty was much talked of through all Israel. But
the Lord who looks upon the heart saw that the heart of Absalom was wicked ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxv davids sorrow.htm

We must Observe a Right Standard Between Too Great Mildness and ...
... Absalom was King David's son, known for his beauty, of splendid appearance and in
the heyday of youth; so that no other such man as he was found in Israel. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxii we must observe.htm

Adonijah
... ambition and beauty. From her and from his father we may assume that Adonijah inherited
a tendency to ambition and self-conceit such as Absalom inherited from ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

The Weeping Saviour.
... dirge, "O Absalom, Absalom, would God I had died for thee; O Absalom, my son! ... brave
laid low in the carnage of battle"youth and strength and beauty and rank ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xii the weeping saviour.htm

Greek and Jew
... shafts of monuments and memorials, old as the pride of Absalom, new as ... out of very
rancor against its uprightness, violated with insolent beauty the hieratic ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter viii greek and jew.htm

David's Deserts
... His attitude in Absalom's rebellion is all but imbecile ... of a wise man, the elements
of the deepest tragedy; one more awful lesson that human beauty, valour, wit ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iv davids deserts.htm

First Attempts on Jerusalem.
... by their grand character, perfection of execution, and beauty of material, may ... [Footnote
2: Tombs, namely, of the Judges, Kings, Absalom, Zechariah, Jehoshaphat ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xiii first attempts on.htm

Resources
Summary of the Book of 2 Samuel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about being passive-aggressive? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Ahimaaz in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Absalom Reconciled to David
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