Topical Encyclopedia Absalom, the third son of King David, is a prominent figure in the narrative of the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the books of 2 Samuel. Known for his striking appearance and ambitious nature, Absalom's life is marked by rebellion and tragedy, culminating in a profound moment of mourning by his father, King David.Background and Rebellion Absalom was born to David and Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). He is most famously known for his rebellion against his father, King David. The seeds of this rebellion were sown after the incident involving his sister Tamar and half-brother Amnon, whom Absalom killed in revenge for Tamar's rape (2 Samuel 13:28-29). Following this, Absalom fled to Geshur and stayed there for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38). After his return to Jerusalem, Absalom began to win the hearts of the people of Israel, eventually declaring himself king in Hebron (2 Samuel 15:10). This act of insurrection led to a civil war between the forces loyal to David and those supporting Absalom. The Battle and Absalom's Death The conflict reached its climax in the forest of Ephraim, where Absalom's forces were defeated by David's army. During the battle, Absalom was caught by his hair in the branches of a large oak tree as he rode his mule, leaving him hanging and vulnerable (2 Samuel 18:9). Joab, the commander of David's army, took this opportunity to kill Absalom, despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with him (2 Samuel 18:14-15). David's Mourning The news of Absalom's death was brought to David by a Cushite messenger. Upon hearing of his son's demise, David was overcome with grief. The Bible records his lament in one of the most poignant expressions of parental sorrow: "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!'" (2 Samuel 18:33). David's mourning for Absalom is a powerful moment that highlights the deep love and anguish of a father for his son, despite Absalom's rebellion and the threat he posed to David's reign. The king's lamentation reflects the complex dynamics of familial love, loyalty, and the pain of loss. Aftermath David's public mourning had significant implications for his leadership and the morale of his troops. Joab, recognizing the potential impact on the army, confronted David, urging him to address his men and restore their confidence (2 Samuel 19:5-7). David heeded Joab's advice and appeared before the people, but the sorrow over Absalom's death lingered. The account of Absalom and David's mourning is a testament to the enduring themes of love, loss, and reconciliation found throughout the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 18:33And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for you, O Absalom, my son, my son! Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 19:1-8 Library David's Sorrow. The Wail of a Broken Heart How Absalom Murdered Amnon, who had Forced his Own Sister; and How ... 2 Sam. 23:4-5. Without Clouds. Sermon. Of the Loving Condolence by which the Complacency of Love is Still ... The History of David How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of Book 5 Footnotes "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . Resources Summary of the Book of 2 Samuel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being passive-aggressive? | GotQuestions.org Who was Ahimaaz in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Absalom is Permitted by David to Return to Jerusalem Absalom: Son of David by Maacah Related Terms |
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