Biblical Reference:
The account of Absalom's pillar is found in 2 Samuel 18:18. This passage provides insight into Absalom's actions and his desire for a lasting legacy.

Scripture Quotation :
"During his lifetime, Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King’s Valley, for he said, 'I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.' So he named the pillar after himself, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument." (2 Samuel 18:18)

Historical and Cultural Context:
Absalom was the third son of King David, known for his striking appearance and ambitious nature. Despite his royal lineage, Absalom's life was marked by rebellion and tragedy. His decision to erect a pillar in the King’s Valley reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of setting up monuments to commemorate individuals and ensure their remembrance.

Significance of the Pillar:
The pillar, referred to as "Absalom’s Monument," symbolizes Absalom's desire for a lasting legacy. Despite having three sons (as mentioned in 2 Samuel 14:27), the text suggests that they may have died young or were otherwise unable to carry on his name. This lack of a direct heir to perpetuate his memory motivated Absalom to create a physical monument.

Location:
The King’s Valley, where Absalom's pillar was erected, is traditionally identified with the Kidron Valley, located east of Jerusalem. This area held significant historical and religious importance, making it a fitting location for a monument intended to endure through generations.

Archaeological Insights:
While the exact pillar mentioned in the biblical text has not been definitively identified, a structure known as "Absalom's Tomb" or "Yad Avshalom" exists in the Kidron Valley. This monument, however, dates to the first century AD, much later than Absalom's time, and is not the original pillar described in 2 Samuel.

Theological Implications:
Absalom's pillar serves as a poignant reminder of the human desire for remembrance and legacy. It highlights the tension between earthly ambition and divine purpose, as Absalom's life ultimately ended in rebellion against his father, King David. The monument stands as a testament to Absalom's complex character and the tragic consequences of his choices.

Literary Analysis:
The narrative of Absalom's pillar is interwoven with themes of identity, legacy, and the fleeting nature of human endeavors. It contrasts with the biblical emphasis on spiritual legacy and the enduring nature of God's promises, as seen in the broader narrative of David's dynasty and the messianic hope.

Cross-References:
· Absalom's rebellion and death: 2 Samuel 15-18
· Absalom's family: 2 Samuel 14:27
· The significance of memorials in the Bible: Genesis 28:18-22; Joshua 4:4-7

Related Topics:
· Monuments and memorials in ancient Israel
· The legacy of King David's family
· The role of the Kidron Valley in biblical history2 Samuel 18:18
Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called to this day, Absalom's place.
Nave's Topical Index

How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ...
... 3. Now Absalom had erected for himself a marble pillar in the king's dale, two furlongs
distant from Jerusalem, which he named Absalom's Hand, saying, that if ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how when absalom.htm

Book 20 Footnotes
... They are also mentioned by Pausanias, as hath been already noted, ch.2. sect.6.
Reland guesses that that now called Absalom's Pillar may be one of them. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 20 footnotes.htm

Fifth Commandment
... That young man broke his father's heart by his rebellion, and the Jews are said
to throw a stone at Absalom's pillar to the present day, whenever they pass it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/fifth commandment.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 himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the wail of a broken.htm

On Heresies.
... And they both spake evil; Absalom of his father David, as of an unjust judge, saying
to ... to them out of the air; [3173] and had afforded them a pillar of fire ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on heresies.htm

A Question for Communicants
... I suppose that Absalom will never be forgotten. He built himself a pillar in the
king's dale; he knew his own infamous history, and he thought it might be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/a question for communicants.htm

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... Sixth, Absalom sought to obtain the kingdom by flatteries (2:Sam.15:2-6); cf
Dan.11:21 ... Ninth, he reared up a pillar unto himself (2:Sam.18:18), which clearly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the volume of the.htm

The Knowledge of God
... Absalom masks over his treason with the pretence of a religious vow ... In the morning
watch the Lord looked to the host of the Egyptians by the pillar of fire, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the knowledge of god.htm

The Exile.
... and appear to distinguish the psalms of this period from those of Absalom's revolt,
in ... Divine names, in each of which lie an appeal to God and a pillar of faith ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iv the exile.htm

Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus.
... You however showed yourself a pillar of confidence, and excited as you were by the ...
is it that when you have defiled her you change into an Absalom and desire ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvii to sabinianus.htm

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