Topical Bible: Children: Wicked: Absalom

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Introduction

Absalom, the third son of King David, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament known for his physical beauty, charisma, and ultimately, his rebellion against his father. His account is a cautionary tale of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of wickedness. Absalom's life is primarily chronicled in the books of 2 Samuel, where his actions and their repercussions are detailed.

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, setting the stage for his later actions.

The Incident with Amnon and Tamar

The seeds of Absalom's rebellion were sown in the tragic incident involving his sister Tamar and his half-brother Amnon. Amnon, driven by lust, violated Tamar, an act that deeply angered Absalom. "When King David heard all this, he was furious. But Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar" (2 Samuel 13:21-22). Absalom's hatred for Amnon simmered for two years before he took matters into his own hands, orchestrating Amnon's murder during a feast (2 Samuel 13:28-29).

Exile and Return

Following Amnon's murder, Absalom fled to his maternal grandfather in Geshur, where he remained in exile for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38). Despite his crime, Absalom was beloved by David, who longed for his return. Joab, David's military commander, eventually facilitated Absalom's return to Jerusalem, though he was not immediately restored to the king's favor (2 Samuel 14:1-24).

The Rebellion Against David

Absalom's ambition and desire for power led him to conspire against his father. He began by currying favor with the people of Israel, presenting himself as a more accessible and just alternative to David. "Absalom would say, 'Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.' And Absalom 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'" (2 Samuel 15:3-4). Over time, Absalom's charm and promises won the hearts of many Israelites, and he declared himself king in Hebron (2 Samuel 15:10).

The Battle and Absalom's Death

David, upon learning of Absalom's rebellion, fled Jerusalem with his loyal followers. The ensuing conflict culminated in the Battle of Ephraim's Wood, where Absalom's forces were defeated by David's men. During the battle, Absalom's long hair, a symbol of his pride, became entangled in the branches of a tree, leaving him vulnerable. Joab, disregarding David's command to deal gently with Absalom, killed him (2 Samuel 18:9-15).

David's Grief

Despite Absalom's treachery, David's love for his son remained. Upon hearing of Absalom's death, David was overcome with grief, lamenting, "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 reflects the deep sorrow and tragedy that marked Absalom's life and death.

Legacy

Absalom's account serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of sin and rebellion. His life, marked by ambition and betrayal, ultimately led to his downfall and brought great sorrow to his family and nation. Through Absalom's narrative, the Bible illustrates the importance of righteousness, humility, and obedience to God's will.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 15:1
And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Children's Bible
... <. The Children's Bible Henry A. Sherman. ... THE STORY OF THE TOWER OF BABEL.
LOT'S ESCAPE FROM A WICKED CITY. ... ABSALOM THE UNGRATEFUL SON. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ...
... who have been justly slain; for had Absalom gotten the ... of us, beginning with thyself
and thy children, had miserably ... thine own son hath proved so wicked to thee ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how when absalom.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... He desires, as Absalom, to see the king's face'. A lamenting after the Lord. ... The
wicked suck poison from that breast of ordinances where the children of God ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... to nought the dangerous counsel of Ahithophel, and directly infatuated wicked Absalom
to reject it ... that are revealed belong to us, and to our children for ever ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

2 Sam. 23:4-5. Without Clouds.
... Hear his hopeless cry, " O Absalom, my son, my son, would God I had ... shall be no quarrels,
no losses, no crosses, no disappointments, no wicked children, no bad ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xiv 2 sam 23 4-5.htm

The Wills of Men are So Much in the Power of God, that He Can Turn ...
... of their own will that the enemies of the children of Israel ... that God uses the hearts
of even wicked men for ... Did not Absalom choose by his own will the counsel ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 41 xx the wills of.htm

The Promises of the Christian Home.
... This is a mere assumption; for Absalom was not properly trained; and ... children of
ministers and pious parents are usually more wicked than other children. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxv the promises of.htm

The Barley Field on Fire
... we are foolish and cold-hearted and wicked, and we ... In Absalom's case it was wrong;
in God's case he ... Doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the barley field on fire.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... mischief, and hurt our affairs more than did Absalom himself; do ... said to them, "Will
you be so wicked as to perish miserably, with your children and wives ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

The History of David
... how much more ye that be so wicked to slay ... he bought and nourished and grew with
his children, eating of ... Absalom hated Amnon ever after, and when Absalom on a ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm