Topical Bible: Conspiracy of Absalom

Bible > Topical > Conspiracy of Absalom

◄ Conspiracy of Absalom ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Conspiracy of Absalom is a significant event in the history of Israel, recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Samuel 15-18. This episode highlights themes of rebellion, ambition, and divine justice, as Absalom, the third son of King David, attempts to usurp the throne of his father.

Background and Motivation

Absalom's conspiracy is rooted in a complex family dynamic and personal ambition. Absalom was a son of David and Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). Known for his striking appearance and charisma, Absalom harbored resentment towards his father, King David, particularly after the incident involving his sister Tamar and half-brother Amnon. After Amnon's assault on Tamar, Absalom took justice into his own hands by killing Amnon (2 Samuel 13:28-29). This act led to Absalom's temporary exile in Geshur, after which he was eventually reconciled with David, though their relationship remained strained (2 Samuel 14:23-24).

The Conspiracy

Absalom's conspiracy began with a calculated effort to win the hearts of the people of Israel. He positioned himself at the city gate, where he would intercept those coming to seek justice from the king. By presenting himself as a more accessible and sympathetic figure, Absalom subtly undermined David's authority. "Absalom would say to him, 'Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.' And he 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).

After four years of this covert campaign, Absalom declared himself king in Hebron, a city with historical significance as David's first capital. He sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel, proclaiming, "When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, 'Absalom is king in Hebron!'" (2 Samuel 15:10). Absalom's rebellion gained momentum as he gathered followers, including Ahithophel, one of David's trusted advisors, who defected to Absalom's side (2 Samuel 15:12).

David's Response and the Battle

Upon learning of Absalom's conspiracy, David chose to flee Jerusalem to avoid bloodshed in the city. Accompanied by his loyal followers, David crossed the Kidron Valley and ascended the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went (2 Samuel 15:23, 30). Despite the betrayal, David demonstrated humility and trust in God's sovereignty, praying, "O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" (2 Samuel 15:31).

The ensuing conflict culminated in the Battle of the Forest of Ephraim. David's forces, led by Joab, clashed with Absalom's army. Despite David's explicit instructions to "deal gently with the young man Absalom for my sake" (2 Samuel 18:5), Absalom met a tragic end. As he fled on a mule, his hair became entangled in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him suspended in mid-air. Joab, disregarding David's command, killed Absalom, thus quelling the rebellion (2 Samuel 18:9-15).

Aftermath and Legacy

The death of Absalom 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). This poignant expression of a father's love, despite the rebellion, underscores the personal cost of the conspiracy.

The Conspiracy of Absalom serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of familial discord. It also highlights the themes of divine justice and mercy, as God ultimately restored David to the throne, fulfilling His covenant promises to David and his descendants.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 15:10-13
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 reigns in Hebron.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Pardoned Sin Punished
... offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased
continually with Absalom.'"2 Samuel 15:1-12. There ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/pardoned sin punished.htm

Chastisements.
... And if, as is probable, Ahithophel was Bathsheba's grandfather, the most formidable
person in Absalom's conspiracy, whose defection wounded him so deeply, was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xiv chastisements.htm

David and Nathan
... the king, whose bidding he had done. Ahithophel was the brain of Absalom's
conspiracy. His defection struck a sharp arrow into David's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and nathan.htm

The Reign of David.
... 11. Point out the different elements in it. (3) Absolom's conspiracy and final defeat,
II Sam. s.15 and 18. ... (11) The greatest fault of Absalom, of Joab. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

David Appointing Solomon
... popular acclamation which welcomed Solomon's accession, shattered the nascent
conspiracy, and its ... man soweth, that shall he also reap.' As Absalom, so Adonijah ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david appointing solomon.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... How, When Absalom Was Beaten, He Was Caught In A Tree By His Hair And Was ... CHAPTER
8. How Ten Men Of The Citizens [Of Jerusalem] Made A Conspiracy Against Herod ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... In Absalom's conspiracy against his father, there were two hundred men called out
of Jerusalem to follow him, "and they went in their simplicity, not knowing ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and the final defeat of the Philistines"Jerusalem becomes the capital; the removal
of the ark"Wars with the peoples of the East"Absalom's rebellion; the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm