Topical Bible: Oak: Absalom Hung in the Boughs of

◄ Oak: Absalom Hung in the Boughs of ►

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The oak tree holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, particularly in the dramatic account of Absalom's demise. Absalom, the third son of King David, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his striking appearance and rebellious nature. His account is a cautionary tale of ambition, betrayal, and divine justice.

The account of Absalom's death is found in 2 Samuel 18. During the battle in the forest of Ephraim, Absalom's forces clashed with those loyal to his father, King David. As the battle turned against him, Absalom fled on a mule. In a moment of divine irony, his long hair, which was a source of pride and vanity, became entangled in the thick boughs of a great oak tree. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event: "Now Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so he was suspended in midair" (2 Samuel 18:9).

This incident is rich with symbolic meaning. The oak tree, often a symbol of strength and endurance, becomes the instrument of Absalom's downfall. His entrapment in the tree signifies the inescapable nature of divine justice. Despite his attempts to usurp his father's throne, Absalom's fate was ultimately sealed by his own hubris and the providential hand of God.

Joab, the commander of David's army, found Absalom hanging in the oak and, despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with his son, took it upon himself to end Absalom's life. Joab thrust three javelins into Absalom's heart while he was still alive in the oak, and ten of Joab's armor-bearers surrounded Absalom and struck him down (2 Samuel 18:14-15).

The oak tree thus serves as a pivotal element in the narrative, marking the end of Absalom's rebellion and the restoration of David's kingship. It stands as a testament to the biblical theme that pride precedes destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). The account of Absalom and the oak tree is a powerful reminder of the consequences of defying God's anointed and the ultimate triumph of divine justice.

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2 Samuel 18:9,14
And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode on a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.
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