Topical Encyclopedia Absalom, the third son of King David, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his striking appearance, charisma, and ultimately, his tragic rebellion against his father. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel, where his life and actions are detailed, providing a complex portrait of a man whose popularity among the Israelites played a significant role in his rise and fall.Early Life and Characteristics Absalom was born to David and Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). He is described as exceptionally handsome, with no physical blemish from head to toe, and his hair was particularly noted for its weight and beauty (2 Samuel 14:25-26). This physical attractiveness contributed to his popularity and influence among the people of Israel. Popularity and Political Ambitions Absalom's popularity began to grow significantly after he returned to Jerusalem following a period of exile for the murder of his half-brother Amnon, who had violated Absalom's sister, Tamar (2 Samuel 13:28-29, 2 Samuel 14:23-24). Upon his return, Absalom began to cultivate favor with the people of Israel. He would rise early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate, where he would intercept those coming to seek justice from King David. Absalom would express sympathy for their grievances and suggest that he would provide them with justice if only he were appointed judge in the land (2 Samuel 15:2-4). Through these actions, Absalom "stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (2 Samuel 15:6). His charm, combined with his strategic politicking, allowed him to amass a significant following, which he later leveraged to declare himself king in Hebron, initiating a rebellion against his father, David (2 Samuel 15:10). Rebellion and Downfall Absalom's rebellion was marked by his ability to rally a large number of Israelites to his cause, demonstrating the extent of his popularity. However, his ambition ultimately led to his downfall. Despite his initial success, Absalom's forces were defeated by David's loyal troops in the forest of Ephraim (2 Samuel 18:6-8). During the battle, Absalom's long hair, a symbol of his vanity and pride, became entangled in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him hanging and vulnerable. Joab, David's military commander, took advantage of this opportunity and killed Absalom, despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with his son (2 Samuel 18:9-15). Legacy Absalom's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the fleeting nature of popularity. His life and actions are a testament to the complexities of human character and the consequences of rebellion against God's anointed king. Despite his tragic end, Absalom's legacy endures as a reminder of the potential for charisma and charm to sway the hearts of people, for better or worse. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 15:2-6,13And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him, and said, Of what city are you? And he said, Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Library "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39 Early Days The Exile. The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ). Continued. The Influence of the King James Version on English Literature The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, The Pilgrim's Progress Resources Who was C.S. Lewis? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is kingdom theology? | GotQuestions.org Who was Charles Haddon Spurgeon? | GotQuestions.org Popular: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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