Introduction

Absalom, the third son of King David, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament known for his rebellion against his father. His account is primarily found in 2 Samuel 13-19. Absalom's life is marked by ambition, vengeance, and ultimately, tragedy. His rebellion against David serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride and disobedience to God's anointed leadership.

Background

Absalom was born to David and Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). He was noted for his striking appearance, with the Bible describing him as having no physical blemish from head to toe (2 Samuel 14:25). Absalom's family dynamics were complex, with tensions arising from the actions of his half-brother Amnon, who violated Absalom's sister, Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1-22).

The Murder of Amnon

Absalom's rebellion can be traced back to his response to Amnon's crime. After King David failed to take decisive action against Amnon, Absalom took matters into his own hands. He orchestrated a plan to kill Amnon during a feast, avenging his sister's dishonor (2 Samuel 13:23-29). Following the murder, Absalom fled to Geshur, where he stayed for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38).

Return to Jerusalem

Joab, David's military commander, eventually facilitated Absalom's return to Jerusalem, but David refused to see him for two more years (2 Samuel 14:1-24). Absalom's return to the royal court was marked by a calculated effort to win the hearts of the people. He positioned himself as a judge and presented himself as a more accessible and just alternative to his father (2 Samuel 15:1-6).

The Rebellion

Absalom's rebellion reached its peak when he declared himself king in Hebron, a significant city in Judah (2 Samuel 15:10). He garnered support from many Israelites, including Ahithophel, one of David's trusted advisors (2 Samuel 15:12). David, upon hearing of the rebellion, fled Jerusalem with his loyal followers, leaving the city to Absalom (2 Samuel 15:13-17).

The Battle and Absalom's Death

The conflict between David and Absalom culminated in the Battle of the Forest of Ephraim. Despite Absalom's numerical advantage, David's forces, led by Joab, achieved a decisive victory (2 Samuel 18:6-8). During the battle, Absalom's hair became entangled in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him hanging and vulnerable. Joab, disregarding David's explicit command to deal gently with Absalom, killed him (2 Samuel 18:9-15).

David's Mourning

David's reaction to Absalom's death was one of profound grief. Despite Absalom's betrayal, David mourned deeply for his son, expressing his sorrow in the famous lament, "O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Samuel 18:33). This lament highlights the personal cost of rebellion and the enduring love of a father for his child, even in the face of treachery.

Theological Implications

Absalom's rebellion against David is often viewed as a reflection of humanity's rebellion against God. David, as God's anointed king, represents divine authority, and Absalom's insurrection serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and self-exaltation. The narrative underscores the importance of obedience to God's established order and the consequences of attempting to usurp His plans.

Legacy

Absalom's legacy is one of ambition thwarted by divine justice. His account is a sobering reminder of the destructive power of unchecked ambition and the inevitable downfall that follows rebellion against God's chosen leaders. Despite his tragic end, Absalom's life continues to serve as a powerful lesson in the annals of biblical history.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

2 Samuel 16:1
And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 17:1
Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 18:1
And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds over them.
Nave's Topical Index

Concerning the Insurrection of Absalom against David and ...
... of an expectation that you will be reconciled again." Accordingly, Absalom was
prevailed ... signified to him that his son would rise up in rebellion against him. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the insurrection.htm

The Reign of David.
... Tamar. (4) The rebellion of Absalom, his son, which almost cost David
the throne and led to the destruction of Absalom. (5) The ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

Sermon.
... this comment at the end: "But the thing which David had done displeased the Lord."
If the pen of the writer who tells the story of Absalom's rebellion had been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wright/is the young man absalom safe/sermon.htm

The Fifth
... He took sides with Absalom in his rebellion; and he is blotted out from this list
of names. Abiathar, too, is blotted out, for not even is his name here. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fifth.htm

Pardoned Sin Punished
... Absalom talking about his vow is a spectacle that might have made the most ... A son
rebelling against his father is an ugly sight, but rebellion disguised as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/pardoned sin punished.htm

The Songs of the Fugitive.
... The psalms which probably belong to the period of Absalom's rebellion correspond
well with the impression of his spirit gathered from the historical books. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xv the songs of the.htm

The Church and the Young Man.
... Notwithstanding the astounding character of Absalom's rebellion; though the mind
of the sovereign and father of his people is torn with indignation at this ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/the church and the young.htm

David's Deserts
... His attitude in Absalom's rebellion is all but imbecile. No act is recorded of him
to the day of his death but what is questionable, if not mean and crafty. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iv davids deserts.htm

The Prayer of Prayers
... If so, it will naturally fall into its place with the others which were
pressed from his heart by the rebellion of Absalom. But ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the prayer of prayers.htm

David and Nathan
... And from that came Absalom's murder of his brother, and from that Absalom's exile,
and from that Absalom's rebellion, and from that Absalom's death, which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and nathan.htm

What happened in the Maccabean Revolt? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Dathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say to do with a rebellious child? | GotQuestions.org

Rebellion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus