Topical Bible: Revenge by Absalom

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Background and Context:

Absalom, the third son of King David, is a prominent figure in the narrative of 2 Samuel. Known for his striking appearance and charismatic personality, Absalom's account is marked by familial strife, ambition, and ultimately, revenge. The account of Absalom's revenge is intricately tied to the tragic events within David's household, particularly involving his half-brother Amnon and sister Tamar.

The Incident with Amnon and Tamar:

The seeds of Absalom's revenge are sown in the grievous incident involving his sister Tamar and half-brother Amnon. Amnon, David's firstborn, becomes infatuated with Tamar and, through deceit, violates her (2 Samuel 13:1-14). Tamar's desolation and Amnon's subsequent rejection of her compound the tragedy. Absalom, upon learning of the violation, takes Tamar into his home, offering her protection and solace (2 Samuel 13:20).

Absalom's Hatred and Plot:

Absalom harbors a deep-seated hatred for Amnon following the assault on Tamar. Despite his outward calm, Absalom's heart is set on vengeance. He bides his time, waiting for the opportune moment to exact retribution. "And Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon because he had violated his sister Tamar" (2 Samuel 13:22).

The Execution of Revenge:

Two years later, Absalom orchestrates a plan to kill Amnon. He invites all the king's sons to a sheep-shearing event at Baal Hazor, a festive occasion that provides the perfect cover for his scheme. Absalom instructs his servants to strike Amnon down when he is in high spirits from wine, ensuring that his brother's death is swift and decisive (2 Samuel 13:28-29). The plan unfolds as intended, and Amnon is slain, fulfilling Absalom's long-held desire for revenge.

Aftermath and Consequences:

Following Amnon's murder, Absalom flees to Geshur, where he remains in exile for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38). King David, though initially grieved by Amnon's death, eventually longs for Absalom's return. Joab, David's military commander, perceives the king's heart and orchestrates Absalom's return to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 14:1-23). However, the reconciliation between David and Absalom is fraught with tension and unresolved issues.

Theological and Moral Reflections:

Absalom's revenge against Amnon highlights the destructive nature of sin and the breakdown of familial relationships. The narrative underscores the consequences of unchecked desires and the failure to administer justice promptly. David's inaction in the face of Amnon's sin sets the stage for Absalom's vigilante justice, illustrating the importance of righteous leadership and accountability.

The account also serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of revenge. Absalom's actions, though motivated by a desire for justice, lead to further discord and tragedy within David's family. The cycle of vengeance ultimately culminates in Absalom's own rebellion against his father, resulting in his untimely death (2 Samuel 18:9-15).

In the broader biblical context, the account of Absalom's revenge invites reflection on the principles of forgiveness, justice, and the sovereignty of God in the affairs of men. It challenges believers to trust in God's righteous judgment and to seek reconciliation and healing rather than retribution.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 13:23-29
And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheep shearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chastisements.
... the most formidable person in Absalom's conspiracy, whose defection wounded him
so deeply, was no doubt driven to the usurper's side out of revenge for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xiv chastisements.htm

The Reign of David.
... brutal lusts. (3) Absalom treacherously murdered Ammon as a matter of revenge
for the outrage upon his sister, Tamar. (4) The rebellion ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... occasion of greater mischief, and hurt our affairs more than did Absalom himself;
do ... the death of his brother Asahel, which he seemed to revenge, afforded him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

David's Deserts
... The tragedies of his sons, of Amnon, of Absalom, are altogether ... Luxury, ambition,
revenge, vanity, recklessness of decency, open rebellion, disgrace them in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iv davids deserts.htm

The Second Book
... of Nabal the Carmelite, since he himself postponed vengeance, he received his revenge
at once ... was seduced by the mad act of Amnon, and Amnon slain by Absalom. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the second book.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Absalom, David's son, [17]4, [18]5; type of Judas the traitor, [19]4, [20]20 ... Detraction,
a stumbling-block to the weak, [276]188; must not seek revenge for, [277 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

Colossians iii. 7-May
... So that they who revenge are ungrateful. ... But I am reminded of others also that have
killed their brothers; when, for instance, Absalom killed Amnon the eldest ...
/.../homily viii colossians iii 7-may.htm

Home-Discipline.
... It is exercised because He loves them, not because He delights in revenge and in ...
of this defect caused him to cry out in bitter anguish, "Oh Absalom, my son ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xix home-discipline.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... ch.2., "That revenge is not evil, but that patience is more honorable.". ... [15] Of
this weight of Absalom's hair, how in twenty or thirty years it might well ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Wrath of God
... If it were such a misery for Absalom, that he might not see the King's face ... we wish
evil to others; it is a vermin that lives on blood; it studies revenge. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/3 3 the wrath of god.htm