Topical Encyclopedia The vows of Absalom are a significant aspect of the narrative surrounding Absalom, the third son of King David, whose account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel. Absalom is a complex figure, known for his striking appearance, charisma, and ultimately, his rebellion against his father, King David.Background and Context Absalom's account is intertwined with themes of family conflict, ambition, and betrayal. After the tragic incident involving his sister Tamar and half-brother Amnon, Absalom harbors deep resentment towards his father, David, for not taking decisive action against Amnon. This resentment eventually leads to Absalom's rebellion. The Vow in Hebron The specific mention of Absalom's vow occurs in 2 Samuel 15:7-8. Absalom uses the pretext of fulfilling a vow to initiate his rebellion against David. The Berean Standard Bible records: "At the end of four years, Absalom said to the king, 'Please let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I have made to the LORD. For your servant made a vow while I lived at Geshur in Aram, saying, "If the LORD really brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron."'" Absalom's request to go to Hebron under the guise of fulfilling a religious vow is a strategic move. Hebron holds historical and religious significance as the former capital of Judah and a city of refuge. By choosing Hebron, Absalom taps into its symbolic power, potentially rallying support from those who remember its past glory. Deception and Manipulation Absalom's vow is a calculated act of deception. While he presents it as a religious obligation, his true intention is to gather followers and declare himself king. This act of manipulation highlights Absalom's cunning nature and willingness to exploit religious practices for personal gain. His actions reflect a broader theme in Scripture where individuals misuse religious vows and commitments for ulterior motives. Religious and Cultural Significance In the ancient Near Eastern context, vows were solemn promises made to God, often in exchange for divine favor or intervention. They were binding and carried significant weight. Absalom's misuse of a vow underscores the potential for religious practices to be corrupted by human ambition and deceit. Consequences and Legacy Absalom's rebellion, initiated under the pretense of fulfilling a vow, ultimately leads to a civil war within Israel. His actions result in widespread turmoil and suffering, culminating in his death and the restoration of David's rule. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition unchecked by moral and spiritual integrity. Absalom's account, including his vow, is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human nature and the potential for religious practices to be manipulated for personal ends. It challenges believers to examine their own motives and the sincerity of their commitments to God. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 15:7,8And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said to the king, I pray you, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to the LORD, in Hebron. Nave's Topical Index Library The Promises of the Christian Home. The Exile. The Third Commandment A Loyal Vow On the Government of God Greek and Jew The Barley Field on Fire Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Book 5 Footnotes After the Whole People had Been Freed from all Distress... Resources What is the Christian view of asceticism / monasticism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Society of Jesus? Who are the Jesuits, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org What is Jainism? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Vows of Ananias and Sapphira, in the Dedication of the Proceeds of the Sale of Their Land Vows of Certain Jews With Paul Vows of Children Void Without the Consent of Parents Vows of Hannah, to Consecrate to the Lord the Child for Which She Prayed Vows of Job, not to Entertain Thoughts of Fornication Vows of Mariners Who Cast out Jonah Vows of Married Women Void Without Consent of Husbands Vows of the Jews, to Kill Paul Vows of the Mother of Micah, in the Dedication of Silver for the Making of an Idol Vows of Things Corrupt or Blemished an Insult to God Vows of Widows and Women Divorced from Their Husbands Binding Vows of Wives, Could Only be Objected to at the Time of Making Vows were Made in Reference to Afflicting the Soul Vows were Made in Reference to Dedicating Children to God Vows were Made in Reference to Devoting Property to God Vows were Made in Reference to Devoting the Person to God Vows were Made in Reference to Offering Sacrifices Vows: All Things Dedicated By, to be Brought to the Tabernacle Vows: Clean Beasts the Subjects of, not to be Redeemed Vows: Danger of Inconsiderately Making Vows: Edible Things offered In, to be Eaten the Same Day They Were offered Vows: Estimation of the Redemption Price of Things offered in Vows Vows: Might be Redeemed by Paying a Suitable Compensation Vows: Rash: The Israelites, to Destroy the Benjamites Vows: Solemn Promises Made to God Vows: The Hire of a Prostitute or Price of a Dog Could not be The Vows: The Redemption Price of the offering of Real Estate, to be Valued by the Priest Vows: Things Forbidden to be offered in Receipts of the Whore and the Price of a "Dog" Vows: Things offered In, to be Brought to the Tabernacle or Temple Vows: To be Performed Faithfully Vows: To be Performed Without Delay Vows: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences) Drink-offerings (31 Occurrences) Voluntary-offerings (4 Occurrences) Heave-offering (55 Occurrences) |
    |