Absalom, the third son of King David, is a prominent biblical figure whose life account is marked by a profound act of ingratitude towards his father. His narrative is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel, where his actions and their consequences are detailed.

Background and Favor

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 the most handsome man in all Israel (2 Samuel 14:25). Despite his privileged position as a prince and the favor he enjoyed, Absalom's life took a tumultuous turn following the rape of his sister Tamar by their half-brother Amnon. Absalom harbored a deep-seated grudge against Amnon, which eventually led to Amnon's murder at Absalom's command (2 Samuel 13:28-29).

Exile and Return

After the murder, Absalom fled to Geshur, where he stayed for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38). During this time, King David longed for reconciliation with his son, despite the grievous act Absalom had committed. Through the intervention of Joab, David's military commander, Absalom was eventually allowed to return to Jerusalem, though he was not immediately granted an audience with the king (2 Samuel 14:23-24).

Rebellion Against David

Absalom's return to favor did not quell his ambitions. Instead, he began to undermine his father's authority by winning the hearts of the people of Israel. He positioned himself at the city gate, offering judgments and presenting himself as a more accessible and just leader than David (2 Samuel 15:2-6). This calculated move laid the groundwork for his rebellion.

Absalom's ingratitude culminated in a full-scale revolt against King David. He declared himself king in Hebron, a significant act of betrayal against his father, who had shown him mercy and restored him to his position (2 Samuel 15:10). Absalom's rebellion forced David to flee Jerusalem, leading to a civil war within Israel.

Downfall and Death

The rebellion ultimately led to Absalom's downfall. Despite his initial success, Absalom's forces were defeated by David's loyalists in the forest of Ephraim. During the battle, Absalom's long hair, a symbol of his pride, became entangled in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him hanging and vulnerable. Joab, despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with Absalom, killed him as he hung defenseless (2 Samuel 18:9-15).

Reflection on Ingratitude

Absalom's account is a poignant example of ingratitude in the Bible. Despite the love and forgiveness extended to him by David, Absalom's ambition and pride led him to betray his father. His actions serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of ingratitude and the consequences of turning against those who have shown kindness and mercy.2 Samuel 15:6
And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On Heresies.
... And they both spake evil; Absalom of his father David, as of an unjust judge ... faithful,
and affronted [3168] so great a man with the highest ingratitude; him who ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on heresies.htm

Fifth Commandment
... She would draw you back by the bands of a love that never dies. FILIAL
INGRATITUDE. ... Which would you rather be"a Joseph or an Absalom? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/fifth commandment.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... of the Devil.) Now when we mourn for sin as it has its accent of ingratitude upon
it ... Absalom could not be quiet till he had seen the king's face' (2 Samuel 14:32 ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

Miracles no Remedy for Unbelief.
... greediness, selfishness, murmuring, caprice, waywardness, fickleness, ingratitude,
jealousy, suspiciousness ... Saul, Ahithophel, Joab, and Absalom, have had their ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon vi miracles no remedy.htm

On the Government of God
... Absalom, 71, 74. ... 84; disobedience of, 92; envy of, 89; general guilt of, 97, 157
ff.; greater responsibility of, 97 f., 119 ff., 137, 159; ingratitude of, 118 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/index 2.htm

The Weeping Saviour.
... O Absalom, Absalom, would God I had died for thee; O Absalom, my son ... for thee"thy
pitiable condition"thy perverse ingratitude"thy slighting of His warnings ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xii the weeping saviour.htm

The Church and the Young Man.
... Notwithstanding the astounding character of Absalom's rebellion; though the mind
of the ... and bewildered at this high handed display of ingratitude and rebellion ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/the church and the young.htm

Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... Haughtiness is the first act of ingratitude, for it denies [586] the gift of grace. ...
(2 Samuel 16:1-3.) Much more did Ahitophel flatter Absalom. ...
/.../homily v philippians ii 4-jan.htm

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... [140] When Absalom defiled his ... a yoke divinely imposed on them, and yet God himself
was not deprived of the power of thus punishing the ingratitude of Solomon. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

Peace
... sleep.' Psalm 4:4. It was a sad time with David, he was fleeing for his life from
Absalom; it was ... Psalm 85:5. Besides ingratitude, there is folly in relapses. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

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