Topical Bible: Murder: Absalom

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Topical Encyclopedia

Absalom, the third son of King David, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament narrative, particularly in the context of familial strife and murder. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel, where his actions and their consequences are detailed.

Background and Family Dynamics

Absalom was born to David and Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). He was known for his striking appearance, with the Bible noting, "In all Israel, there was no man as handsome as Absalom, so highly praised; from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him" (2 Samuel 14:25). Absalom's family life was marked by tension and tragedy, particularly involving his sister Tamar and half-brother Amnon.

The Murder of Amnon

The catalyst for Absalom's act of murder was the violation of his sister Tamar by their half-brother Amnon. Amnon's lust for Tamar led him to deceive and rape her, an act that deeply grieved Absalom and King David (2 Samuel 13:1-21). Despite David's anger, he did not punish Amnon, which likely fueled Absalom's desire for vengeance.

Absalom harbored a deep-seated hatred for Amnon, and after two years, he orchestrated a plan to kill him. He invited all the king's sons to a sheep-shearing event, where he commanded his servants to strike Amnon when he was in high spirits from wine. "And Absalom commanded his young men, 'Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine. Then strike him down, and do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!'" (2 Samuel 13:28). The murder of Amnon was executed as planned, leading to Absalom's flight to Geshur to escape retribution (2 Samuel 13:37-38).

Exile and Return

Absalom remained in Geshur for three years, during which time David longed to see him but did not act to bring him back (2 Samuel 13:39). Eventually, through the intervention of Joab, David's military commander, Absalom was allowed to return to Jerusalem, though he was not immediately received by the king (2 Samuel 14:21-24).

Rebellion and Downfall

Absalom's return to Jerusalem set the stage for further conflict. He began to undermine David's authority, winning the hearts of the people of Israel and eventually declaring himself king in Hebron (2 Samuel 15:1-12). This rebellion led to a civil war, with Absalom's forces clashing against those loyal to David.

The conflict culminated in the Battle of the Forest of Ephraim, where Absalom's forces were defeated. During the battle, Absalom's hair became entangled in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him hanging as his mule ran off. Joab, despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with Absalom, took the opportunity to kill him, thrusting three javelins into his heart (2 Samuel 18:9-15).

Legacy

Absalom's life and actions serve as a cautionary tale of the destructive power of vengeance, ambition, and familial discord. His murder of Amnon set off a chain of events that ultimately led to his own demise and further turmoil within the house of David. The narrative of Absalom underscores the complexities of justice, mercy, and the consequences of sin within the biblical framework.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 13:29
And the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man got him up on his mule, and fled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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

God's Banished Ones
... David's good-for-nothing son Absalom had brought about the murder of one
of his brothers, and had fled the country. His father weakly ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods banished ones.htm

Pardoned Sin Punished
... It takes four years, during which Absalom plays all the tricks usual to aspirants
for the ... was as much wounded honour as love which led him to the murder of his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/pardoned sin punished.htm

Chastisements.
... general"and Joab's hold upon him was his complicity in Uriah's murder. ... was Bathsheba's
grandfather, the most formidable person in Absalom's conspiracy, whose ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xiv chastisements.htm

Sermon.
... This young man Absalom comes upon the page a few chapters back, and gathers
upon his name quickly the dark stain of murder. It is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wright/is the young man absalom safe/sermon.htm

The Reign of David.
... Primitive society followed the course of nature in condemning adultery as worthy
of more severe punishment than murder itself ... (3) Absalom treacherously murdered ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

The Right Understanding of the Law
... Ahithophel made himself guilty of the fact by giving counsel to Absalom to go in ...
If several combined to murder a man, and should tell another of their intent ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/1 4 the right understanding of.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... be the occasion of greater mischief, and hurt our affairs more than did Absalom
himself; do ... and made that crime a pardonable one; but in this murder of Amasa ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

Preface.
... The story of Absalom's undutifulness and rebellion, of David's adultery and murder,
of Herod's tyranny, and all other narratives of crime, are related in a calm ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/preface.htm

The Historical Books.
... with the terrible chastisements that it brought upon him and his kingdom"Amnon's
incest, the murder of Amnon by Absalom, Absalom's rebellion, pollution of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm