Absalom
Absalom, a prominent figure from the Tribe of Judah, is a significant character in the biblical narrative, known for his striking appearance and tumultuous life. He was the third son of King David and Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). Absalom's account is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Samuel, where his life is marked by ambition, rebellion, and tragedy.

Appearance and Charisma
Absalom was renowned for his exceptional beauty and charisma. The Bible describes him as the most handsome man in all Israel, without blemish from head to toe (2 Samuel 14:25). His long hair, which he cut once a year, was a symbol of his allure and played a role in his eventual downfall (2 Samuel 14:26).

Family Tragedy and Revenge
Absalom's life was deeply affected by the rape of his sister Tamar by their half-brother Amnon. David, their father, failed to take decisive action against Amnon, which fueled Absalom's anger and desire for justice. After two years, Absalom avenged Tamar by orchestrating Amnon's murder during a feast (2 Samuel 13:23-29). Following this act, Absalom fled to his maternal grandfather's kingdom in Geshur, where he stayed for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38).

Return and Rebellion
Eventually, through the intercession of Joab, David's military commander, Absalom was allowed to return to Jerusalem, though he did not see his father's face for two more years (2 Samuel 14:28). Absalom's return to favor was marked by political ambition. He began to undermine David's authority by winning the hearts of the people of Israel, presenting himself as a more accessible and just leader (2 Samuel 15:1-6).

Absalom's rebellion against David was a significant event in Israel's history. He declared himself king in Hebron and gained substantial support, forcing David to flee Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:10-14). The rebellion culminated in the Battle of Ephraim's Wood, 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 and vulnerable. Joab, despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with Absalom, killed him (2 Samuel 18:9-15).

Legacy and Impact
Absalom's death brought profound grief to King David, who mourned deeply for his son, expressing his sorrow with the famous lament, "O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Samuel 18:33). Absalom's life and rebellion serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition, familial discord, and the complexities of justice and mercy.

Absalom's account is a poignant reminder of the human condition, the challenges of leadership, and the enduring impact of personal choices on family and nation. His life, though marked by rebellion, is an integral part of the narrative of the Tribe of Judah and the history of Israel.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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The First Kings.
... from Judah, which had absorbed the small tribe of Benjamin. ... son of Solomon, was made
king over Judah, and Jereboam ... It is a remarkable thing that the Bible does ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... Benjamin, to be on the one side, and the tribe of Judah ... so cannot be supposed to
be joined with Judah at this ... [22] This section is a very remarkable one, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Historical Books.
... reign of David, first at Hebron over the tribe of Judah ... Hebron there was an actual
separation of Judah from the ... It is a remarkable fact that while the full term ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one ... common
foe, for we know that the people of Judah aided the tribe of Simeon ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... In this vineyard stood a fig-tree"by nature remarkable for fruitfulness"but it ... Carmi,
the son of Zabdi, the son of Zera, of the tribe of Judah, was taken ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... O Judah, he hath set an harvest for thee, when I returned ... It is remarkable that of
the vast number of pious and ... Of the Persons or Subsistances in the Godhead. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Who/what is the Lion of the tribe of Judah? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Judah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that the scepter will not depart from Judah (Genesis 49:10)? | GotQuestions.org

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