Absalom
Absalom was the third son of King David, born to Maacah daughter of the king of Geshur, and gained renown for his handsome appearance and long hair. After killing his half-brother Amnon to avenge the rape of their sister Tamar, Absalom fled to Geshur, later returned, and mounted a rebellion that won popular support, allowed him to seize the throne in Jerusalem, and drove David into exile. The uprising ended in defeat at the forest of Ephraim, where Absalom was caught by his hair in an oak tree and killed by Joab against Davidโs orders to spare him. The account in 2 Samuel illustrates the fulfillment of Nathanโs prophecy concerning the consequences of Davidโs sins, the fractures within the royal family, and the enduring themes of rebellion and paternal grief in Scripture.
Biography
- Died
- c. 980 BC, Forest of Ephraim
- Occupation
- Prince
- Tribe
- Judah
- Father
- David
- Mother
- Maacah
- Children
- Tamar (daughter)
- Era
- United Kingdom
- Nationality
- Israelite
Family
Did You Know?
Absalom avenged the rape of his sister Tamar by orchestrating the murder of their half-brother Amnon at a sheep-shearing festival in Baal-hazor, using his servants to carry out the killing after plying Amnon with wine.
After three years of exile in Geshur with his maternal grandfather King Talmai, Absalom set fire to Joab's barley fields near Jerusalem to force a meeting with the commander and ultimately gain readmission to David's court, though another two years passed before he could see the king.
Despite fathering three sons and a daughter named Tamar, Absalom erected a stone monument to himself in the King's Valley because he had no surviving heir to perpetuate his name, a pillar later known as Absalom's Monument.
Absalom's annual haircut produced hair weighing 200 shekels according to the royal standard, roughly five pounds, a detail underscoring both his exceptional physical appearance and the cultural value placed on such distinctive traits in ancient Israel.
During his rebellion, Absalom followed the counsel of David's former advisor Ahithophel, whose strategic advice was regarded as equivalent to consulting an oracle of God, until Hushai's counter-advice deliberately led to Absalom's defeat in the forest of Ephraim.
Key Passages
Absalom Kills Amnon
2 Samuel 13:28-33
This passage shows how unchecked bitterness and revenge can destroy families, urging us to seek God's healing and justice instead.
28ow Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnonโs heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.
Absalom's Rebellion
2 Samuel 15:1-12
This passage shows how unchecked pride and resentment can fracture even the closest family bonds, urging us to pursue humility and reconciliation.
1nd it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
Death of Absalom
2 Samuel 18:9-15
This passage reveals how rebellion's tragic end brings deep sorrow, yet underscores a father's tender longing to protect and restore even a wayward child.
9nd Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.
David Mourns Absalom
2 Samuel 18:33
David's raw grief reveals a parent's tender, unbreakable love that mourns deeply even after betrayal and loss.
33nd the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!