Absalom
“Father of peace”
Summary
David's handsome but rebellious third son who murdered his brother Amnon, raised a revolt against his father, and died tragically when caught in an oak tree during battle.
☩Family and Beauty
Absalom was the third son of David, born to Maacah, the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur. Scripture describes him as the most handsome man in all Israel: 'from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.' His luxuriant hair, which he cut once a year, weighed about five pounds—hair that would ultimately contribute to his death.
☩Murder of Amnon
When David's firstborn son Amnon violated Absalom's sister Tamar, Absalom harbored hatred for two years while David took no action. Finally, Absalom arranged a feast and ordered his servants to kill Amnon when he was merry with wine. Absalom then fled to his maternal grandfather in Geshur, where he remained for three years. Through the cunning of Joab and a wise woman of Tekoa, Absalom was eventually permitted to return to Jerusalem, though it was two more years before David would see him face to face.
☩The Rebellion
Absalom systematically cultivated popular support by standing at the gate, intercepting those coming to the king for judgment, and implying that he would give them justice if he were king. 'So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.' After four years of this demagogy, he went to Hebron under pretense of fulfilling a vow and there had himself proclaimed king. David was forced to flee Jerusalem, barefoot and weeping, while Absalom took possession of his father's palace and concubines.
☩Death and David's Grief
The decisive battle occurred in the forest of Ephraim. Despite David's command to deal gently with Absalom, when the young man was caught by his head in an oak tree while his mule ran on, Joab thrust three darts through his heart. David's grief was overwhelming: 'O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!' This excessive mourning nearly turned victory into shame until Joab rebuked the king.
Related Verses91 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Absalom," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Absalom," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).