Absalom
maleUnited KingdomMeaning: “Father of peace”
The handsome and ambitious son of David who avenged his sister, led a rebellion against his father, and died caught in the branches of an oak.
Biography
Absalom, the third son of David (by Maacah), was famous for his beauty — "from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him" (2 Samuel 14:25) — and infamous for his rebellion.
Revenge and exile
After Amnon violated his sister Tamar and David failed to act, Absalom waited two years and had Amnon killed, then fled into exile (2 Samuel 13:28–38). He was eventually allowed to return to Jerusalem.
Rebellion
Absalom "stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (2 Samuel 15:6) and proclaimed himself king, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. In the decisive battle in the wood of Ephraim, his army was routed.
A father's grief
Fleeing on a mule, Absalom's long hair caught in an oak, and Joab killed him against David's orders. David's lament is among the most poignant in Scripture: "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee" (2 Samuel 18:33). His life warns of the ruin of pride and ambition.
Life Timeline
Avenges Tamar by killing Amnon
Leads a rebellion and seizes Jerusalem
Killed by Joab; David mourns deeply
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Absalom
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Absalom appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
6 verses in 1 book2 Samuel6 verses
2 Samuel 3:3
And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
2 Samuel 14:25
But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.
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.
2 Samuel 15:10
But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.
2 Samuel 18:9
And 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.
2 Samuel 18:33
And 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!
Frequently asked about Absalom
Who was Absalom in the Bible?
The handsome and ambitious son of David who avenged his sister, led a rebellion against his father, and died caught in the branches of an oak.
What does the name Absalom mean?
The name Absalom means “Father of peace”.
What did Absalom do in the Bible?
Absalom served as prince, rebel.
Who were Absalom's parents?
Absalom was the child of David.
Where does Absalom appear in the Bible?
Absalom is mentioned 6 times across 1 book: 2 Samuel.
What can we learn from Absalom?
The story of Absalom touches on themes of absalom, ahimaaz, candidate, electioneering — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Absalom's life.
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