2 Samuel 14:26

And when he cut the hair of his head--he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy--he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard.

Study Bible

And when he cut the hair of his head—
This phrase introduces the practice of Absalom cutting his hair, which was notable due to its exceptional weight and volume. In ancient Israel, hair was often seen as a symbol of strength and vitality. Absalom's hair was a source of pride and a symbol of his attractiveness and charisma, which played a role in his influence over the people. The act of cutting his hair annually suggests a ritualistic or customary practice, possibly linked to vows or personal grooming habits of the time.

he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy—
The annual shaving indicates a regular practice, possibly for comfort or practicality, as the weight of his hair became burdensome. This detail highlights the extraordinary nature of Absalom's hair, setting him apart from others. In the cultural context, long hair could be associated with the Nazirite vow, although there is no indication Absalom was a Nazirite. The emphasis on the heaviness of his hair underscores his physical allure and the attention he commanded, which later played into his political ambitions.

he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels,
The weight of Absalom's hair, two hundred shekels, is significant, as it demonstrates the remarkable nature of his appearance. A shekel was a unit of weight, approximately 11 grams, making his hair weigh about 5.5 pounds. This detail serves to emphasize his unique physical attributes, which contributed to his popularity and influence. The act of weighing the hair could symbolize pride or a record of his personal attributes, reflecting the importance of physical appearance in leadership and social standing in ancient Israel.

according to the royal standard.
The mention of the "royal standard" suggests that the weight was measured using official or standardized weights, possibly those used in the royal court. This implies a level of formality and recognition of Absalom's status within the kingdom. The use of the royal standard could also indicate the importance of maintaining accurate measures in trade and official matters, reflecting the organized nature of David's administration. This detail connects Absalom to the royal family, highlighting his position and potential claim to the throne, which becomes a central theme in the narrative of his rebellion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Absalom
The son of King David, known for his striking appearance and long hair. His hair is a symbol of his pride and vanity, which plays a significant role in his account.

2. King David
The father of Absalom, who is the reigning king of Israel during this time. His relationship with Absalom is complex and filled with tension.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel and the center of political and religious life during King David's reign. It is the backdrop for much of the account involving Absalom.

4. Royal Standard
Refers to the official system of weights and measures used in the kingdom, indicating the significant weight of Absalom's hair.

5. Hebron
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, it is relevant as the place where Absalom later declares himself king, showing his ambition and rebellion.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride and Vanity
Absalom's focus on his hair symbolizes his pride. As Christians, we must guard against allowing our appearance or achievements to become sources of pride that lead us away from God.

The Importance of Inner Character
While Absalom was admired for his looks, his character was flawed. We should prioritize developing a Christ-like character over external appearances.

The Consequences of Rebellion
Absalom's account is a cautionary tale about the consequences of rebelling against God's established order. Submission to God's will is crucial for a life of peace and blessing.

The Role of Family Dynamics
The strained relationship between David and Absalom highlights the importance of addressing family conflicts with grace and wisdom, seeking reconciliation and understanding.

Weighing Our Priorities
Just as Absalom weighed his hair, we should regularly evaluate our priorities to ensure they align with God's purposes for our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Absalom's focus on his hair reflect his character, and what can we learn from this about the dangers of vanity?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our focus remains on developing inner beauty rather than being consumed by outward appearances?

3. How does the relationship between David and Absalom illustrate the importance of addressing family conflicts? What steps can we take to foster healthy family relationships?

4. Reflect on a time when pride led to negative consequences in your life. How can you apply the lessons from Absalom's account to avoid similar pitfalls in the future?

5. How can we regularly "weigh" our priorities to ensure they align with God's will, and what practical steps can we take to adjust them when necessary?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 16:7
This verse emphasizes that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances, contrasting with Absalom's focus on his physical attributes.

Proverbs 16:18
This proverb warns that pride precedes destruction, which is relevant to Absalom's account as his vanity and ambition lead to his downfall.

1 Peter 3:3-4
These verses encourage believers to focus on inner beauty rather than outward adornment, providing a New Testament perspective on the themes of appearance and character.