Introduction:
Absalom, a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, is known for his striking appearance, ambitious nature, and tragic end. 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 found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings, where his life is marked by familial conflict, rebellion, and a quest for power.

Family and Early Life:
Absalom was born into the royal family of Israel, enjoying the privileges and responsibilities that came with his lineage. He had a sister named Tamar and a brother named Amnon. The family dynamics were complex, with tensions that would later lead to significant conflict.

The Incident with Amnon and Tamar:
A pivotal event in Absalom's life was the violation of his sister Tamar by their half-brother Amnon. This incident is recorded in 2 Samuel 13. Absalom harbored deep resentment towards Amnon for this act, and after two years, he orchestrated Amnon's murder during a feast (2 Samuel 13:28-29). Following this, Absalom fled to his maternal grandfather's kingdom in Geshur, where he stayed for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38).

Return to Jerusalem and Reconciliation with David:
King David longed for Absalom after Amnon's death, and through the intervention of Joab, David's military commander, Absalom was eventually allowed to return to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 14:1-24). However, it took two more years before Absalom was fully reconciled with his father, King David (2 Samuel 14:28-33).

Absalom's Rebellion:
Absalom's ambition and desire for power led him to conspire against his father. He gained favor with the people of Israel by presenting himself as a just and approachable leader (2 Samuel 15:1-6). Eventually, he declared himself king in Hebron, leading a full-scale rebellion against David (2 Samuel 15:10-12). David was forced to flee Jerusalem, and Absalom took control of the city (2 Samuel 15:13-14).

The Battle and Absalom's Death:
The conflict between Absalom and David culminated in a battle in the forest of Ephraim. Despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with Absalom, Joab, the commander of David's forces, killed Absalom after finding him caught by his hair in the branches of a tree (2 Samuel 18:9-15). Absalom's death marked the end of the rebellion, but it brought great sorrow to King David, who mourned deeply for his son (2 Samuel 18:33).

Legacy and Significance:
Absalom's life is a narrative of beauty, charisma, and ambition overshadowed by familial strife and personal vendettas. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of familial discord. Despite his tragic end, Absalom remains a significant figure in biblical history, illustrating the complexities of human nature and the challenges of leadership.Ab'salom's (5 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 13:4
He said to him, "Why, son of the king, are you so sad from day to day? Won't you tell me?" Amnon said to him, "I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister."
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 13:20
Absalom her brother said to her, "Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother. Don't take this thing to heart." So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 14:30
Therefore he said unto his servants: 'See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire.' And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 17:20
Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house; and they said, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" The woman said to them, "They have gone over the brook of water." When they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 18:18
Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself the pillar, which is in the king's dale; for he said, "I have no son to keep my name in memory." He called the pillar after his own name; and it is called Absalom's monument, to this day.
(See RSV)

Ab'salom's (5 Occurrences)
Ab'salom's. Absalom's, Ab'salom's. Absalon . Multi-Version Concordance
Ab'salom's (5 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 13:4 He said to him, "Why ...
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Absalom's (16 Occurrences)

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Absalon

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