Topical Encyclopedia Absalom, the third son of King David, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament known for his striking physical appearance and tumultuous life. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Absalom's beauty is noted in 2 Samuel 14:25, which states, "Now in all Israel there was no one as handsome as Absalom, so highly praised; from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him" . This description highlights not only his physical attractiveness but also the admiration he garnered from the people of Israel.Absalom's beauty, however, is juxtaposed with his complex character and the tragic events of his life. He was the son of David and Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). Absalom's sister, Tamar, was violated by their half-brother Amnon, which led to Absalom's deep-seated anger and eventual revenge. After two years, Absalom orchestrated the murder of Amnon, an act that forced him to flee to Geshur, where he stayed for three years (2 Samuel 13:23-38). Despite his outward beauty, Absalom's life was marked by rebellion and ambition. After being allowed to return to Jerusalem, he began to undermine his father David's rule by winning the hearts of the people of Israel. "Absalom would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for judgment, Absalom would call out to him, 'What city are you from?' And he would answer, 'Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel'" (2 Samuel 15:2). Through such actions, Absalom gradually gained a following, eventually declaring himself king in Hebron (2 Samuel 15:10). Absalom's rebellion culminated in a battle against David's forces in the forest of Ephraim. Despite his beauty and charisma, Absalom's life ended tragically. As he rode his mule under the thick branches of a large oak tree, his hair became entangled in the branches, leaving him hanging as the mule ran off. Joab, David's commander, found Absalom and killed him, despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with his son (2 Samuel 18:9-15). Absalom's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and rebellion. His physical beauty, while remarkable, could not save him from the consequences of his actions. His life and death are a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to God's will, as well as the complexities of human nature, where outward appearances can often mask inner turmoil and moral failings. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 14:25But 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. Nave's Topical Index Library How Absalom Murdered Amnon, who had Forced his Own Sister; and How ... How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ... David's Sorrow. Adonijah We must Observe a Right Standard Between Too Great Mildness and ... How it was with Him at that Hour in Regard of his Interior Man. The Weeping Saviour. Greek and Jew David's Deserts First Attempts on Jerusalem. Resources Should Christians care about physical appearance? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about art? | GotQuestions.org What is axiology? | GotQuestions.org Beauty: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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