Topical Bible: Citizens: Wicked: Absalom

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Absalom, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is often remembered for his rebellion against his father, King David, and his subsequent downfall. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings, where his actions and character are depicted as a cautionary tale of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of wickedness.

Background and Early Life

Absalom was the third son of King David, born to Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). He was noted for his striking appearance, with the Bible describing him as having no physical blemish from head to toe (2 Samuel 14:25). His charisma and beauty made him a popular figure among the Israelites.

The Murder of Amnon

Absalom's path to wickedness began with the tragic incident involving his sister Tamar and his half-brother Amnon. Amnon, driven by lust, violated Tamar, which deeply angered Absalom. For two years, Absalom harbored a grudge against Amnon, ultimately orchestrating his murder during a feast (2 Samuel 13:28-29). This act of vengeance set Absalom on a path of rebellion and estrangement from his father, King David.

Exile and Return

Following Amnon's murder, Absalom fled to Geshur, where he stayed for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38). Despite his crime, David longed for his son and eventually allowed him to return to Jerusalem, though he did not see him for another two years (2 Samuel 14:23-24). Absalom's return to the royal court marked the beginning of his political maneuvering.

Rebellion Against David

Absalom's ambition led him to conspire against his father. He positioned himself at the city gate, winning the hearts of the Israelites by promising justice and favor (2 Samuel 15:2-6). After gaining significant support, Absalom declared himself king in Hebron, sparking a civil war (2 Samuel 15:10).

David, upon hearing of Absalom's rebellion, fled Jerusalem with his loyal followers (2 Samuel 15:14). The ensuing conflict was marked by strategic battles and shifting allegiances. Despite Absalom's initial success, his rebellion was ultimately doomed.

Death and Legacy

The decisive battle took place in the forest of Ephraim, where Absalom's forces were defeated by David's men (2 Samuel 18:6-8). During the battle, Absalom's hair became entangled in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him hanging and vulnerable. Joab, David's commander, seized the opportunity and killed Absalom, despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with him (2 Samuel 18:9-15).

Absalom's death brought an end to the rebellion, but it also plunged David into deep mourning. The king's lament for his son is one of the most poignant expressions of grief in the Bible: "O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Samuel 18:33).

Absalom's account serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of sin and rebellion. His life, marked by ambition and betrayal, stands as a warning against the perils of wickedness and the importance of obedience to God's ordained authority.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 15:10-13
But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, Absalom reigns in Hebron.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... [140] When Absalom defiled his ... we must hold, that while by means of the wicked God
performs ... And yet, with good reason, he upbraids the citizens of Samaria for ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... of greater mischief, and hurt our affairs more than did Absalom himself; do ... So she
went down to the citizens, and said to them, "Will you be so wicked as to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... How, When Absalom Was Beaten, He Was Caught In A Tree ... As Also What He Did For The
Punishment Of The Wicked. ... Nation Of The Jews And Made Them Citizens Of Those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

At this Time, He Knew in a Guilty Way Bersabe...
... At last his son Absalom lifted impious arms against his ... who had stirred up all the
wicked to arms. ... amount to one million three hundred thousand [311] citizens. ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxxviii at this time.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... its Davidic authorship, to belong to the time of Absalom's rebellion ... When the wicked
came against ... a fox in his earth: and the cowardly citizens meditated saving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm

Discussion of the Subject of Permission
... omission, and for other reasons, as happened to Absalom. ... might prepare punishment
for the citizens of Succoth ... the fact that he, by wicked treachery, destroyed ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/discussion of the subject of.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... active part in it, the hand of Absalom [3315] was ... of godliness, this precursor of
the wicked one, such ... upon the most illustrious of private citizens, not one ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... and justice against gods of sensuality and cruelty, and defying wicked kings in ... of
crime and horror; the dark story of Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom; the passion ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Nonconformists, and the small classes of virtuous citizens of other ... But, pray, show
me now how wicked cursing is to ... the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm