Absalom, a son of King David, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament known for his striking appearance, charisma, and ultimately, his hypocrisy and rebellion. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Absalom's life is a cautionary tale of ambition, deceit, and the consequences of hypocrisy.

Background and Early Life

Absalom was the third son of David, born to Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). He was renowned for his physical beauty, with the Bible noting, "In all Israel, there was no man 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" (2 Samuel 14:25). Despite his outward appearance, Absalom's heart harbored deceit and ambition.

The Murder of Amnon

Absalom's hypocrisy is first evident in his response to the rape of his sister Tamar by their half-brother Amnon. Although he outwardly appeared to be patient and forgiving, he secretly harbored a desire for revenge. After two years, Absalom orchestrated the murder of Amnon during a feast, revealing his true intentions (2 Samuel 13:23-29). This act of vengeance forced Absalom to flee to Geshur, where he remained for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38).

Return to Jerusalem and Deceptive Ambitions

After being allowed to return to Jerusalem through the intercession of Joab, David's commander, Absalom began to craft a public image of concern and justice for the people. He positioned himself at the city gate, intercepting those who came to seek the king's judgment, and said, "Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you" (2 Samuel 15:3). Absalom's actions were a calculated attempt to undermine his father's authority and win the hearts of the Israelites.

Rebellion Against David

Absalom's hypocrisy culminated in a full-scale rebellion against King David. He declared himself king in Hebron, deceiving many into supporting his cause (2 Samuel 15:10-12). Absalom's rebellion forced David to flee Jerusalem, and he took control of the city. Despite his outward show of strength and leadership, Absalom's actions were driven by pride and a desire for power, rather than genuine concern for the nation.

Downfall and Death

Absalom's rebellion ultimately led to his downfall. In the ensuing battle in the forest of Ephraim, Absalom's forces were defeated by David's loyal troops. As he fled on a mule, Absalom's hair became entangled in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him hanging in midair. 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).

Legacy

Absalom's life serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of hypocrisy and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. His outward charm and beauty masked a heart filled with deceit and rebellion. The account of Absalom is a powerful illustration of the biblical principle that "man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).2 Samuel 15:7,8
And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said to the king, I pray you, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to the LORD, in Hebron.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Fifth Commandment
... "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth
me with their lips, but ... Which would you rather be"a Joseph or an Absalom? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/fifth commandment.htm

The Knowledge of God
... Hypocrites do not virtute miacere, but fingere [Hypocrites do not actually do good,
they ... Absalom masks over his treason with the pretence of a religious vow. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the knowledge of god.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... Of such hypocrites Salvian complains, who had Christ in their mouths but to no ... Absalom's
covetousness made him attempt to pluck the crown from his father's head ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

The Third Commandment
... 1) Hypocrites take God's ... I pray,' said Absalom, let me pay my vow, which I have vowed
unto the Lord, in Hebron.' 2 Samuel 15:7. This pretence of paying his vow ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 3 the third commandment.htm

Compassion for Souls
... that phase of the future to make us mourn bitterly, as David did for Absalom. ... shall
cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites." And yet ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/compassion for souls.htm

John x. 22-24
... But there He rebuked them, saying, "Why tempt ye Me, ye hypocrites?" showing that ...
A women destroyed Absalom, a woman destroyed Amnon, a woman was like to have ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxi john x 22-24.htm

Infant Salvation
... Out of this, how many are hypocrites, and know not the truth ... must bays been there,
for he said, "I shall go to him." I do not hear him say the same of Absalom. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/infant salvation.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... Absalom could not be quiet till he had seen the king's face' (2 Samuel 14:32, 33). ...
To hear the name of God in the mouths of scandalous hypocrites is enough to ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Hypocrites court God and speak him fair, but refuse to go on his errand. They are
not children but rebels. ... He desires, as Absalom, to see the king's face'. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... Absalom was a disobedient son, who sought to deprive his father of his life and ...
Hypocrites, whose lamp is fed with the oil of vain glory, while they do any ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

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