Absalom, Abishalom

The third of David's six sons, born in Hebron. His mother, Maacah, was the daughter of Talmai, the king of Geshur (II Sam 3:2-5). Absalom combined physical beauty with a smooth tongue and thus "stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (II Sam 14:25; 15:2-6). His sister Tamar and his daughter, likewise named Tamar, were also described as beautiful (II Sam 13:1; 14:25-27). His half-brother Amnon became infatuated with Tamar, Absalom's sister. Feigning illness, Amnon asked for Tamar to be sent to his quarters to cook for him, and thereupon violated her. His spent passion soon turned to hatred, and he sent her away. Absalom ordered Tamar to remain silent and took her into his home, biding his time to exact revenge for his sister's dishonor (II Sam 13:1-20). Two years later, during a sheepshearing feast, when Amnon "was merry with wine", Absalom ordered his servants to kill him. He then fled and sought refuge with Talmai, his grandfather, at Geshur (II Sam 13:23-39). After three years, Joab's good offices procured Absalom's return, but he was forbidden to appear before the king (II Sam 14:1-24). Absalom endured this for two years before again seeking Joab's help to appear before David. When Joab refused to visit him, Absalom used a stratagem to bring a response from Joab; the latter finally persuaded David to see his son and grant him full pardon (II Sam 14:28-33).

In spite of his affection for David, Absalom was ambitious and plotted against his father (II Sam 15:1-3). He organized a revolt from Hebron, with the support of Ahithophel, David's highly esteemed counselor (II Sam 15:7-12, 31). As the number of plotters grew, David fled Jerusalem to Transjordan with a group of faithful supporters, including the priests Abiathar and Zadok, whom he sent back to Jerusalem to serve as liaison agents. David also sent Hushai, his loyal friend to counteract Ahithophel's advice to Absalom. Absalom occupied the king's palace and, following Ahithophel's advice, took over his father's concubines (II Sam 16:15-23). Ahithophel urged Absalom to fight David immediately before the king could reorganize his forces (II Sam 17: 1-4). Hushai, on the other hand, advised Absalom to wait until his troops gained strength and then to lead the attack himself. Hushai's advice was followed. All the while David was kept informed and he organized his forces from Mahanaim. The clash between the two armies took place in the woods of Ephraim where Absalom's newly-formed army was defeated. David had given strict orders that Absalom was not to be killed (II Sam 18: 1-8), but while fleeing on horseback through the woods, Absalom was entrapped when his long hair became entangled in the branches of a terebinth; in spite of the king's instructions, Joab killed Absalom and had his body thrown in a pit (II Sam 18: 9-17). David, grief-stricken, bitterly mourned the death of his son. His lament overshadowed his supporters' rejoicing at their victory. Joab reasoned with the king that he must face his responsibilities, pointing out that the tragic events they had all suffered were caused by Absalom (II Sam 18: 19-32; 19: 1-8).

Absalom had three sons (II Sam 14:27), but they must have died young as he had built a monument for himself during his lifetime saying "I have no son to keep my name in remembrance." He named the pillar after himself. "And to this day it is called Absalom's Monument'' (II Sam 18:18). The tomb monument existing in the Kidron Valley next to Jerusalem and named after Absalom, is of later Late Hellenistic or early Herodian date.