Absalom

Absalom

Rebellious Son of David

Old Testament

Absalom was the third son of King David, famous for his beauty and long hair. After his brother Amnon violated his sister Tamar, Absalom killed Amnon and fled. He later led a rebellion against David to seize the throne but was killed when his hair caught in a tree during battle.

Character Traits

HandsomeCharismaticVengefulAmbitious

Life Timeline

Birthc. 1000 BC

Absalom is born to David and Maacah in Hebron.

2SA 3:3
Revenge for Tamarc. 983 BC

Absalom kills his half-brother Amnon for raping his sister Tamar.

2SA 13:22-29
Exilec. 983-980 BC

Absalom flees to Geshur and lives in exile for three years.

2SA 13:37-38
Conspiracyc. 976 BC

Absalom steals the hearts of Israel, plotting to usurp David's throne.

2SA 15:1-12
Rebellionc. 976 BC

Absalom declares himself king at Hebron; David flees Jerusalem.

2SA 15:10-14
Deathc. 976 BC

Absalom's hair catches in an oak tree; Joab kills him despite David's orders.

2SA 18:9-15

Key Relationships

David
DavidFamily

Father - Absalom rebelled against David yet David still loved him deeply.

Joab
Joabrelations.opponent

Executioner - Joab killed Absalom against David's explicit orders.

Key Locations

Hebron
Hebron

Where Absalom was born and declared himself king.

Jerusalem
Jerusalem

David's capital that Absalom briefly captured.

Spiritual Lessons

Unresolved Anger Destroys

Absalom's bitterness over Tamar's rape and David's inaction festered for years before exploding into fratricide and rebellion. Unresolved anger, especially in families, can escalate into devastating consequences. Justice delayed or denied breeds destruction.

Key Verses

2 Samuel 13:20-292 Samuel 15:1-122 Samuel 18:9-15

Frequently Asked Questions

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