The united kingdom · c. 1000-970 BC
Absalom in the Bible
The flawless prince who rebelled against his father. Name meaning: “Father of peace” (probable meaning of the Hebrew); also spelled Abishalom (1 Kgs 15:2)
David’s third son, born at Hebron, Absalom is the most praised man in Israel for his beauty (2 Sam 14:25). He has his brother Amnon killed for violating their sister Tamar, then flees to Geshur. Back in Jerusalem, he wins the hearts of the people, has himself proclaimed king at Hebron, and drives David out of the city. His revolt ends in the forest of Ephraim: caught in a terebinth tree, he is killed by Joab, and David weeps: “O my son Absalom!” (2 Sam 18:33).
Key moments
- He has Amnon killed at the sheepshearing at Baal-hazor 2 Samuel 13:28–29
- He flees to Talmai, king of Geshur 2 Samuel 13:37–38
- He steals the hearts of the men of Israel at the city gate 2 Samuel 15:6
- He has himself proclaimed king at Hebron 2 Samuel 15:10
- He goes in to his father’s concubines, on the roof 2 Samuel 16:22
- He prefers Hushai’s counsel to Ahithophel’s 2 Samuel 17:14
- His head is caught in a terebinth 2 Samuel 18:9
- David weeps: “O my son Absalom!” 2 Samuel 18:33
Strengths
- Beauty
- Charm
- Ambition
- Resentment
- Boldness
Weaknesses
Absalom nurses his hatred for two years before having Amnon killed (2 Sam 13:22-29), then turns the people against his father by posing as the ideal judge (15:2-6). Proud and impatient, he usurps David’s throne and disgraces himself by going in to his father’s concubines (16:21-22).
Lessons for today
- Resentment you keep inside ripens into violence: Absalom hates Amnon for two years before having him killed (2 Sam 13:22-29).
- A half reconciliation heals nothing: Absalom comes home to Jerusalem but spends two years without seeing his father (2 Sam 14:24, 28).
- Flattery is seductive, but it destroys: Absalom wins the people’s hearts by criticizing the king and promising justice (2 Sam 15:2-6).
- God has the last word: he defeats Ahithophel’s good counsel and brings the revolt to nothing (2 Sam 17:14).
But 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.
And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom.
People around Absalom
- David — Father, whom he dethrones for a time before dying in battle
- Amnon — Half brother, whom he has killed to avenge Tamar
- Tamar — Sister, violated by Amnon, taken in by Absalom
- Joab — Commander of David’s army, who brings him back from exile and later kills him
- Ahithophel — David’s counselor who went over to his side
- Hushai — David’s friend, who pretends to serve him and ruins his plans
Stories with Absalom
Quiz: how well do you know Absalom?
What was the name of Absalom’s sister, who was violated by Amnon?
“Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.” Maacah was their mother. 2 Samuel 13:1
Which of Absalom’s brothers was killed at the sheepshearing feast at Baal-hazor?
Absalom commanded his servants, “Smite Amnon; then kill him.” Amnon’s crime against Tamar was behind that hatred. 2 Samuel 13:28–29
In what kind of tree did Absalom’s head get caught during the battle?
His mule “went under the thick boughs of a great” terebinth, and Absalom was left hanging between heaven and earth. 2 Samuel 18:9
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.