(Born B.C. How is Absalom referenced in art and literature? When Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he committed suicide by hanging himself. Joab was, of course, the one who would kill Absalom, even when David gave orders to deal gently with him (18:5, 11-15). Absalom was caught by his hair in the branches of an oak tree while his mule rode out from under him and there a certain man found him (18:9-14). 11 Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. These words in verse 21 follow not only the account of Amnon's sin, but also of Absalom's interference: Then Absalom her brother said to her, Has Amnon your brother been with you? [13], While at Jerusalem, Absalom built support for himself by speaking to those who came to King David for justice, saying, "See, your claims are good and right; but there is no one deputed by the king to hear you", perhaps reflecting flaws in the judicial system of the united monarchy. Who was Adonijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Absalom? His Biblical Meaning and History - Bible Study Tools 2 Samuel 17:6 KJV, "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." Even the most godly men and women failed in their parenting (think of Eli, Samuel, Saul, and now David). In short, yes. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away. He lived in great style, drove in a magnificent chariot, and had fifty men run before him. The explanation for David's prosperity was not to be found in David's greatness, but in God's grace. If this is all there is for Absalom, he will be better off in Geshur, for there he is a free man. One must wonder how a fellow so wise could choose to align himself with Absalom. Adonijah is best known for his failed attempts to usurp the throne of Israel after his father's death. New King James Version Then Absalom met the servants of David. 1. Amnon had come to the feast feeling that the invitation was a sign of forgiveness and reconciliation; but he was wrong. Joab did this to change the appearance of things, in order to look good., David's response: All right, Joab,74 I will grant your request, so deviously made through this woman. His charming manners, personal beauty, insinuating ways, love of pomp, and royal pretensions captivated the hearts of the people from the beginning. I'll be the guilty one, and you will be guiltless., David's response: Now wait just a minute! 2 Samuel 15:13 KJV, "But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him." But if you are a Christian, then I can assure you that God will use even your child's rebellion to perfect you and to draw you into a more intimate relationship with Him. If you would be reconciled to God, you must acknowledge your sin, your rebellion against God, and accept the free gift of the forgiveness of your sins and eternal life which He offers to you. David flees when he hears that Absalom has won over a great number of the Israelites (2 Samuel 15). How can you rule to protect the life of my son and yet not do the same with your son, Absalom? Saul was chosen and designated by God to be Israel's first king. 2 Amnon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he made himself ill. She was a virgin, and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her. One day he became ill (2 Sam 13:1, 2). They had repented, and Joseph had forgiven them. In conclusion, Absaloms story in the Bible sheds light on the complexities of human nature, family dynamics, and the perils of unchecked ambition. This is not a pleasant experience either. 3. Since his half sister was evidently kept in close guard, there was no way in which to gain access to her. God graciously took away David's sin so that he did not have to die as the law required. David was a great king and a man after God's heart. He kisses Absalom, and no doubt thinks that this should be the end of it all. Joab injured Absalom with three darts through the heart and Absalom was subsequently killed by ten of Joab's armor-bearers.[21]. (This, of course, is a lie, for we just read about David hearing a widow's case and ruling in her favor.) Absaloms Modify Search 90 Instances - Page 1 of 3 - Sort by Book Order - Feedback 2 Samuel 18:33 chapter context similar meaning copy save And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! "By his long hair the Nazirite entangled the people to rebel against his father, and by it he himself became entangled, to fall a victim to his pursuers". Nathan was sent to David by God; the woman was sent to David by Joab. Did David seek to deceive Saul about his absence? This article is about the biblical figure. I am not willing to say Joab's motives were pure. How does Absaloms story resonate with contemporary society? His hair is his crowning glory, and everybody knows it. David granted him permission to leave. That would be quite a meeting -- one you would never forget. David, knowing Joabs views on the matter, asked the woman, Is the hand of Joab with thee in all this? (14:19). Absalom | biblical figure | Britannica Absalom reached the capital and consulted with the renowned Ahithophel (sometimes spelled Achitophel). Absalom, Abishalom - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway It is clear to me from our text that Absalom had a different punishment in mind: Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother, responded, Do not let my lord suppose they have put to death all the young men, the king's sons, for Amnon alone is dead; because by the intent of Absalom this has been determined since the day that he violated his sister Tamar (13:32). ABSALOM IN THE BIBLE - King James Bible Online 13 Now David's son Absalom had a beautiful sister named Tamar. Apparently the opposition of the Saulist party and the defection of the tribes was so serious that the aging king decided to escape to Mahanaim, E of the Jordan with the Cherethites, Pelethites, Gittites, Zadok the priest, Hushai the counselor and Ahimaaz, Zadoks son, and Jonathan, Abiathars son (15:13-30). He lamented, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! The vanity with which he displayed his beautiful hair, the rabbis say, became his snare and his stumbling-block. 2 Samuel 13 NLT - The Rape of Tamar - Bible Gateway 1. Who was Absalom? 2 Amnon became so obsessed with Tamar that he became ill. She was a virgin, and Amnon thought he could never have her. [5] At an early age, he moved, along with the transfer of the capital, to Jerusalem, where he spent most of his life. 2. With his retinue of horses, chariots, and fifty retainers to run before him he began to capture the imagination of Israel (15:1). Go and bring back my son Absalom.. What I wish to do here is show the early signs of Absalom's rebellion against authority (God's and David's), and the beginnings of a fractured relationship between this son and his father. . The kind of justice he himself got? 15. Eventually, David lost Absalom by his death at the hand of Joab and his servants, but David had really lost Absalom long before this. How did Absalom rebel against King David? It sounds a little bit like some more familiar words to us: Give me liberty, or give me death! But how can Absalom speak this way? When David asked her what the trouble was, she told him. 76 You will note the footnote in the NASB, which indicates that while the Hebrew text seems to indicate forty, there are other manuscripts which indicate four, which certainly appears to be required in the context. Nevertheless David was able to upset and defeat the wise counsel of Ahithophel by the spy infiltrator Hushai (15:32; 17:14). But I am also reminded of the fact that it was Absalom who confined his sister Tamar to quarters. This was similar to such a festival in connection with Nabal and David (1 Sam 25:1-8), so Absalom planned to celebrate his sheep-shearing by inviting the king and the kings sons. Amnon - Wikipedia If they do not, the guilt is not all yours; it may not be yours at all. Did David seek to deceive Uriah to cover his sin? We could analyze Davids other children and how they turned out, but we can see a clear pattern. 2 Samuel 13:20 KJV, "And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king." [6] It may be that his sons died before his statement,[7] or, as Matthew Henry suggests, Absalom's three sons may have been born after his statement. Every visual impression smacked of royalty and class. His rebellion and quest for power were driven by unresolved grievances, leading to his downfall. One Tamar, the beautiful daughter of Absalom, is only mentioned in passing in 2 Samuel 14:27; this Tamar became the mother of Queen Maacah, who married King Rehoboam. It troubled me a great deal to read these words about David: Now when King David heard of all these matters, he was very angry (2 Samuel 13:21). Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Mar 02, 2021 Absalom was one of King David's sons, and his scriptural story reads like a modern-day soap opera. Absalom was now probably the oldest surviving son of David, and as he was of royal descent by his mother as well as by his father, he began to aspire to the throne. Absalom is a fascinating and complex character featured in the Bible, primarily in 2 Samuel. Absalom was guilty of the same kind of deceit. What was Absalom known for? Joab quickly came to see Absalom and the arrangements to see David were completed (14:28-33). Now reconciliation was possible. (Although Absalom did avenge his sister's defilement, ironically he himself showed himself not to be very much different from Amnon;[16] as Amnon had sought the advice of Jonadab in order to rape Tamar, Absalom had sought the advice of Ahitophel who advised Absalom to have incestuous relations with his father's concubines in order to show all Israel how odious he was to his father [2 Samuel 16:20]. [32] More striking is the following: "Did one ever hear of an oak-tree having a heart? But he does nothing other than getting angry. 71 There is, of course, the matter of Tamar being Amnons half-sister. And when he goes about, it is certainly in style. 2 Samuel 13:22 KJV, "And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? What are the books of 1 Esdras and 2 Esdras? Absalom - Wikipedia Bible, article "Jerusalem", p.597). The story begins long before our text. Every day Absalom would station himself on the road to Jerusalem (just out of sight of the city and his father, no doubt). David took refuge from Absalom's forces beyond the Jordan River. God made it clear through Samuel that a king would not, and could not, save them; it was He who had saved His people, and He who would continue to do so. , , ). He was angry because his hands were tied in terms of dealing with Amnon's sin. Amnons friend, the son of Davids brother Shimeah, named Jonadab, suggested a crafty way of realizing Amnons objective: the custom of preparing a special meal for the sick in which the sick could request the dish his heart desired (2 Sam 13:4-6). He was a great favorite of his father and of the people. Soft-touch David allowed Amnons request to have Tamar perform this custom and Amnon seized the opportunity to force Tamar. On the one hand, Absalom is still a murderer who has not been brought to justice. . The king had to decline, but he gave his consent to Amnon to attend (2 Sam 13:25-27). Joab - Wikipedia Absalom is a warning to us all about submission and its counterpart, rebellion. This likely builds up heaps of resentment for Absalom. She was to leave this matter to Absalom. He retreated to the old capital of David in Hebron with two hundred men. PREGNANT AND AWAITING MOTHERS - 4TH JULY, 2023 - Facebook [10], Absalom also had a sister named Tamar, who was raped by her half-brother Amnon, David's eldest son. Two years later, Absalom (Davids son and Amnons stepbrother) kills Amnon, likely tired of waiting around for David to do something about the situation. ABSALOM, SON OF DAVID.He is third in the order mentioned by the chronicler (II Kings, iii, 2, 3) of the sons born at Hebron during the first turbulent years of David's reign over Judah, when . 2 Samuel 17:5 KJV, "So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem." Banish the Unofficial Luggage of Foster Care, A Prayer to Watch How We Live - Your Daily Prayer - July 5. Despite the harm caused by Absaloms rebellion, David wept bitterly upon hearing the news of his sons demise. This greatly displeased both Samuel and God, for the hearts of the people were not right before God. 14 Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king's heart longed for Absalom. penalties of hell were thus averted from him, was on account of David's eightfold repetition of his son's name in his lament over him. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?" while bewailing his death, praying at the same time for his redemption from the seventh section of Gehenna, to which he was consigned". One just couldn't get justice with David; but with Absalom it would be an entirely different matter. His rebellion against King David serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that arise from unresolved conflicts and the dangers of seeking power for personal gain. David In regard to Ahitophel's motives: "..and great as was his wisdom, it was equalled by his scholarship. But he could not do so until they had repented. He sends his servants out to set Joab's field (which adjoined his own field) ablaze. 2 Samuel 13:23-38 NIV - Absalom Kills Amnon - Two years later, - Bible agree it should read after four years from his return from his grandfathers home in Geshur. 2Sa 16:8. If there was no one there to stop them, neither was there anyone present to witness just what happened. If anyone else gives you any grief over this matter, you just bring them to me, and I'll take care of them for you., Woman's third response: Well, that's very kind of the king. ), but this is not always the explanation for suffering. When the battle finally took place, Davids forces had been neatly divided into three groups under Joab, Abishai and Ittai (18:1, 2). ), interpreted "The Father of Peace".. 1. [1] From the language of 2 Samuel 18:18, Absalom states, "I have no son to keep my name in remembrance". It is what Absalom says next which is most troubling to me. Absalom (2 Samuel 13:13-37--15:12) Introduction Those of us who have lost a child know the grief this brings. But like all parents who are reading this know, children are not easy to take care of. Amasa - Wikipedia The usurper pursued the fugitives with his forces but was completely defeated in the forest of Ephraim (apparently west of Jordan) and killed by Joab, who found him caught by the hair in an oak tree. The first was the death of David's first son by Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:14-23). Joab knew this about David and set on a course of action to bring Absalom back to Israel. Solomon will be the wisest man who ever lived. The killing could have been self-defense. That rat is Joab. 73 My friend informed me that in the Middle East, it is assumed that the fight must continue until someone intervenes to stop it. We might think that Amnon, like his father David, would be deserving of the death penalty. A strikingly handsome man with a head of hair that women would die for. And finally, when David was old and Adonijah sought to assert himself as David's successor rather than Solomon, Joab joined him, which cost him his life (1 Kings 2:28-33). Absalom's Return to Jerusalem 24 But the king added, "He may return to his house, but he must not see my face." So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the king. Where had David gone wrong in his parenting that his sons ended up committing acts of rape, treason, and, in the case of Solomon, marrying 1000 wives and concubines and straying away from the Lord? He is a good looking man, without a single flaw. [27][28] However, archaeologists have now dated the tomb to the 1st century AD. Ahitophel or Ahithophel ( Hebrew: pel) was a counselor of King David and a man greatly renowned for his sagacity. "There is no wrong in that," replied David, "it is permitted according to the law." Absalom can be regarded as a tragic figure in biblical history. Using trickery and deception, Joab pursued his own self-serving agenda in seeking to manipulate David into bringing Absalom back to Israel. The door opens, and the Vice President of the United States steps out, engaging you in conversation. Who Was Absalom in the Bible? - Christianity I think I now understand. Who was Hushai in the Bible? - Employment Security Commission - NCESC In conclusion, Hushai was a pivotal figure in the Bible, serving as a loyal advisor to King David during Absalom's rebellion. David failed to deal with any part of this situation. They prevented Tamar from marriage and children. 2 Samuel 14:26 - Absalom's Return to Jerusalem - Bible Hub 12. A fateful battle was fought in the Wood of Ephraim (the name suggests a locality west of the Jordan) and Absalom's army was completely routed. That does not sound like she is saying, I did all this at Joab's instruction, so that you would do what was right.. Thereupon Hushai: "But thou didst disregard the connection between the passage permitting it and the one that follows almost immediately after it in the Scriptures, dealing with the disobedient and rebellious son, the natural issue of such a marriage. In this he used (or abused) his power as God's king to accomplish his sin. The kind of justice he was sure that Amnon received? Will you not tell me?" Amnon said to him, "I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister." Jonadab said to him, "Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, 'Let my sister Tamar come and give me bread to eat, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it and eat it from her hand.'" . Composer Eric Whitacre captures this moment in his song When David Heard.. x. Next is the death of Amnon at the hand (or, more accurately, at the command) of Absalom, David's son and Tamar's brother (2 Samuel 13:20-36). The song alludes to Absalom's feelings of solemnity and abandonment of love and hope. One could hardly assume it was first degree (pre-meditated) murder. We know from the story of Joseph that he loved his brothers, and he yearned to be reconciled with them. "), is the inspiration for the text of several pieces of choral music, usually entitled, "Absalom, Absalom" is a song on the 1996 Compass CD, The story of Absalom is referred to several places in folk singer. [29] In a 2013 conference, Professor Gabriel Barkay suggested that it could be the tomb of Herod Agrippa, the grandson of Herod the Great, based in part on the similarity to Herod's newly discovered tomb at Herodium. Amnon was not alone in deceiving his father. Next comes his rebellion, and the division of Israel, and finally the death of Absalom at the hand of Joab. Because of this, his sons die prematurely. Made with in California 2023. Even our Lord suffered in order to prepare Him for his glory (see Hebrews 2:10-18; 5:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11). But now keep silent, my sister, he is your brother; do not take this matter to heart. So Tamar remained and was desolate in her brother Absalom's house (2 Samuel 13:20). [35], Popular legend states that the eye of Absalom was of immense size, signifying his insatiable greed. Absalom's crime was, indeed, of a nature to deserve the supreme torture, for which reason he is one of the few Jews who have no portion in the world to come. Killing Absalom was against David's explicit command, "Beware that none touch the young man Absalom". It is better for me to serve idols than that God should be held responsible for my misfortune, and His Name thus be desecrated." After Absalom returns to Jerusalem, he conspires against David. The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. Now Absalom deceived David about his absence. Your email address will not be published. Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/anthonyjhall. If this case were to be settled in the city gate of a city of refuge, it is hard to believe the surviving son would be handed over to be executed by the avengers of the dead man. How many of us try to make our superiors look bad and to make ourselves look good? Absalom is to be under house arrest, confined to Jerusalem and his own house.75. David rightly seems to smell a rat as his encounter with the woman from Tekoa comes to a conclusion. Now David will experience powerlessness as Absalom cuts off all opportunity for David to execute justice, for his daughter Tamar, for Absalom, and even for the people of Israel (2 Samuel 15:2-6). Who is ABSALOM? - WebBible Encyclopedia - ChristianAnswers.Net The purpose of this message is to focus on Absalom, upon his character and rebellion against his father, and upon the way God used Absalom to discipline David and to draw him closer to Himself. "Barach Hamelech", an Israeli song by Amos Etinger and Yosef Hadar. Please do not leave this message or this text feeling like a failure, overcome with guilt, because one of your children has been lost to you in some way. With that said, lets analyze some verses of Davids parenting in action to see where neglect and a lack of discipline led to his sons destruction. 3 Ways Christians Can Respond to the Problem of Homelessness Today. The person of Absalom is described in 2 Samuel 14:25-27 in great detail. Thus Absalom would profit nothing by his rebellion, for, though he accomplished his father's ruin, he would yet be held to account and condemned to death for his violation of family purity, and the way to the throne would be clear for Ahithophel, the great sage in Israel."[17]). 3 But Amnon had a very crafty friendhis cousin Jonadab. Like Satan of old, Absalom sees himself as next in line for the throne. VII. This text has much to say about parenting. [11], After this murder Absalom fled to Talmai, who was the king of Geshur and Absalom's maternal grandfather. I think this is because he could not leave his house. Who is the mother of Absalom in the Bible? - Sage-Answers David loved his sons very much and they became mighty men. Absalom will thwart justice, murder his brother, and turn against his father. 3), since his sons prob. He may get angry about what happens, but he does nothing. Yes, it was Joab who was behind all this. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. 2 Samuel 14:1 KJV, "And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom." Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More. David's son Amnon was gone; his son Absalom was alive, but hiding as a fugitive from justice in the kingdom of Geshur, ruled by his grandfather, Talmai (see 2 Samuel 3:3). When David heard that Absalom was killed, although not how he was killed, he greatly sorrowed. 2 Samuel 17:26 KJV, "Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do." ; Abessalom, Apsalomos in Gr. Absalom has a rather short history of attempting to usurp his father's throne, getting chased out of town, having his hair caught on a tree branch, and, in doing so, losing his life through decapitation ( 2 Samuel 18 ). 26 And when he cut the hair of his head he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard. The third son of David born at Hebron to his third wife Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Sam 3:3). Joab was the son of Zeruiah, a sister of king David (1 Chronicles 2:15-16). Hence, Amasa was a nephew of David, and cousin of Joab, David's military commander, as well as a cousin of Absalom, David's son. Why didn't Amnon marry Tamar? As Amnon deceived David in getting him to send Tamar to his bedside, so Absalom deceives David by getting him to send Amnon to his ranch. David gives in, reluctantly, to Joab's prodding. What is Koine Greek and why was the New Testament written in it. Refusing to get a haircut can sometimes lead to death, as we learn in the case of King Davids son Absalom. What kept Amnon from marrying Tamar was the interference of Absalom, Tamar's brother. Only David's refusal of such a marriage would have prevented it.71 Why then did this not happen? If the people and their king trusted God and obeyed Him, God would continue to deliver His people and to bless them. This certainly gets Joab's attention! He greeted all in a way they would remember. ), David's response: O.K., you've got the ruling you asked for. When pressed to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth (that it was Joab), the woman tells David it was all Joab's idea, and that she was reluctant to carry out his plan. 72 Initially I thought Absalom did what he did for his sisters benefit. Adonijah's mother was Haggith, one of David's wives. Does David abuse his power, oppressing those who were powerless to oppose him? No attempt was made at concealment, for the princes were to be forced into being witnesses to a just revenge to give it due legality. Sometimes the righteous suffer for being righteous (1 Peter 4). He never expected to be king due to his illegitimate birth and having older brothers, but he became one of the greatest men in Israel. 2 Samuel 13:23 KJV, "So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel." branches of the oak-tree, he was about to sever his hair with a sword stroke, but suddenly he saw hell yawning beneath him, and he preferred to hang in the tree to throwing himself into the abyss alive. More than 1400 of her works have been featured in various publications. Answer There are three women named Tamar in Scripture. Absalom (Hebrew: .mw-parser-output .script-hebrew,.mw-parser-output .script-Hebr{font-family:"SBL Hebrew","SBL BibLit","Taamey Ashkenaz","Taamey Frank CLM","Frank Ruehl CLM","Ezra SIL","Ezra SIL SR","Keter Aram Tsova","Taamey David CLM","Keter YG","Shofar","David CLM","Hadasim CLM","Simple CLM","Nachlieli",Cardo,Alef,"Noto Serif Hebrew","Noto Sans Hebrew","David Libre",David,"Times New Roman",Gisha,Arial,FreeSerif,FreeSans} Alm, "father of peace") was the third son of David, King of Israel with Maacah, daughter of Talmai, King of Geshur. Joab, one of Davids commanders, took advantage of this situation and killed Absalom against Davids wishes. We should all purpose before God to be better parents. Amnon Amnon ( Hebrew: 'Amnn, "faithful") was, in the Hebrew Bible, the oldest son of King David and his second wife, Ahinoam of Jezreel. 75 This may seem to be a bit of a reach on my part at first, but consider the following. He was discovered there still alive by one of David's men, who reported this to Joab, the king's commander. Now, he indicated, was the time to do so. Furthermore, Absalom took Tamar into his own home, where she remained desolate the rest of her life.72. To the affectionate, chivalrous heart of David, the loss of his son, worthless and treacherous as he was, brought grief that more than outweighed his own safety and restoration. They do not prevent God from doing as He has promised; often they are the means by which God does fulfill His promises. To do this, we must look back to chapter 13, where Absalom's character is first disclosed. He did subdue many of the enemies of Israel. Why Is it Important to Remember That Jesus Was Jewish? In 1 Samuel 8, the leaders of the nation Israel confronted Samuel and demanded that he appoint a king to rule over them. Therefore David did not hesitate to submit himself to his instruction, even though Ahithophel was a very young man, at the time of his death not more than thirty-three years old.
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