Illustration created for this project.
Absalom
A handsome son of David who rebelled and seized the throne, and died caught by his hair in an oak.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Scholarly — supported scholarly belief · 1
Life, role & deeds
BibleA handsome son of David who won the people's hearts, rebelled, and seized the throne.
2 Samuel 15:6
↳
David
Death & legacy
ScholarlyA rock-cut monument in the Kidron Valley — 'Absalom's Pillar' — has been linked to him by tradition (2 Samuel 18:18), though the standing structure is later.
Tomb of Absalom, Kidron Valley
Where in scripture
2 Samuel1 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesPsalms
2 Samuel 3:32 Samuel 15:62 Samuel 18:92 Samuel 19:12 Samuel 19:42 Samuel 19:62 Samuel 19:92 Samuel 19:102 Samuel 20:61 Kings 1:61 Kings 2:71 Kings 2:281 Kings 15:21 Kings 15:101 Chronicles 3:22 Chronicles 11:202 Chronicles 11:21Psalms 3:1
Family
In their own words — 15 recorded sayings
“And her brother Absalom said to her, Has your brother Amnon been with you? but now, let there be an end to your crying, my sister: he is your brother, do not take this thing to heart. So Tamar went on living uncomforted in her brother's house.” — 2 Samuel 13:20
“And Absalom came to the king and said, See now, your servant is cutting the wool of his sheep; will the king and his servants be pleased to come?” — 2 Samuel 13:24
“Then Absalom said, If you will not go, then let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said to him, Is there any reason for him to go with you?” — 2 Samuel 13:26
“Now Absalom had given orders to his servants, saying, Now take note when Amnon's heart is glad with wine; and when I say to you, Make an attack on Amnon, then put him to death without fear: have I not given you orders? be strong and without fear.” — 2 Samuel 13:28
“So he said to his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley in it; go and put it on fire. And Absalom's servants put the field on fire.” — 2 Samuel 14:30
“And Absalom's answer was, See, I sent to you saying, Come here, so that I may send you to the king to say, Why have I come back from Geshur? it would be better for me to be there still: let me now see the king's face, and if there is any sin in me, let him put me to death.” — 2 Samuel 14:32
“And Absalom got up early, morning after morning, and took his place at the side of the public meeting-place: and when any man had a cause which had to come to the king to be judged, then Absalom, crying out to him, said, What is your town? and he would say, Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.” — 2 Samuel 15:2
“And Absalom would say to him, See, your cause is true and right; but no man has been named by the king to give you a hearing. And more than this, Absalom said, If only I was made judge in the land, so that every man who has any cause or question might come to me, and I would give a right decision for him!” — 2 Samuel 15:3-4
…and 7 more recorded sayings.
Speaker attribution: Clear Bible MACULA (CC BY 4.0). Wording: Bible in Basic English (public domain).
In art
