*Absalom’s story is told in 2 Samuel 3:3,13-19
Who is Absalom?
- Absalom is the third son of King David and his wife Maacah, who was the daughter of King Talmai of Geshur.
- His story is mostly contained within the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles in the Bible.
- Absalom is renowned for his handsome appearance, particularly his impressive hair, which symbolized his pride and vanity.
Strengths and Accomplishments
- Absalom was a charismatic leader, using his charm and good looks to win the people’s favor (2 Samuel 14:25-26).
- Demonstrated strong determination and resourcefulness, including when he avenged his sister’s dishonor by orchestrating the murder of his half-brother, Amnon (2 Samuel 13:28-29).
- Successfully staged a coup against his father, David, and for a time, ruled as the king of Israel (2 Samuel 15:1-10).
Weaknesses and Mistakes
- Absalom was driven by revenge and personal ambition, which led him to murder his half-brother Amnon (2 Samuel 13:28-29).
- His vanity and pride, symbolized by his hair, ultimately led to his downfall (2 Samuel 18:9).
- He rebelled against his father, leading to civil war, chaos, and his eventual death (2 Samuel 15-18).
Lessons from Absalom’s Life
- The importance of humility: Absalom’s pride led him to overthrow his father and eventually led to his downfall. This story teaches the importance of humility and respect for authority.
- The consequences of unchecked ambition: Absalom’s ambition resulted in his self-destruction, serving as a stark reminder of the danger of unchecked ambition.
- The cost of revenge: Absalom’s quest for revenge against Amnon led him down a destructive path, reminding us of the dire consequences that can result from a vengeful heart.
Key Verses (NIV Version)
- “In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him.” (2 Samuel 14:25)
- “Then Absalom would say to him, ‘Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.'” (2 Samuel 15:3)
- “Absalom happened to meet David’s men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.” (2 Samuel 18:9)