Old Testament · United Monarchy
Absalom
Who was Absalom?
Absalom was a handsome son of David who led a rebellion against his father and died caught in an oak tree.
RoleRebellious son of David
EraUnited Monarchy
FatherDavid
Known forRebellion against David
DeathCaught in an oak tree
Famed for his beauty and long hair, Absalom won the people’s hearts and conspired to seize his father’s throne, forcing David to flee Jerusalem.
In the battle that followed, Absalom’s hair caught in the branches of an oak, leaving him hanging helpless, and David’s commander killed him against the king’s orders.
David’s anguished cry — “O Absalom, my son, my son!” — is one of Scripture’s most piercing laments.
Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
2 Samuel 15:6 “Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” 2 Samuel 18:33 “The king was shaken and went up to the gate chamber and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!””
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Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.