Absalom

:Absalom, Absalom! is also a novel by William Faulkner.

Related Topics:
Absalom, Absalom! - William Faulkner

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:Absalom is also a name given by Dryden to the Duke of Monmouth, son of Charles II. See Absalom and Achitophel

Related Topics:
Dryden - Duke of Monmouth - Charles II - Absalom and Achitophel

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Absalom or Avshalom (אַבְשָׁלוֹם "Father/Leader of/is peace", Standard Hebrew Avšalom, Tiberian Hebrew ʾAḇšālôm), in the

Related Topics:
Standard Hebrew - Tiberian Hebrew

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Bible, is the third son of David, king of Israel. He was deemed

Related Topics:
Bible - David - Israel

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the handsomest man in the kingdom.

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His sister Tamar had

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been raped by David's eldest son, Amnon, who was in love with her. Absalom, after waiting two years, revenged by sending his servants to murder Amnon at a feast to which he had invited all the king's sons (2 Samuel 13):

Related Topics:
Amnon - Samuel

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"18. And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

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19. And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.

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20. And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house....

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22. And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

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23. And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.

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28. Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant."

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After this deed he fled to Talmai, "king" of Geshur (see Joshua 12:5 or 13:2), his maternal grandfather, and it was not until five years later that he was fully reinstated in his father's favour (see Joab.)

Related Topics:
Geshur - Joab

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Four years after this he raised a revolt at Hebron, the former capital. Absalom was now the eldest surviving son of David, and the present position of the narratives (15-20)--after the birth of Solomon and before the struggle between Solomon and Adonijah---may represent the view that the suspicion that he was not the destined heir of his father's throne excited the impulsive youth to

Related Topics:
Hebron - Solomon

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rebellion.

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All Israel and Judah flocked to his side, and David, attended only by the Cherethites and Pelethites and some recent recruits from Gath, found it expedient to flee.

Related Topics:
Cherethites - Pelethites

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The priests remained behind in Jerusalem, and their sons Jonathan and Ahimaaz served as his spies. Absalom reached the capital and took counsel with the renowned Ahithophel.

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The pursuit was continued and David took refuge beyond the Jordan River.

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A battle was fought in the "wood of Ephraim" (the name suggests a locality west of the Jordan) and Absalom's army was completely routed. He himself, having long hair, was caught by his hair in the boughs of an oak-tree, and as David had strictly charged his men to deal gently with the young man, Joab was informed.

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What a common soldier refused to do even for a thousand shekels of silver, the king's general at once undertook.

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Joab thrust three spears through the heart of Absalom as he struggled in the branches and his ten armour-bearers came around and slew him.

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Despite the revolt, David was overwhelmed with grief and ordered a great heap of stones to be erected where he fell, whilst another monument near Jerusalem (not the modern "Absalom Tomb" - "Yad Avshalom" which is of later origin was erected by Avshalom in his lifetime to perpetuate his name 2 Samuel 18:

Related Topics:
Grief - Jerusalem - Yad Avshalom

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"18. Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a monument, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's monument."

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