ABSALOM, son of David, by Maacah, was the handsomest man in Israel, and had the finest head of hair, 2 Sam. xiv. 25. When his hair was cut at a certain time, because it incommoded him, its weight was 200 shekels, by the king's standard; that is, probably, about 30 ounces — on extraordinary, but not incredible, weight. Amnon, another of the king's sons, having violated his sister Tamar, Absalom re solved to revenge her dishonor, but for some time had no opportunity to carry his design into effect. At the end of two years, however, he invited all the royal family to a shearing-feast, at Baal-hazor, where Amnon was assassinated by his direction. Apprehensive of his father's displeasure, Absalom retired to Geshur, where he continued for three years, under the protection of the king, his grandfather, 2 Sam. xiii. Joab having procured David's consent, Absalom returned to Jerusalem, although he was not permitted to come into the presence of the king. For two years he remained in disgrace, but at length David, at the intercession of Joab, again received him into favor, ch. xiv.

Absalom now, considering himself as presumptive heir to the crown, set up a magnificent equipage ; and every morning came to the palace gate, where, calling to him familiarly all who had business, and came to demand justice, he kindly inquired into their case, insinuated the great difficulty of obtaining their suits, and thus by degrees alienated the hearts of the people from his father, and attached them to him self. When he thought he might openly declare himself, he desired permission from the king to go to Hebron, under pretense of performing some vow, which he had made during his abode at Geshur, 2 Sam. xv. 1 — 9. He went, therefore, to Hebron, at tended by two hundred men, who followed him without the least knowledge of his rebellious design. At the same time, he sent emissaries throughout Israel, with orders to sound the trumpet, and pro claim that Absalom was king at Hebron. There was soon a great resort of people to him, and he was acknowledged by the major part of the nation. David and his officers fled from Jerusalem, whither Absalom immediately went, and was received as king. Ahithophel advised him publicly to abuse his father's concubines, to convince the people that the breach was beyond reconciliation, and also, that troops might be sent instantly in pursuit of David ; but Hushai, David's friend, who feigned to follow the popular party, diverted him from complying with this counsel, 2 Sam. xv. 10

The next day, Absalom marched against David with all his forces, and having crossed the Jordan, prepared to attack the king, his father. David put his troops under the command of Joab ; the rebel army was routed, and 20,000 were killed. Absalom, mounted on a mule, fled through the forest of Ephraim, where, passing under an oak, his hair be came entangled in the branches, and his mule, going swiftly, left him suspended. A soldier informed Joab of the occurrence, who took three darts, and thrust them through Absalom's heart; and while he was yet breathing, and hanging on the oak, ten of Joab's armor-bearers also smote him. His body was cast into a pit, and a heap of stones raised over it, 2 Sam. xviii. 1 — 17.

Absalom, having lost his children, and being desirous to perpetuate his name in Israel, erected a pillar in the king's valley, 2 Sam. xviii. 18. Josephus says (Ant. vii. 10. 3.) it was a marble column, standing about two furlongs from Jerusalem. A monument bearing his name, is still shown in the valley of Jehoshaphat, but is evidently not of ancient origin.