Background: Absalom, the third son of King David, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his striking appearance and tumultuous life. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel. Absalom's life was marked by rebellion against his father, King David, which ultimately led to his untimely death.

Rebellion and Death: Absalom's rebellion against David is a significant event in the biblical narrative. After winning the hearts of the people of Israel, Absalom declared himself king in Hebron, leading to a civil war between his followers and those loyal to David. The conflict culminated in the Battle of the Forest of Ephraim, where Absalom's forces were defeated.

Absalom's death is described in 2 Samuel 18. As he fled on a mule, his hair became entangled in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him hanging in midair. Joab, the commander of David's army, took advantage of this vulnerable position and killed Absalom, despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with him.

Burial: The burial of Absalom is a poignant moment in the biblical account. After his death, Absalom's body was taken down from the tree and cast into a large pit in the forest. A great heap of stones was raised over him as a burial marker. This act of covering his body with stones was a customary practice for those who died in disgrace or as enemies. The account in 2 Samuel 18:17 states: "They took Absalom, threw him into a large pit in the forest, and piled up a great heap of stones over him. And all Israel fled, each to his home."

Absalom's Monument: Interestingly, prior to his death, Absalom had erected a monument for himself in the King's Valley, as he had no sons to carry on his name. This monument, known as Absalom's Pillar, is mentioned in 2 Samuel 18:18 : "During his lifetime, Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King’s Valley, for he said, 'I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.' So he named the pillar after himself, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument."

Significance: Absalom's burial and the monument he erected for himself serve as reminders of his ambition and tragic end. His account is a complex narrative of familial strife, ambition, and the consequences of rebellion. The manner of his burial, with a heap of stones, contrasts with the monument he built, highlighting the disparity between his aspirations and his ultimate fate.