Absalom, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is noted for his striking appearance and complex family dynamics. He was the third son of King David, born to Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). Absalom's physical appearance is described in the Scriptures with particular emphasis on his extraordinary beauty and his luxuriant hair, which played a significant role in his account.

Appearance:

Absalom is renowned for his handsome appearance, which is explicitly mentioned in the Bible. In 2 Samuel 14:25, it is written: "Now in all Israel there was no man as handsome as Absalom, so highly praised; from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him." This description highlights Absalom's physical perfection, which was unmatched in Israel, making him a figure of admiration and envy.

One of the most distinctive features of Absalom was his hair. The Bible provides a detailed account of his hair's weight and significance: "And when he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it at the end of every year because it became too heavy for him—the weight of the hair from his head was two hundred shekels by the royal standard" (2 Samuel 14:26). This detail underscores not only the abundance of his hair but also its symbolic weight, which later becomes a pivotal element in the narrative of his life and death.

Family:

Absalom's family background is equally significant in understanding his character and actions. As the son of King David, Absalom was part of the royal lineage, which afforded him a position of influence and expectation. His mother, Maacah, was a princess from Geshur, indicating a political alliance through marriage between David and the neighboring kingdom.

Absalom had several siblings, including his sister Tamar and his half-brother Amnon. The tragic incident involving Tamar and Amnon is a crucial event in Absalom's life. Amnon's violation of Tamar led to Absalom's deep-seated hatred for his half-brother, culminating in Amnon's murder at Absalom's command (2 Samuel 13:28-29). This act of vengeance set off a chain of events that would eventually lead to Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David.

Absalom had three sons and a daughter, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 14:27: "Three sons were born to Absalom, and a daughter named Tamar, who was a beautiful woman." The naming of his daughter Tamar is a poignant reminder of his beloved sister, reflecting Absalom's enduring affection and the impact of family ties on his life.

Absalom's account is a complex tapestry of beauty, ambition, familial loyalty, and tragedy. His appearance and family relationships are intricately woven into the narrative of his rise and fall, offering profound insights into the dynamics of King David's household and the broader themes of justice, retribution, and the consequences of sin within the biblical text.