Did Absalom truly have no sons, given that 2 Samuel 14:27 mentions he had three sons?

This is a common point of discussion among scholars. 2 Samuel 14:27 explicitly states that Absalom had three sons and one daughter. Several explanations are plausible for his statement in 2 Samuel 18:18: *

His sons may have died young, before he erected the pillar, leaving him without male heirs to carry on his name. This was a common tragedy in ancient times. *

Unworthiness/Incapacity:

Perhaps his sons were deemed unsuitable or incapable of carrying on his name and legacy in the grand manner he envisioned. *

Timing of Construction:

The pillar might have been erected before his sons were born, or at a time when he was uncertain about having a male heir who would survive him. *

Absalom's statement could be a rhetorical expression of his intense desire for a *guaranteed* and *glorious* remembrance, implying that his sons might not achieve the level of fame he craved. Regardless of the precise reason, the statement underscores Absalom's deep anxiety about his legacy and his determination to secure it through a physical monument.

What was the "king's dale" and why was it significant?

The "king's dale" (עֵמֶק הַמֶּלֶךְ, *emek hammelek*) is widely identified with the Kidron Valley, a prominent valley located to the east of Jerusalem. This valley was a significant geographical feature, often associated with royal activities and burials. Its proximity to Jerusalem, the capital city and seat of David's kingdom, made it a highly visible and symbolic location. For Absalom to erect his pillar here was a deliberate act of public display, positioning his monument in a place of royal significance. It was a bold statement of his ambition and his desire for his name to be perpetually linked with the very heart of the kingdom, reinforcing his claim to the throne and his desire for an enduring royal legacy.

Why is this verse inserted at this specific point in the narrative, immediately after Absalom's death?

The placement of 2 Samuel 18:18 is a powerful narrative device employed by the biblical author. It functions as an authorial interjection or explanatory note, providing crucial background information about Absalom's character and motivations at the very moment his life ends. Its strategic insertion creates a profound sense of

. Absalom, who meticulously built a grand monument to secure his name and legacy, is immediately after this verse described as being buried ignominiously in a pit under a heap of stones (2 Samuel 18:17). This juxtaposition highlights the futility of human pride and self-exaltation. The verse serves to underscore Absalom's vanity and his desperate fear of oblivion, making his inglorious end even more poignant and meaningful for the reader. It emphasizes that despite his efforts, his ultimate remembrance is tied to his rebellion and tragic fall, rather than the glorious legacy he sought.

18:17 18:17

2 Samuel 18:18

18:19 18:19

Bible Versions

Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, 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 place.

Now Absalom {H53} in his lifetime {H2416} had taken {H3947} and reared up {H5324} for himself a pillar {H4678}, which is in the king's {H4428} dale {H6010}: for he said {H559}, I have no son {H1121} to keep my name {H8034} in remembrance {H2142}: and he called {H7121} the pillar {H4678} after his own name {H8034}: and it is called {H7121} unto this day {H3117}, Absalom's {H53} place {H3027}.

In his own lifetime Avshalom had taken and raised for himself the pillar which stands in the King's Valley; because he said, "I don't have a son to preserve the memory of my name." So he named the pillar after himself, and it's called Avshalom's Monument to this day.

During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument.

Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself the pillar, 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 Absalom’s monument, unto this day.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Genesis 14:17

¶ And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that [were] with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which [is] the king's dale.
2 Samuel 14:27

And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name [was] Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.
Daniel 4:30

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
1 Samuel 15:12

And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.
Acts 1:18

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
Acts 1:19

And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
Genesis 11:9

Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

Bible Versions

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