or (shortened) אַבְשָׁלוֹם ; from אָב and שָׁלוֹם; father of peace (i.e. friendly); Abshalom, a son of David; also (the fuller form) a later Israelite; Abishalom, Absalom.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĂbîyshâlôwm**, represented by `{{H53}}`, along with its shortened form **ʼAbshâlôwm**, is a name meaning **father of peace**. It is derived from the words for father `{{H1}}` and peace. Appearing **111 times** across **92 unique verses**, the name is primarily associated with Absalom, a son of King David. Despite its peaceful meaning, the name belongs to one of the most tragic figures in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H53}}` is central to a story of family strife, rebellion, and civil war. As David's son [[2 Samuel 13:1]], Absalom's life is marked by violence, beginning with his command to kill his brother Amnon in revenge for forcing his sister Tamar ([[2 Samuel 13:28]], [[2 Samuel 13:22]]). After fleeing, Absalom orchestrates a conspiracy to usurp his father's throne, sending spies throughout Israel to declare that he reigns in Hebron [[2 Samuel 15:10]]. The rebellion becomes so strong that David is forced to flee Jerusalem [[Psalms 3:1]]. Absalom's downfall is dramatic; while riding a mule, his head is caught in the boughs of a great oak, leading to his death [[2 Samuel 18:9]]. The story culminates in King David's profound grief and his famous lament for his son [[2 Samuel 18:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial to understanding the narrative of `{{H53}}`:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): Absalom is identified as the **son** of David [[2 Samuel 13:1]]. The word is poignantly repeated in David's mourning cry, "O my **son** Absalom, my **son**, my **son** Absalom!" [[2 Samuel 18:33]].
* `{{H1}}` **ʼâb** (father): Absalom's story is one of conflict with his **father**, David. He deliberately acts to be abhorred by his **father** to strengthen his position with the conspirators [[2 Samuel 16:21]].
* `{{H7195}}` **qesher** (conspiracy): This word describes Absalom's organized rebellion against the king. The **conspiracy** grew strong, with the people continually increasing with Absalom [[2 Samuel 15:12]].
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): This highlights Absalom's ultimate ambition. He instructed his followers that upon hearing the trumpet, they should proclaim, "Absalom **reigneth** in Hebron" [[2 Samuel 15:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of the story of `{{H53}}` is significant, exploring themes of rebellion, divine justice, and grief.
* **Rebellion and Treason:** Absalom’s actions represent a direct assault on God-ordained authority. He initiated a conspiracy [[2 Samuel 15:12]], gathered men for battle [[2 Samuel 17:1]], and usurped the throne from his own father.
* **Consequences of Sin:** The entire tragic arc is portrayed as a cycle of sin leading to consequences. It begins with Amnon's sin against Tamar, which leads Absalom to commit murder [[2 Samuel 13:28]]. Shimei later frames the rebellion as a divine consequence for the blood of Saul's house [[2 Samuel 16:8]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The narrative explicitly states that God was at work in the events. The LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring evil upon Absalom [[2 Samuel 17:14]], directly answering David’s prayer [[2 Samuel 15:31]].
* **Parental Grief:** The story provides one of scripture's most powerful depictions of parental sorrow. David's lament over his rebellious son reveals the deep personal cost of sin and conflict, even for a king [[2 Samuel 18:33]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H53}}` **ʼĂbîyshâlôwm** is a name tragically ironic in its meaning. Absalom is a pivotal character in a cautionary tale of ambition, vengeance, and betrayal. His life illustrates the devastating ripple effects of sin within a family and a nation. From his calculated hatred for his brother [[2 Samuel 13:22]] to his widespread conspiracy against his father [[2 Samuel 15:12]], Absalom's story is a stark reminder of the destructive nature of pride and rebellion, ending in his own demise and the unforgettable sorrow of his father.
TRV