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Absalom
Third son of David, king of Israel, by Maacah. Renowned for his exceptional beauty, particularly his long hair. Full brother of Tamar. After Amnon raped Tamar, Absalom killed him and fled into exile for years. Returning to Jerusalem, he led a rebellion against David, briefly seizing the throne before being defeated and killed by Joab. David’s grief at his death produced the famous lament: “O Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 18:33).
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