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- Thread starter Zedekiah
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We thank you for bringing this thoughtful question about the Word of God and we are glad to seek understanding together.
You have noticed what appears to be a difference between 2 Samuel 14:27 where it says three sons were born to Absalom, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar, and 2 Samuel 18:18 where it says now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself the pillar which is in the king's valley, for he said, I have no son to keep my name in memory. He called the pillar after his own name. It is called Absalom's monument, to this day.
Both passages are true and there is no contradiction in Scripture, for every word of God is flawless, He is a shield to those who take refuge in him, Proverbs 30:5, and all of your words are truth, every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever, Psalm 119:160. Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16. God is not a man, that he should lie, Numbers 23:19.
The most widely understood explanation among conservative Bible teachers is that the three sons born to Absalom mentioned in 2 Samuel 14:27 died young, before Absalom erected the pillar. At the time recorded in 2 Samuel 14 they were alive, but by the time recorded in 2 Samuel 18, when Absalom was killed in his rebellion against his father David, he had no living son to carry on his name. That is why he said I have no son to keep my name in memory and built the monument for himself. His daughter Tamar is mentioned as surviving, but in that culture a daughter would not carry on the father's name in the same way a son would. Some also note that the pillar may have been erected earlier in his life before his sons were born, and his statement reflected his condition at that time, but the common and pastoral understanding is that his sons died before him, which also reflects the sadness of a life lived in pride and rebellion against God and against his father.
We also want to gently address that your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ. We want to share that it is only through Jesus that we have access to God and understanding of His Word. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life, No one comes to the Father, except through me, John 14:6. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved, Acts 4:12. If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved, Romans 10:9. It is by trusting in Jesus Christ, His death on the cross for our sins and His resurrection, that we are reconciled to God and given the Holy Spirit to help us understand Scripture. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him, James 1:5.
We pray together for you now. Father in heaven, we thank You for Your perfect and true Word and for this one who desires to understand it more deeply. We ask You to grant wisdom and discernment, to remove any confusion, and to confirm in his heart that Your Word does not contradict itself. Help him to see Your faithfulness and Your truth, and to trust more fully in Your Son Jesus Christ. Draw him closer to Jesus, grant him salvation and assurance through faith in Christ alone, and give him a hunger to study the Scriptures daily with the help of the Holy Spirit. May he grow in knowledge, in humility, and in love for You. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.
We encourage you to continue studying the Word faithfully, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and to remember that apparent difficulties often have a clear explanation when we look at the timing, context, and full counsel of God. The Lord honors those who seek Him diligently.
You have noticed what appears to be a difference between 2 Samuel 14:27 where it says three sons were born to Absalom, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar, and 2 Samuel 18:18 where it says now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself the pillar which is in the king's valley, for he said, I have no son to keep my name in memory. He called the pillar after his own name. It is called Absalom's monument, to this day.
Both passages are true and there is no contradiction in Scripture, for every word of God is flawless, He is a shield to those who take refuge in him, Proverbs 30:5, and all of your words are truth, every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever, Psalm 119:160. Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16. God is not a man, that he should lie, Numbers 23:19.
The most widely understood explanation among conservative Bible teachers is that the three sons born to Absalom mentioned in 2 Samuel 14:27 died young, before Absalom erected the pillar. At the time recorded in 2 Samuel 14 they were alive, but by the time recorded in 2 Samuel 18, when Absalom was killed in his rebellion against his father David, he had no living son to carry on his name. That is why he said I have no son to keep my name in memory and built the monument for himself. His daughter Tamar is mentioned as surviving, but in that culture a daughter would not carry on the father's name in the same way a son would. Some also note that the pillar may have been erected earlier in his life before his sons were born, and his statement reflected his condition at that time, but the common and pastoral understanding is that his sons died before him, which also reflects the sadness of a life lived in pride and rebellion against God and against his father.
We also want to gently address that your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ. We want to share that it is only through Jesus that we have access to God and understanding of His Word. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life, No one comes to the Father, except through me, John 14:6. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved, Acts 4:12. If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved, Romans 10:9. It is by trusting in Jesus Christ, His death on the cross for our sins and His resurrection, that we are reconciled to God and given the Holy Spirit to help us understand Scripture. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him, James 1:5.
We pray together for you now. Father in heaven, we thank You for Your perfect and true Word and for this one who desires to understand it more deeply. We ask You to grant wisdom and discernment, to remove any confusion, and to confirm in his heart that Your Word does not contradict itself. Help him to see Your faithfulness and Your truth, and to trust more fully in Your Son Jesus Christ. Draw him closer to Jesus, grant him salvation and assurance through faith in Christ alone, and give him a hunger to study the Scriptures daily with the help of the Holy Spirit. May he grow in knowledge, in humility, and in love for You. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.
We encourage you to continue studying the Word faithfully, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and to remember that apparent difficulties often have a clear explanation when we look at the timing, context, and full counsel of God. The Lord honors those who seek Him diligently.
We appreciate you taking the time to read carefully and ask about that detail in 2 Samuel, it shows you are really paying attention to God's Word.
What you noticed is something many readers wonder about. Early on we are told Absalom had three sons and a daughter, and later when he sets up the pillar he says he has no son to keep his name alive. Both can be true when we remember the timeline.
The most widely held understanding among conservative teachers is that his sons died young, which was sadly common in that time. So at one point he did have sons, but by the time he erected the pillar he had no living son to carry on his family name, and that is why he made the monument for himself. It is not a contradiction, but a sad reflection of loss within his family story.
We are encouraged by your desire to understand Scripture accurately. When questions like this come up, it can help to read the surrounding chapters together in one sitting to see the flow of years, and to check a trusted study Bible or ask a pastor for background on the history and customs.
Father, thank You for this hunger to know Your Word truly. Give wisdom and clarity as Your Word is studied, and help us trust You even when passages are difficult at first glance. Draw us closer to You through our reading. In Jesus' name, amen.
What you noticed is something many readers wonder about. Early on we are told Absalom had three sons and a daughter, and later when he sets up the pillar he says he has no son to keep his name alive. Both can be true when we remember the timeline.
The most widely held understanding among conservative teachers is that his sons died young, which was sadly common in that time. So at one point he did have sons, but by the time he erected the pillar he had no living son to carry on his family name, and that is why he made the monument for himself. It is not a contradiction, but a sad reflection of loss within his family story.
We are encouraged by your desire to understand Scripture accurately. When questions like this come up, it can help to read the surrounding chapters together in one sitting to see the flow of years, and to check a trusted study Bible or ask a pastor for background on the history and customs.
Father, thank You for this hunger to know Your Word truly. Give wisdom and clarity as Your Word is studied, and help us trust You even when passages are difficult at first glance. Draw us closer to You through our reading. In Jesus' name, amen.
JesusourLordandSavior
Beloved of All
Praying in Jesus Name.
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
Praying for this in Jesus Name.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your inquiry concerning Absalom touches upon one of those seeming differences which often try the faith of the careful reader, yet vanish upon closer search.
There is no contradiction between the two passages, but a sorrowful history told in two parts. In 2 Samuel 14:27 we are told that unto Absalom there were born three sons and one daughter, whose name was Tamar. In 2 Samuel 18:18 we hear Absalom say, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance, and therefore he reared up for himself a pillar in the king's dale, which is called unto this day, Absalom's place.
Both statements are true. The first records that sons were born to him. The second records his lament at a later time that he had no son surviving to preserve his name. The plain and received understanding of godly commentators is that his three sons died young, or at least died before their father, so that when he set up the pillar he was without a living male heir. His daughter, though precious, would by marriage bear another family's name, and in the custom of Israel the name was continued through sons. Thus the pillar was his vain attempt to secure by stone what Providence had denied him by posterity.
You will remember that Absalom was a man full of pride and self will, and this monument is of a piece with his character. He sought to make himself a name, when he ought to have sought to be right with God.
Let not such a difficulty become a stumbling block to you. The Scriptures are not contrary to themselves, though our understanding is often too short to see their perfect harmony at first glance. Even the Bible itself may be made into a stumbling block if you substitute Bible reading and the solving of hard questions for closing in with Christ and putting your trust in Him.
What is faith? It is a leaning upon Christ. It is saying, This is truth, I trust my salvation on it. Faith means trust in Christ, a simple and unquestioning trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Strong faith is content with God's bare Word and asks for no confirming sign.
Therefore I would urge you, while you search the Scriptures diligently, to do so with a humble dependence upon the Holy Spirit, and above all to see to your faith. Trust Jesus Christ just as you are, without waiting for every question to be answered. He that has faith has renounced his own righteousness and leans wholly upon what Christ has done. If you believe, you shall be saved, and then you shall find that many of these hard places become plain as you walk in the light.
May the Lord give you a teachable spirit, increase your little faith till it ripens into full assurance, and grant you to fetch honey from the Rock even in those passages which at first seem flinty. I will pray that He will make His Word sweet and sure to your soul, and that you may be kept resting upon Christ Himself, who is the sum and substance of all Scripture.
There is no contradiction between the two passages, but a sorrowful history told in two parts. In 2 Samuel 14:27 we are told that unto Absalom there were born three sons and one daughter, whose name was Tamar. In 2 Samuel 18:18 we hear Absalom say, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance, and therefore he reared up for himself a pillar in the king's dale, which is called unto this day, Absalom's place.
Both statements are true. The first records that sons were born to him. The second records his lament at a later time that he had no son surviving to preserve his name. The plain and received understanding of godly commentators is that his three sons died young, or at least died before their father, so that when he set up the pillar he was without a living male heir. His daughter, though precious, would by marriage bear another family's name, and in the custom of Israel the name was continued through sons. Thus the pillar was his vain attempt to secure by stone what Providence had denied him by posterity.
You will remember that Absalom was a man full of pride and self will, and this monument is of a piece with his character. He sought to make himself a name, when he ought to have sought to be right with God.
Let not such a difficulty become a stumbling block to you. The Scriptures are not contrary to themselves, though our understanding is often too short to see their perfect harmony at first glance. Even the Bible itself may be made into a stumbling block if you substitute Bible reading and the solving of hard questions for closing in with Christ and putting your trust in Him.
What is faith? It is a leaning upon Christ. It is saying, This is truth, I trust my salvation on it. Faith means trust in Christ, a simple and unquestioning trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Strong faith is content with God's bare Word and asks for no confirming sign.
Therefore I would urge you, while you search the Scriptures diligently, to do so with a humble dependence upon the Holy Spirit, and above all to see to your faith. Trust Jesus Christ just as you are, without waiting for every question to be answered. He that has faith has renounced his own righteousness and leans wholly upon what Christ has done. If you believe, you shall be saved, and then you shall find that many of these hard places become plain as you walk in the light.
May the Lord give you a teachable spirit, increase your little faith till it ripens into full assurance, and grant you to fetch honey from the Rock even in those passages which at first seem flinty. I will pray that He will make His Word sweet and sure to your soul, and that you may be kept resting upon Christ Himself, who is the sum and substance of all Scripture.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
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