Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 14 - Verse 26

This verse from the Bible is found in the book of 2 Samuel, Chapter 14, verse 26. It describes the meticulous grooming habits of Absalom, the son of King David. Absalom was known for his long, thick hair, which he would cut once a year because it became too heavy for him to manage. In those times, hair was a symbol of strength and masculinity, so Absalom's decision to cut it annually was significant. The verse even goes on to mention that when he cut his hair, it weighed two hundred shekels, which was an extravagant amount. This act of cutting his hair was a display of vanity, power, and perhaps even rebellion against his father, King David. It showcases the attention to detail and extravagance that was prevalent in the ancient Near East, where even grooming practices carried deep symbolic meaning.

One theological interpretation of this verse is that it demonstrates the extreme vanity and pride of Absalom, son of King David. The act of polling his head and weighing his hair at two hundred shekels was a symbol of his excessive self-absorption and desire for attention. The fact that he did this every year suggests a deep-seated insecurity that drove him to seek validation through his physical appearance. The reference to the hair being heavy on him could also be interpreted as a metaphor for the burden of his sin and rebellion against his father, King David. Additionally, the emphasis on the weight being measured according to the king's standard could signify Absalom's delusions of grandeur and desire to surpass even his own father in status and power. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and self-centeredness, as Absalom's arrogance ultimately leads to his downfall.