Absalom was the third son born to King David. He was of royal descent on both sides of his family. His mother, Maacah, was the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. Not only was he privileged royalty, he was also blessed with good looks: “But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him” (2 Sam. 14:25). Absalom had a commanding presence and a natural beauty. His charm and smooth words would woo the hearts of Israel (2 Sam. 15:1-6). Perhaps they thought him to be a God-sent champion who could eventually fill the shoes of David, his father. This young man had the world at his fingertips. Absalom could have been a hero in Israel, and went down in infamy.
Unfortunately, that’s not what happened. Absalom’s anger concerning Amnon’s treatment of his sister Tamar, and David’s lack of disciplinary measures, led to his eventual revolt against his father’s kingdom and the murder of Amnon (2 Sam. 13:20-39).
Prior to Absalom’s rebellion, he built for himself a pillar in the king’s dale (2 Sam. 18:18). It could have been the place where they would have laid the future hero of Israel. That marble mausoleum could have held that flawless, unblemished body. But that pillar would be empty in just a few short years. It would be a tomb without a tenet. It could have been a pillar and resting place that could have been celebrated by generations of Israelites. But instead Absalom’s body was buried beneath a stone pile (2 Sam. 18:17-18). Like a dead dog, buried in the forest, he would be forgotten when he could have been remembered.
Absalom’s empty tomb, which is still erect in Israel to this day, represents what could have been. However, there is another tomb that stands empty in the Bible. It is the empty tomb of Jesus Christ, the true son of David.
The first tomb speaks of a wasted life. The second tomb speaks of victory and a glorious completed work. The tomb of Absalom speaks of failure and disappointment that wasn’t built on God. The tomb of Jesus speaks of life that lives forever because it lives unto God. The empty tomb of Jesus displays redemption and the forgiveness of sins.