Absalom
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Hebrew Avshalom — father of peace) (2 Sam. 3:3) — third son of David, by Maacah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, famed for his beauty, especially his long, thick hair, which when he cut it once a year, weighed 200 shekels by the king’s weight (2 Sam. 14:25–26). Absalom had a beautiful sister, named Tamar, whom his brother Amnon, having fallen in love with her, violated by force. Absalom nursed a hidden hatred against Amnon, and two years later, at a feast held on the occasion of sheep-shearing, ordered his servants to kill him (2 Sam. 13:29).
Following this, he fled to his maternal grandfather, Talmai, king of Geshur, in Syria. Having spent three years there and obtained, through Joab’s intercession, permission to return home, he did not abandon hope of restoration, and achieved reconciliation with his father only through persistence (2 Sam. 14).