2 samuel 14:26 - When he cut the hair of his head (now it was at every year’s end that he cut it; because it was heavy on him, therefore he cut it); he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels, after the king’s weight.
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What does "2 samuel 14:26" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 14:26 describes Absalom's impressive and unusual head of hair. Let's break it down:
"When he cut the hair of his head (now it was at every year’s end that he cut it..." This indicates that Absalom only cut his hair once a year.
"...because it was heavy on him, therefore he cut it)..." Absalom's hair grew so thick and long that it became a burden. He cut it not for vanity but because it was physically uncomfortable.
"...he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels, after the king’s weight." This is the most remarkable part. After cutting his hair, he weighed it, and it came to 200 shekels.
The Significance of the Weight:
A Sign of Strength and Beauty: Long hair was often considered a sign of strength, virility, and beauty in ancient cultures. Absalom's exceptional hair likely contributed to his perceived attractiveness and allure.
A Symbol of Pride: While the verse says he cut it because it was heavy, the fact that he weighed it suggests a certain amount of pride in his hair. He was aware of its significance and its contribution to his image.
The Weight Itself: 200 shekels is a substantial amount. While the exact weight of a shekel in that period is debated, it would have been a considerable amount of hair, implying a very thick and fast-growing head of hair. Some estimate the weight to be around 5 pounds.
Possible Interpretations and Connections to the Story:
Absalom's vanity: Although the verse states he cut it because it was heavy, the act of weighing it suggests a certain pride and self-importance. This vanity is consistent with Absalom's character, as he craved attention and power.
Foreshadowing: Some scholars see Absalom's abundant hair as a foreshadowing of his downfall. In 2 Samuel 18, Absalom is caught by his hair in a tree, leading to his death. His source of pride and beauty ultimately becomes his undoing.
In conclusion, this verse highlights Absalom's extraordinary hair, which was both a source of pride and a physical burden. It emphasizes his striking physical appearance and perhaps foreshadows his tragic end, where his hair contributes to his demise.
2 samuel 14:26 - When he cut the hair of his head (now it was at every year’s end that he cut it; because it was heavy on him, therefore he cut it); he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels, after the king’s weight.
What does "2 samuel 14:26" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 14:26 describes Absalom's impressive and unusual head of hair. Let's break it down:
"When he cut the hair of his head (now it was at every year’s end that he cut it..." This indicates that Absalom only cut his hair once a year.
"...because it was heavy on him, therefore he cut it)..." Absalom's hair grew so thick and long that it became a burden. He cut it not for vanity but because it was physically uncomfortable.
"...he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels, after the king’s weight." This is the most remarkable part. After cutting his hair, he weighed it, and it came to 200 shekels.
The Significance of the Weight:
A Sign of Strength and Beauty: Long hair was often considered a sign of strength, virility, and beauty in ancient cultures. Absalom's exceptional hair likely contributed to his perceived attractiveness and allure.
A Symbol of Pride: While the verse says he cut it because it was heavy, the fact that he weighed it suggests a certain amount of pride in his hair. He was aware of its significance and its contribution to his image.
The Weight Itself: 200 shekels is a substantial amount. While the exact weight of a shekel in that period is debated, it would have been a considerable amount of hair, implying a very thick and fast-growing head of hair. Some estimate the weight to be around 5 pounds.
Possible Interpretations and Connections to the Story:
Absalom's vanity: Although the verse states he cut it because it was heavy, the act of weighing it suggests a certain pride and self-importance. This vanity is consistent with Absalom's character, as he craved attention and power.
Foreshadowing: Some scholars see Absalom's abundant hair as a foreshadowing of his downfall. In 2 Samuel 18, Absalom is caught by his hair in a tree, leading to his death. His source of pride and beauty ultimately becomes his undoing.
In conclusion, this verse highlights Absalom's extraordinary hair, which was both a source of pride and a physical burden. It emphasizes his striking physical appearance and perhaps foreshadows his tragic end, where his hair contributes to his demise.