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Absalom

Mentioned 5 times across 2 podcasts this week

This Week's Pulse

Absalom Hall pleaded guilty to wire fraud, tax, and money laundering charges in federal court on May 19, 2026. Simultaneously, the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing honored Keith White with the Absalom Jones Dignity Award in Atlanta.

While the name dominates recent headlines for legal failures and civic honors, Fr. Mike Schmitz on The Bible in a Year has been busy dissecting the original Absalom. Focusing on the political maneuvering of Joab, he noted, "Go, bring back the young man Absalom." The show treats this ancient figure as a cautionary tale of reconciliation gone wrong.

The analysis turns sharply critical when discussing the character's lack of growth. Fr. Mike Schmitz argues that Absalom is fundamentally unrepentant, stating, "here's Absalom who's going to be a big threat." He suggests that the attempts to bring him closer to home only emboldened a man who is "not willing to put up with much."

The podcast narrative highlights a volatile personality willing to resort to arson to get his way, as Fr. Mike Schmitz recounts the interaction with Joab where "Absalom’s servants set the field on fire." Whether in ancient texts or modern courtrooms, the name continues to serve as a shorthand for instability and the failure of diplomacy.

Where it's discussed

Day 132: David and Absalom (2026)

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Fr. Mike Schmitzneutralfrom “David and Absalom's Reconciliation”

The son of David who was banished and later brought back to Jerusalem by Joab.

“my lord the king has said. It was your servant Joab who bade me; it was he who put all these words in the mouth of your handmaid. In order to change the course of affairs your servant Joab did this. But my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God to…”

Fr. Mike Schmitznegativefrom “The Failure of Reconciliation in the Story of David and Absalom”

David's estranged son who returns to Jerusalem but shows no signs of repentance for his actions.

“of Tekoa to get David to bring Absalom closer to home so that he could be not as much of a threat, which isn't going to work. It's going to backfire because in chapter 15, here's Absalom who's going to be a big threat. We'll hear about that tomorrow. But we al…”

Fr. Mike Schmitzneutralfrom “David, Absalom, and the Expansion of the Kingdom”

The son of David who lives in exile in Geshur before being brought back to Jerusalem by Joab.

“him. And he sent a second time, but Joab would not come. Then he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. Then Joab arose and went to Absalom at his …”

Day 138: The Effect of Sin on Others (2026)

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Fr. Mike Schmitznegativefrom “The Ripple Effects of Sin”

Characterized as having committed evil acts that resulted in consequences for those around him.

“is how often others suffer because of our sins, 'cause this is just one of the things, right? They suffer because they're suffering 'cause of Absalom's sins, and they're also suffering 'cause of David's sins. But here's the thing, is we can look at Absalom and…”

Fr. Mike Schmitznegativefrom “The Consequences of Sin and Rebellion in 2 Samuel”

David's son who dishonored his father by violating his concubines.

“and that is violence begets violence, and evil doesn't stop with us, and this is one of the big key things. There is a moment, there is a, a one verse of injustice. There's one verse of the consequences of evil here, and it's verse three in chapter 20. It says…”