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2 Samuel 14:25, 26
25 In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him. 26 Whenever he cut the hair of his head—he used to cut his hair once a year because it became too heavy for him—he would weigh it, and its weight was two hundred shekels by the royal standard.
What's the point of weighing his hair?
Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament offers this rather obvious comment:
A strong growth of hair was a sign of great manly power, and so far a proof of Absalom's beauty.
The point of this piece of information is significant in the story for recording that Absalom's hair was both abundant, thick and strong. It made a significant contribution to his good looks and general appeal.
Thus, the story plot line is set - the most handsome man in the country is also the most vain who is eventually destroyed by the very thing that made him great - his hair. 2 Sam 18:9 -
Now Absalom happened to meet David’s men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.
Thus, Absalom was helpless and shortly thereafter was executed by Joab.
The whole story "works" because the main character's downfall is caused by the very thing that he used to make himself great - his handsome appearance and beautiful hair.
Barnes also observes the same:
would seem that the two things which his vain-glory boasted in, the royal mule, and the magnificent head of hair by which he was caught in the "oak" (rather, terebinth or turpentine tree), both contributed to his untimely death.
Thus, the weight of the hair (200 shekels - possibly 2.5 kg or almost 6 pounds) is a great deal and would have given Absalom a very strong neck to endure a sudden hanging in a tree - enough to snap the neck of a lesser person.
In Bible Numerics the number 200 shows us "INSUFFICENCY".
We can see this in the Gospel Of John with the feeding of the 5000 (however when both women and children and bald headed babies are added, its a great number). Jesus there used his conversation with Philip to teach us that 200 = "INSUFFIENCY". King James.
Again after his resurrection and when he was on the sea shore. His disciples were 200 cubits off -shore. "INSUFFICIENCY".200 cubits short of Jesus until they saw him.To UNDERSTAND is the key.Not just see and read.
With Absalom, again 200 comes in to play. INSUFFICIENT to a close relationship.Even 'beauty' won't cut.
So the takeaway is simple.
In life, our life - there will be "INSUFFIENCY" without Jesus. He wants our heart not head. He wants a very close personal relationship. Like in Genesis when he came down in the cool of the day and spoke with Adam and Eve.A relationship. He wants to DWELL within us.See Exodus 29:44 &45 He wants to WALK within us.Leviticus 26:11 &12 He wants us to be his people. Exodus 6:7 He wants to be our God. He wants us to be his children. He wants to be a father to us. See 2Corinthians 6:16,17 and 18 He wants us to CLEAVE to HIM And He will put a song in your heart.Psalm 40:2 Bless ya Den
