Absalom, the third son of David, his only one by Maachah, and especially distinguished for beauty. Instigated possibly by ambition, but ostensibly by the rape of his sister Tamar, he slew Amnon, his eldest half-brother, and subsequently raised a rebellion and obtained a momentary possession of the throne. By the adroit management of Joab he was overthrown and slain. With all his want of filial affection, David loved him, and mourned his death.