2 Samuel 14 Footnotes

14:26 How was it possible for Absalom to grow five pounds of hair on his head in a year? Absalom’s hair as he wore it weighed five pounds. He may have been quite hairy, but also probably had adornments in his beard and hair—intended to make them look more impressive—that added to the weight of his facial hair.

14:27 According to 18:18, Absalom had no sons. The present verse probably reflects the earlier history of Absalom’s family. If so, he fathered three sons, all of whom preceded him in death. Therefore Absalom built the monument mentioned in 18:18 to ensure that his name would be remembered in future generations, and perhaps secondarily as a tribute to his dead sons.