Absalom's hair

My hair caught on a branch as I was mowing under a tree this morning. That hurt! I had to struggle to escape. I tried shaking off the branch, but it wouldn't release me.

I didn't want to let go of the mower because I didn't want to restart it. Wasn't that ridiculous?

I must have looked ridiculous, too. Hanging by the hair in a strange, very uncomfortable crouch while hanging onto the mower. Not a pretty picture. I hope the homeowner wasn't looking out the window.

Finally, I let go of the mower and used both hands to untangle my hair. I could feel my hair standing up on top and in back. I must have looked as if I'd seen a ghost. I had no comb to undo the knots.

When we returned to headquarters, I hurriedly put on my hat to cover up my frightful hairdo.

While hooked to the tree, I felt like Absalom in the Bible when he rebelled against his father, King David.

II Samuel 18:9 and 14: "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 head got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.

[Joab, David's general] took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom's heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree. And ten of Joab's armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him."

Ironically, Absalom was considered to be the most handsome man in the kingdom and he was very vain about his long, beautiful hair. His vanity became his downfall.

Luckily for me, the tree was the only enemy. I didn't have an angry general who wanted to stab me through the heart.

As I was looking for illustrations to go with this post, I found this one on "One Year Bible Blog", a blog that features daily devotions and a one-year Bible study reading plan.

I don't know where the blogger found this image, but it reminds me of a still from a bad silent movie. Look at the heavy black makeup around Absalom's eyes! And check out the art deco costumes.