The answer is: Oak

2 Sam 18:9-10

In the drama of 2 Samuel, the story of Absalom getting caught in an oak tree unveils layers of family strife, the consequences of ambition, and the weight of betrayal. Absalom, King David's son, had mounted a rebellion against his father, unfolding one of the most tragic narratives in the Bible.

Now, the oak tree symbolizes more than just a physical entity in the story. Oaks are often seen as powerful and majestic—strong enough to withstand storms, much like a father's love. Yet here, it's the backdrop of a son's downfall. As he rides his mule in pursuit of power and control, Absalom's long hair (his pride and symbol of beauty) gets caught in the thick branches of the oak, leaving him helpless. Isn’t it ironic how that which defined his attractiveness ultimately becomes his captor?

It's interesting to note that oak trees often represent strength and durability. Other stories in the Bible feature significant trees, like the fig tree that emphasized Israel's health or the cedar trees of Lebanon heralded for their grandeur. Absalom is left hanging, quite literally, a painful metaphor of how one’s ambition can lead to entrapment instead of elevation.

In the end, this arresting imagery invites reflection on destiny, free will, and the human condition. Just as the oak was rooted in the ground, so too are our choices grounded in deeper truths about loyalty, family, and the paths we choose.