The answer is: Oak

2 Sam 18:9-10

In this gripping episode from 2 Samuel, we find Absalom, the son of King David, tangled in an oak tree during a fierce battle against his father’s forces. This dramatic moment is more than just a tragic end to a rebellious son; it echoes profound themes of pride, consequence, and familial strife. Oak trees are biblical symbols of strength and durability, often seen as majestic and enduring. However, for Absalom, this mighty oak becomes a symbol of his downfall.

The encounter takes place amidst a conflict sparked by Absalom's ambition to usurp his father's throne. Isn’t it interesting that this temptation led not to enduring success, but to a tragic fate in a literal and figurative snare? Right before he met his end, instead of staying true to his father’s lineage, Absalom made a risky choice and suffered dire consequences. Even in his lofty ambition, the oak’s strong branches became a point of irony, catching him at a moment of hubris.

Moreover, the phrase "caught in the thick branches" offers a poetic picture that foreshadows his tangled loyalties and ambitions. Oaks are also significant in scripture elsewhere; think of the oaks of Mamre that were sacred sites! In many ways, Absalom’s story reminds us to tread lightly along paths of pride and ambition—the fall from a great height often starts with lofty thoughts nestled within the branches of arrogance.