The answer is: Oak

2 Sam 18:9-10

Absalom's unfortunate encounter with an oak tree in 2 Samuel 18 is quite the captivating tale! Picture it: in the throes of battle, the powerful figure of Absalom does what many might consider incredibly reckless—he gallops into the conflict, boastfully sporting beautiful long hair, a characteristic that soon becomes his undoing. The oak, a seen but seldom-honored symbol of strength and resilience in many cultures, serves double duty in this saga. This tree isn’t just a playground for Absalom’s dashing mane; it emphasizes a bit of irony, as Absalom, celebrated for his beauty and royal lineage, tragically meets his fall amidst such steadfastness.

Intriguingly, the oak was often seen as a representation of majesty throughout the ancient Near East. In Biblical tradition, oak trees feature prominently, with places like Shechem being referred to as the "oak of Moreh" where God reassures Abraham about the land promised to his offspring. That’s a far cry from how Absalom’s life ended!

Furthermore, this episode still reverberates through various tales of betrayal and consequence—longing for power often leads to a harrowing fall, a concept mirrored in classical literature and echoed across many narratives throughout history. So, every time you think of pestering trees or idle choices, remember poor Absalom and the grand oak that became both his prison and his end. Life, after all, teaches in the most unexpected of ways!