Who is known for attempting to seize the throne from David?

• A. Amnon
• B. Ish-bosheth
• C. Joab
• D. Absalom

Answer: (D)

A rebellion by a prince against his father king shows how ambition and political maneuvering can threaten a throne. Absalom, David’s son, used the people’s trust and straightforward promises of justice to win support, presenting himself as a capable alternative and effectively trying to crown himself king. This move forced David to flee Jerusalem and marked a serious challenge to David’s rule. The bid ultimately failed when Absalom died in battle after his hair became caught in a tree, and Joab killed him, removing the threat to David’s reign. The other figures are tied to different events: Amnon’s crime against Tamar, Ish-bosheth’s separate rule after Saul, and Joab as David’s general who defeats the rebellion.