Where did Absalom lay with David's concubines?

• A. In a tent on the rooftop
• B. In the temple
• C. In the fields
• D. In the palace chambers

Answer: (A)

This scene tests your recall of a dramatic moment in Absalom’s rebellion: he publicly asserts his claim by lying with David’s concubines on a tent set on the roof of the king’s house in Jerusalem, in full view of all Israel. The text describes placing a tent for him “on the top of the house” and him going in to his father’s concubines there, making the act a visible symbol of his authority and humiliation of David. The rooftop location and the tent emphasize that this was meant to be witnessed by the people, not a private act. It wasn’t inside the temple, nor in the fields, nor in any private palace chamber, but high up where everyone could see the demonstration of power.