Absalom used displays of false compassion to usurp his father’s authority.
Absalom, the third son of King David (who reigned from 1011-971 BC), often stood at the gate of Jerusalem, a fortified city located in the heart of the southern kingdom of Israel. In 2 Samuel 15, he positioned himself to intercept those seeking justice, aiming to sway their loyalties away from David. The verse describes his subtle yet intentional move to show false humility and personal warmth: “And when a man came near to prostrate himself before him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him.” (v.5) This outward show of fellowship gave people the impression that Absalom deeply cared for them, enticing them to view him as a leader who put their interests first.
By physically drawing each visitor near, “he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him,” (v.5) Absalom displayed a personal bond that contradicted the more formal interactions they might have expected from royalty. The kiss was not merely a greeting, but a sign of closeness in the ancient Near Eastern culture. Absalom’s actions mirrored the concept of outward flattery without inward sincerity, a theme later addressed by Jesus in the New Testament, where He warns against duplicity of the heart (Matthew 15:8-9). In this moment, Absalom employed every means at his disposal to gain favor, sowing seeds of discontent with David’s reign.
This verse also hints at the deceptive nature of Absalom’s charm. Although Absalom was part of the covenant community of Israel—directly in the royal lineage—his motives were driven by ambition rather than genuine care. “He would ... take hold of him and kiss him,” (v.5) reveals a calculated plot to appear relatable and engaging, but beneath the surface lurked an insurgent spirit intent on undermining the God-ordained king. His conspiracy would ultimately challenge David’s throne, reflecting the broader biblical theme of how human attempts at seizing power can fall short of God’s sovereign plan (Proverbs 19:21).
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2 Samuel 15:5 meaning
Absalom, the third son of King David (who reigned from 1011-971 BC), often stood at the gate of Jerusalem, a fortified city located in the heart of the southern kingdom of Israel. In 2 Samuel 15, he positioned himself to intercept those seeking justice, aiming to sway their loyalties away from David. The verse describes his subtle yet intentional move to show false humility and personal warmth: “And when a man came near to prostrate himself before him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him.” (v.5) This outward show of fellowship gave people the impression that Absalom deeply cared for them, enticing them to view him as a leader who put their interests first.
By physically drawing each visitor near, “he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him,” (v.5) Absalom displayed a personal bond that contradicted the more formal interactions they might have expected from royalty. The kiss was not merely a greeting, but a sign of closeness in the ancient Near Eastern culture. Absalom’s actions mirrored the concept of outward flattery without inward sincerity, a theme later addressed by Jesus in the New Testament, where He warns against duplicity of the heart (Matthew 15:8-9). In this moment, Absalom employed every means at his disposal to gain favor, sowing seeds of discontent with David’s reign.
This verse also hints at the deceptive nature of Absalom’s charm. Although Absalom was part of the covenant community of Israel—directly in the royal lineage—his motives were driven by ambition rather than genuine care. “He would ... take hold of him and kiss him,” (v.5) reveals a calculated plot to appear relatable and engaging, but beneath the surface lurked an insurgent spirit intent on undermining the God-ordained king. His conspiracy would ultimately challenge David’s throne, reflecting the broader biblical theme of how human attempts at seizing power can fall short of God’s sovereign plan (Proverbs 19:21).