2 Samuel 15:5

KJV

And it was [so], that when any man came nigh [to him] to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was so, that when any man {H376} came nigh {H7126} to him to do him obeisance {H7812}, he put forth {H7971} his hand {H3027}, and took {H2388} him, and kissed {H5401} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, whenever any man came close to prostrate himself before him, he would put out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him.

Berean Standard Bible

Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him.

American Standard Version

And it was so, that, when any man came nigh to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took hold of him, and kissed him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 15:5 vividly portrays Absalom's cunning strategy to usurp his father David's throne. By subverting the traditional protocol of royal obeisance, Absalom actively engaged with those seeking justice, extending his hand, drawing them near, and kissing them. This seemingly humble act was a calculated political maneuver designed to cultivate a false sense of intimacy and accessibility, thereby "stealing the hearts of the men of Israel" and laying the groundwork for his rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial moment within the broader narrative of Absalom's meticulously planned rebellion against King David, detailed in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins"). Following his return from exile after the murder of Amnon, and a period of estrangement from David, Absalom begins to consolidate power and public favor. [2 Samuel 15:1-4](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1-4 - Absalom's Preparations for Revolt") describes his daily routine of standing by the city gate, intercepting those who came for the king's judgment, and subtly undermining David's perceived inaccessibility. Verse 5, therefore, is the specific action that embodies his manipulative charm, directly leading into the declaration that he "stole the hearts of the men of Israel" in [2 Samuel 15:6](/2_samuel/15-6 "2 Samuel 15:6 - Absalom Steals Hearts"). It marks a turning point from preparation to active subversion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the city gate was not merely an entrance but a bustling hub of public life, serving as a marketplace, a meeting place, and crucially, a court of law where elders and the king (or his representatives) dispensed justice. When approaching a king or a high-ranking official, it was customary to perform "obeisance" (prostration or a deep bow) as a sign of profound respect, submission, and recognition of authority. Absalom's refusal to accept this traditional homage and his instead offering a hand and a kiss was a radical departure from expected royal etiquette. A kiss, while sometimes a sign of respect or covenant, was more commonly an intimate gesture between equals or family members. By offering this, Absalom deliberately blurred the lines of social hierarchy, presenting himself as a sympathetic peer rather than a distant prince, a stark contrast to the formal court of King David.
* **Key Themes:** Absalom's actions in this verse contribute significantly to several key themes within 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **manipulative leadership** and the dangers of populism built on superficial charm rather than genuine integrity or divine appointment. Absalom's "humility" was a calculated deception, a means to an end. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **usurpation and rebellion** against legitimate authority, even when that authority (David's) might have its own flaws. Absalom's actions were a direct challenge to the divinely sanctioned monarchy of David. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **deception and betrayal**, as Absalom, David's own son, uses disingenuous displays of affection to undermine his father and seize power. This act of "stealing hearts" is a powerful illustration of how charismatic figures can exploit public grievances for personal gain, leading to widespread societal unrest and division, as seen in the subsequent civil war.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Obeisance (Hebrew, _hishtachavah'_):** This verb, derived from the root שׁחה (shachah), means "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to do homage." It signifies an act of deep reverence, submission, or worship, often directed towards God (e.g., [Genesis 24:26](/genesis/24-26 "Genesis 24:26 - Abraham's Servant Worships God")) or a superior human authority like a king (e.g., [Genesis 42:6](/genesis/42-6 "Genesis 42:6 - Joseph's Brothers Bow Down")). Absalom's deliberate prevention of this customary act was a direct subversion of the expected protocol, signaling his rejection of the established hierarchy and his desire to appear as an equal or even a servant of the people.
* **Kissed (Hebrew, _nashaq'_):** The verb נשׁק (nashaq) means "to kiss." While it can denote a kiss of respect or covenant (e.g., [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Samuel Kisses Saul")), it more frequently signifies affection, greeting, or intimacy between family members or close friends (e.g., [Genesis 33:4](/genesis/33-4 "Genesis 33:4 - Jacob and Esau Embrace")). In this context, Absalom's kiss was a highly personal and intimate gesture, designed to create a false sense of camaraderie and accessibility, directly contrasting with the formal distance expected between a royal prince and common petitioners. It was an act of feigned familiarity to win over the populace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was [so], that when any man came nigh [to him] to do him obeisance":** This clause establishes the traditional and expected behavior of the petitioners. They approached Absalom with the intent to perform the customary act of reverence due to a royal figure, acknowledging his status and David's authority. This sets up the immediate contrast with Absalom's subsequent actions.
* **"he put forth his hand, and took him":** This describes Absalom's proactive and physical intervention. Instead of allowing the petitioner to bow, Absalom actively reached out, preventing the act of obeisance. This gesture was a deliberate breaking of formal protocol, signaling his rejection of the traditional distance and hierarchy. It was an invitation to a different, more "familiar" relationship.
* **"and kissed him":** This final action completes the subversion. By kissing the petitioner, Absalom simulated an intimate greeting, typically reserved for equals or close family. This created an illusion of personal connection and empathy, making him appear approachable and caring, directly contrasting with the perceived formality or aloofness of King David's court. It was a calculated display of "humility" designed to win popular favor and undermine the king.

#### Literary Devices
2 Samuel 15:5 effectively employs several literary devices to convey Absalom's manipulative character and the nature of his rebellion. The primary device is **Irony**, as Absalom's actions, seemingly humble and compassionate (preventing obeisance, offering a kiss), are in fact deeply deceptive and self-serving, aimed at seizing power. This is a profound **Contrast** between his outward appearance and his true intentions, highlighting the deceptive nature of his charm. The act of the kiss itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing false intimacy and ultimately, betrayal. It is a perversion of a gesture of affection, used here to undermine loyalty and steal hearts. Furthermore, the entire scene serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the full-scale rebellion and the deep division Absalom will sow within Israel. The narrative uses **Action and Dialogue** (implied in the interaction) to reveal character, showing Absalom's cunning rather than merely stating it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Absalom's strategy in 2 Samuel 15:5 serves as a potent biblical warning against leadership built on manipulative charm and superficial popularity rather than genuine character and God-ordained authority. His actions illustrate the dangers of seeking influence through deceit and flattery, rather than through integrity and faithful service. This account reminds us that outward displays of humility or accessibility can mask ulterior motives, and true leadership is rooted in righteousness and truth, not in the ability to "steal hearts" through cunning. The narrative implicitly contrasts Absalom's self-serving ambition with the principles of righteous governance and the importance of discerning the true intentions of those who seek power.

* [Proverbs 29:5](/proverbs/29-5 "Proverbs 29:5 - The Danger of Flattery")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")
* [Romans 16:18](/romans/16-18 "Romans 16:18 - Serving Their Own Appetites")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Absalom's calculated actions in 2 Samuel 15:5 offer timeless lessons for discerning character and evaluating leadership, both in public life and within the church. We are called to look beyond superficial displays of charm or feigned humility and to scrutinize the true motives behind actions. True leadership, as exemplified by Christ, is characterized by genuine service, integrity, and a commitment to truth, not by the manipulation of public sentiment for personal gain. This passage challenges us to cultivate discernment, to be wary of those who bypass established order or legitimate authority with seemingly benevolent gestures, and to prioritize substance over style. It encourages us to value leaders who earn respect through consistent character and faithful stewardship, rather than those who seek popularity through cunning and flattery.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern between genuine humility and manipulative charm in leaders today?**
* **What are the dangers of seeking popularity over integrity, both in personal life and in positions of influence?**
* **How can we, as followers of Christ, uphold legitimate authority while also promoting accessibility and genuine care for others?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to "steal hearts" rather than genuinely serve others with pure motives?**

### FAQ
**Why did Absalom do this?**

Answer: Absalom's actions were a highly strategic and calculated political maneuver designed to undermine King David's authority and win the popular support necessary for his rebellion. By preventing people from performing the customary "obeisance" (a deep bow of respect and submission) and instead offering a personal hand and a kiss, Absalom presented himself as approachable, empathetic, and relatable, directly contrasting with the perceived formality and distance of David's royal court. This created an illusion of intimacy and equality with the common people, making them feel heard and valued by him, thereby "stealing their hearts" as noted in [2 Samuel 15:6](/2_samuel/15-6 "2 Samuel 15:6 - Absalom Steals Hearts").

**Was this common practice for royalty in ancient Israel?**

Answer: No, Absalom's actions were a deliberate subversion of common royal practice. Kings and high-ranking officials typically received obeisance as a sign of their authority and the respect due to their position. Absalom's refusal to accept this traditional homage and his instead offering a hand and a kiss was a radical departure from expected royal etiquette. It was a calculated move to break down the social hierarchy and present himself as a more accessible and sympathetic alternative to King David.

**What was the outcome of Absalom's actions and rebellion?**

Answer: Absalom's manipulative charm and rebellion initially gained significant popular support, forcing King David to flee Jerusalem ([2 Samuel 15:13-14](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13-14 - David Flees Jerusalem")). However, his rebellion ultimately led to a devastating civil war, immense suffering for Israel, and his own tragic and violent death when he was caught by his hair in an oak tree and killed by Joab ([2 Samuel 18:9-15](/2_samuel/18-9 "2 Samuel 18:9-15 - Absalom's Death")). His actions underscore the destructive consequences of ambition, deceit, and rebellion against legitimate authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Absalom's manipulative "kiss" and feigned humility stand in stark contrast to the true humility and servant leadership of Jesus Christ. Absalom sought to steal a kingdom through deceit and self-promotion, while Christ, though truly King of kings and Lord of lords, "did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Jesus never sought to "steal hearts" through flattery or subversion; instead, He genuinely loved and served humanity, ultimately giving His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). While Absalom's kiss was a symbol of betrayal, the only kiss associated with Jesus's arrest was Judas's treacherous one, a perversion of a sign of affection ([Matthew 26:48-49](/matthew/26-48 "Matthew 26:48-49 - Judas's Betrayal")). Christ is the true King who deserves all obeisance, yet He invites us into an intimate relationship not through manipulation, but through His sacrificial love, offering true reconciliation and life to all who believe in Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the one who truly connects with us, not by feigning equality, but by bridging the infinite gap between God and humanity through His incarnation and atonement.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 14:33

So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.

Psalms 55:21

[The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.

Proverbs 26:25

When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart.

Psalms 10:9

He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.

Psalms 10:10

He croucheth, [and] humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones.