And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David's affectionate gestures here aren't just politeness; they reveal his deep desire to appear approachable and deeply connect with people, a stark contrast to his son Absalom's manipulative charm later on. This personal touch, the very act of taking hold and kissing, shows David's practiced way of winning hearts by making each person feel individually valued.
And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Absalom, having plotted against his father David, is now openly rebelling and presenting himself as a righteous alternative to the king. He positions himself at the city gate, the place of justice, to hear the people's petitions and subtly discredits David's administration. This verse captures a moment where Absalom actively courts the people's favor, projecting an image of accessibility and warmth as he consolidates his power and undermines David's authority.
Absalom was a master of public image. His actions here look like genuine affection, but there's a chilling calculation behind them.
David's son, Absalom, was known for his charm and good looks. After a period of exile, he returned to Jerusalem and began to position himself as a rival king. This verse shows one of his key strategies: creating the appearance of deep personal care and loyalty. Notice how he 'put out his hand and took hold of him and kissed him.' This wasn't just a polite greeting; it was an intimate gesture meant to win people over. He was building a political movement through displays of warmth and connection, all while plotting against his own father, King David. It's a powerful reminder that outward shows of affection can sometimes mask hidden agendas.
Absalom's strategy wasn't just about grand gestures; it was about building a personal connection that undermined his father's authority.
Absalom's personal embrace and kiss were more than just friendly gestures; they were a calculated effort to 'steal the hearts of the men of Israel' (2 Samuel 15:6). By engaging with each person individually, offering them a warm, physical connection, he bypassed the formal structures of loyalty to King David. It's a potent illustration of how building personal rapport, even if insincere, can be incredibly effective in swaying public opinion. He made himself accessible and relatable, creating a sense of familiarity that made people trust him over the distant king.
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chawah · Hebrew Verb
An act of profound reverence, submission, and adoration, due exclusively to God, though sometimes misused as a sign of respect toward human authority.
Absalom's seemingly gracious public gestures, like the one described, were calculated political moves designed to undermine his father's authority and win popular support for his own claim to the throne.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King of Israel
After Saul's death, David is anointed king over Judah and later all Israel, ushering in a golden age for the united kingdom.
c. 1000 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
David conquers the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and establishes it as his capital, a significant political and religious move.
c. 993 BC
Absalom Born
Absalom, David's third son, is born to Maacah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. He would later become a central figure in David's downfall.
c. 991 BC
Rape of Tamar
Absalom's half-sister Tamar is raped by her half-brother Amnon, David's eldest son. Absalom's deep resentment begins here.
c. 989 BC
Murder of Amnon
Absalom avenges Tamar's honor by orchestrating the murder of Amnon, forcing him to flee into exile for several years.
c. 984 BC— this verse
Absalom's Return and Growing Influence
After being allowed to return to Jerusalem but not see David, Absalom spends years cultivating his image and building popular support, using the very strategy described in the verse.
c. 979 BC
Absalom's Rebellion
Absalom seizes power, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. The kingdom nearly splits, leading to civil war.
This passage immediately follows David's flight and shows a stark contrast, as Ziba uses the chaos to flatter David while secretly siding with Absalom.
Psalm 41:9This psalm, attributed to David, speaks of a close friend betraying him, reflecting the personal sting David likely felt from Absalom's deception.
Luke 22:47-48This New Testament parallel shows a similar deceptive act of homage, where Judas approaches Jesus with a kiss, the very sign of greeting and respect, to betray him.
Proverbs 14:20This proverb highlights how outward favor can mask inner malice, a truth painfully demonstrated by Absalom's seemingly respectful actions towards his father.
David's affectionate gestures here aren't just politeness; they reveal his deep desire to appear approachable and deeply connect with people, a stark contrast to his son Absalom's manipulative charm later on. This personal touch, the very act of taking hold and kissing, shows David's practiced way of winning hearts by making each person feel individually valued.
Absalom, having plotted against his father David, is now openly rebelling and presenting himself as a righteous alternative to the king. He positions himself at the city gate, the place of justice, to hear the people's petitions and subtly discredits David's administration. This verse captures a moment where Absalom actively courts the people's favor, projecting an image of accessibility and warmth as he consolidates his power and undermines David's authority.
Absalom, having plotted against his father David, is now openly rebelling and presenting himself as a righteous alternative to the king. He positions himself at the city gate, the place of justice, to hear the people's petitions and subtly discredits David's administration. This verse captures a moment where Absalom actively courts the people's favor, projecting an image of accessibility and warmth as he consolidates his power and undermines David's authority.
"And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him." — David's affectionate gestures here aren't just politeness; they reveal his deep desire to appear approachable and deeply connect with people, a stark contrast to his son Absalom's manipulative charm…
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Last reviewed October 2026