2 Samuel 15:5
ESV
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.
NIV
Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him.
NASB
And whenever a man approached to prostrate himself before him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him.
CSB
When a person approached to pay homage to him, Absalom reached out his hand, took hold of him, and kissed him.
NLT
When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn’t let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them.
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.
NKJV
And so it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him.
What does 2 Samuel 15:5 mean?
David's son Absalom is a handsome man with a striking head of thick, beautiful hair (2 Samuel 14:25–27), a fancy royal chariot accompanied by fifty bodyguards (2 Samuel 15:1), and the impressive title of prince of Israel. He's also a master manipulator.He starts with diversion. When someone comes to the gates of Jerusalem with a problem only David can solve, Absalom intercepts them. He says their complaint is justified, so they deserve justice. But, so Absalom says, David won't see them. He doesn't have judges for their tribe. The traveler is told that he cannot resolve the problem, and David is to blame (2 Samuel 15:2–3).
Next, Absalom uses passive-aggressive communication. Rather than demanding rule right away, he uses phrases such as
"if only." If only he were judge of Israel, he would see everyone, hear every complaint, and make sure every issue was settled with justice (2 Samuel 15:4).
Finally, Absalom uses a technique modern culture calls "love-bombing." He aggressively plays on their emotions and makes them think he has a stronger relationship with him than they do. In this culture, the man of lower rank shows honor by initiating the physical greeting. When they lean in, however, Absalom quickly takes the position of the servant.
The travelers are overwhelmed by the thought that the majestic prince wants to both serve them and champion their cause. Meanwhile, David the king doesn't care at all, or so they think. They have no idea they are being duped (2 Samuel 8:15). They only know that Absalom seems to like them, so they like him, too. It only takes four years for Absalom to turn enough of the nation to attempt to steal the crown (2 Samuel 15:7).
