2 Samuel 15:5 - Printer Friendly

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.

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).

Second Samuel 15:1–6 explains how David's son, Absalom, wins enough support to overthrow his father (2 Samuel 15:7–17). He makes the most of his newly restored honor after literal and relational exile for five years after murdering his brother. Finally reconciled to David, Absalom assumes the role of crowned prince and champion of the people. He flatters the common people as he tells them his father won't hear their petitions. After four years, Absalom will be ready to make a direct move.

God's curses against David continue (2 Samuel 12:10–12). David's son Absalom stages a coup. His followers declare him king and escort him to Jerusalem. David and those faithful to him flee the city for the wilderness. He leaves behind two priests, their sons, and an advisor to thwart Absalom's plans. As he travels, David willingly endures every humiliation, not knowing which are from God. Joab kills Absalom, and the kingdom is restored (2 Samuel 16—18). Absalom's betrayal is not recorded in 1 Chronicles.

Second Samuel 15 continues the fulfillment of God's curse on David. As he betrayed his friend Uriah, so someone from David's house will betray him (2 Samuel 12:11). David's son Absalom steals the people's hearts and declares himself king. David and his household flee the city, leaving behind ten concubines and five spies. The spies protect David until Joab can kill Absalom in battle. David is humbled and forgives his enemies (2 Samuel 16—19).

Second Samuel continues the story of David, who will become king over Judah. The other tribes of Israel are resistant, eventually sparking a civil war. David wins and makes Jerusalem his capital. Early success is followed by moral failure and controversy in David's house. The book of 1 Kings will begin by detailing David's decline and death.