What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 15:5? Also, when anyone approached “Also, when anyone approached…” • Absalom stationed himself at the city gate (2 Samuel 15:2), the public forum where legal disputes were brought, so literally everyone traveling to Jerusalem for justice had to pass by him first. • By intercepting “anyone,” he cast a wide net—no tribe, class, or grievance was outside his calculated charm. Compare Moses hearing “all the people” in Exodus 18:13–16, but note that Moses directed them toward God, while Absalom redirected them toward himself. • The phrase underscores the open accessibility Absalom offered, a stark contrast to King David’s limited availability (2 Samuel 14:24). His availability was not servanthood but strategy. to bow down to him “…to bow down to him…” • In Israel, bowing conveyed honor toward one in authority (1 Samuel 25:23; Esther 3:2). Absalom expected, and apparently welcomed, royal homage—already acting the part of king though his father still reigned. • This physical act exposed the deeper heart issue: Absalom coveted worship-like allegiance that belonged to the Lord-appointed king (Romans 13:1). • His lust for homage mirrors the temptation Satan offered Jesus—authority without the cross (Luke 4:6–7). Absalom would reach out his hand “…Absalom would reach out his hand…” • Instead of receiving the bow, he initiated contact. A hand extended suggests equality and friendship (Galatians 2:9), but here it was flattery masked as fellowship (Psalm 55:21). • The gesture disarmed people psychologically: it annulled the social distance that normally preserved reverence for the throne, shifting loyalty from David to Absalom (2 Samuel 15:6). • Such counterfeit humility foreshadows false teachers who “creep in unnoticed” (Jude 1:4), winning confidence before revealing corruption. take hold of him “…take hold of him…” • Absalom’s grip ensured the encounter could not remain formal. The one who came to bow became the one held in Absalom’s grasp—symbolically and soon politically. • This physical seizing pictures the way sin entices and then ensnares (James 1:14-15). Absalom’s ambition first appealed to wounded citizens, then bound them to his cause. • David once “took hold” of a lion and bear to protect sheep (1 Samuel 17:35); Absalom took hold of people to exploit them. Same action, opposite heart. and kiss him “…and kiss him.” • A kiss in the Ancient Near East sealed covenant loyalty (1 Samuel 20:41; Luke 15:20). Absalom co-opted this intimate sign to fabricate brotherhood. • The tactic anticipates Judas, who also betrayed with a kiss (Matthew 26:48–49). Both men weaponized affection to mask rebellion against the anointed king. • Proverbs 27:6 reminds us, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Absalom’s kisses illustrate that warning vividly. summary Every movement in 2 Samuel 15:5 captures a calculated performance. Absalom made himself approachable, redirected homage, offered an equalizing handshake, seized control, and sealed the moment with a kiss—all to steal hearts from God’s chosen king (v. 6). The verse warns us to discern flattery, to prize loyalty to God-ordained authority, and to recognize that outward warmth can cloak inner rebellion. |
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