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.
And whenever anyone came close to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, pull them to him, and kiss them.
This verse shows Absalom deliberately winning people's affection by treating them as equals instead of accepting their formal respect.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 2 Samuel, Absalom, the son of King David, is plotting to usurp the throne by charming the people of Israel and turning them against his father. He stations himself at the city gate, where he greets those who come to show respect, using gestures like kissing to appear more approachable and gain their loyalty. This reflects ancient Near Eastern customs where such physical signs of affection were common in building political alliances.
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