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So Joab came to the king, and told him; and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.
Verse Takeaways
1
The Kiss of Reconciliation
Commentators explain that the king's kiss was a powerful and culturally understood symbol. It was not just a casual greeting but a formal "pledge of reconciliation," as Albert Barnes notes, signifying that Absalom was officially forgiven and restored to favor in the king's presence.
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2 Samuel
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3
18th Century
Presbyterian
Kissed - This was the pledge of reconciliation. (See the marginal references and Genesis 45:15.)
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
So Joab came to the king, and told him What Absalom had said to him:
and when he had called for A…
By his insolent conduct toward Joab, Absalom brought Joab to plead for him. By his insolent message to the king, he gained his wishes. When parents…