2 samuel 14:33 - 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.
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What does "2 samuel 14:33" mean?
This verse, 2 Samuel 14:33, marks the culmination of Joab's carefully orchestrated plan to reconcile King David with his estranged son, Absalom. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"So Joab came to the king, and told him...": Joab reports to David that his (Joab's) plan has been successful. He's likely telling David that Absalom is now ready to return to the king's presence and offer his submission. Joab has been acting as an intermediary, convincing David to allow Absalom to return to Jerusalem, albeit under a kind of house arrest.
"...and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king...": David finally summons Absalom. This is a significant step, demonstrating a willingness to move beyond the past and engage with his son. Absalom obeys the summons, showing a degree of deference (however potentially insincere).
"...and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king...": Absalom's act of prostration is a traditional sign of submission and respect. He's acknowledging David's authority as king and father. This is a public display of reconciliation.
"...and the king kissed Absalom.": This is the crucial moment of reconciliation. The kiss is a powerful symbol of forgiveness, love, and acceptance. It signifies that David is willing to put aside the bitterness and pain caused by Absalom's past actions and re-establish their father-son bond.
In essence, the verse describes the formal reconciliation between David and Absalom. It represents a moment of apparent healing after a long period of estrangement and conflict.
However, it's important to note the following underlying complexities:
Joab's Manipulation: The reconciliation is not entirely organic. Joab engineered it using a carefully constructed narrative and potentially manipulating both David and Absalom.
David's Ambivalence: While David agrees to the reconciliation, it's possible he does so out of a sense of obligation or political expediency rather than deep-seated forgiveness. We don't know how genuine his emotions are.
Absalom's True Intentions: We, the readers, know that Absalom is ambitious and ultimately plans to usurp the throne. His show of submission might be a calculated move to gain David's trust and position himself for a rebellion. This action could simply be political.
Therefore, while the verse depicts a happy ending in the immediate sense, it also foreshadows future conflict and tragedy, as Absalom's true motives will soon be revealed. The kiss, therefore, becomes a moment of dramatic irony, full of unacknowledged tensions and portending a far more complex and dangerous future.
2 samuel 14:33 - 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.
What does "2 samuel 14:33" mean?
This verse, 2 Samuel 14:33, marks the culmination of Joab's carefully orchestrated plan to reconcile King David with his estranged son, Absalom. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"So Joab came to the king, and told him...": Joab reports to David that his (Joab's) plan has been successful. He's likely telling David that Absalom is now ready to return to the king's presence and offer his submission. Joab has been acting as an intermediary, convincing David to allow Absalom to return to Jerusalem, albeit under a kind of house arrest.
"...and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king...": David finally summons Absalom. This is a significant step, demonstrating a willingness to move beyond the past and engage with his son. Absalom obeys the summons, showing a degree of deference (however potentially insincere).
"...and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king...": Absalom's act of prostration is a traditional sign of submission and respect. He's acknowledging David's authority as king and father. This is a public display of reconciliation.
"...and the king kissed Absalom.": This is the crucial moment of reconciliation. The kiss is a powerful symbol of forgiveness, love, and acceptance. It signifies that David is willing to put aside the bitterness and pain caused by Absalom's past actions and re-establish their father-son bond.
In essence, the verse describes the formal reconciliation between David and Absalom. It represents a moment of apparent healing after a long period of estrangement and conflict.
However, it's important to note the following underlying complexities:
Joab's Manipulation: The reconciliation is not entirely organic. Joab engineered it using a carefully constructed narrative and potentially manipulating both David and Absalom.
David's Ambivalence: While David agrees to the reconciliation, it's possible he does so out of a sense of obligation or political expediency rather than deep-seated forgiveness. We don't know how genuine his emotions are.
Absalom's True Intentions: We, the readers, know that Absalom is ambitious and ultimately plans to usurp the throne. His show of submission might be a calculated move to gain David's trust and position himself for a rebellion. This action could simply be political.
Therefore, while the verse depicts a happy ending in the immediate sense, it also foreshadows future conflict and tragedy, as Absalom's true motives will soon be revealed. The kiss, therefore, becomes a moment of dramatic irony, full of unacknowledged tensions and portending a far more complex and dangerous future.