Kissin’ Israel

The Bible’s first kiss occurs when disguised Jacob receives a blessing from his father Isaac. Isaac is suspicious, and wants Jacob to come closer so he asks for a kiss (27:26-27).

From that point on, the book of Genesis uses the word “kiss” about ten times. Men kiss men (Genesis 29:13; cf. 1 Samuel 20:41), fathers kiss sons (Genesis 27:26-27; 31:28; 50:1; cf. Exodus 18:7; 2 Samuel 14:33); cousins kiss (Genesis 29:11). All these kisses are gestures of welcome, greeting, or departure. As such, the kiss is also a gesture of reconciliation (Genesis 33:4; 45:15).

Later, mothers kiss daughters (Ruth 1:9, 14); brothers kiss brothers (Exodus 4:27); homage is done to the king by a kiss, as Samuel kisses Saul as he anoints him (1 Samuel 10:1). Enemies can use kisses to deceive (Proverbs 27:6). Once the blessing is launched by Isaac, Israel becomes a kissin’ people.