Samuel Anoints Saul from the Flask and the Three Kisses

Midrash Shmuel 14:5

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"And Samuel took the flask of oil" etc. (1 Samuel 10:1). Saul and Jehu were anointed from the flask, for their kingship was destined to pass away; David and Solomon were anointed from the horn, for their kingship was enduring. "And he kissed him" (ibid.). Every kiss is for frivolity, except for three: the kiss of parting, the kiss of high office, and the kiss of intervals. The kiss of parting—"and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law" (Ruth 1:14). The kiss of high office—"And Samuel took the flask of oil and poured it upon his head and kissed him." The kiss of intervals—"And he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him" (Exodus 4:27). Rabbi Tanchuma said: also the kiss of kinship—"and Jacob kissed Rachel" (Genesis 29:11), for she was his kinswoman.

Retold in these myths

The Flask, the Horn, and the Face That Rose UpwardIsrael's first king was anointed from a fragile flask, and a medieval midrash insists the vessel itself already knew his crown would shatter.

Themes

KingshipProphecy

Biblical References

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