a mode of salutation, and token of respect, which has been
practised in all nations. It was also in ordinary use among the Jews;
hence Judas in this way saluted his Master. But there was also the kiss
of homage, as one of the ceremonies performed at the inauguration of the
kings of Israel. The Jews called it the kiss of majesty. Psalm ii, 12,
seems to be an allusion to this. St. Paul speaks frequently of the kiss
of peace, which was in use among believers, and was given by them to one
another as a token of charity and union, publicly in their religious
assemblies, Heb. xiii, 24. Kissing the feet is in eastern countries
expressive of exuberant gratitude or reverence.
practised in all nations. It was also in ordinary use among the Jews;
hence Judas in this way saluted his Master. But there was also the kiss
of homage, as one of the ceremonies performed at the inauguration of the
kings of Israel. The Jews called it the kiss of majesty. Psalm ii, 12,
seems to be an allusion to this. St. Paul speaks frequently of the kiss
of peace, which was in use among believers, and was given by them to one
another as a token of charity and union, publicly in their religious
assemblies, Heb. xiii, 24. Kissing the feet is in eastern countries
expressive of exuberant gratitude or reverence.