1 Kings 2 7

1 Kings 2:7 kjv

But show kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

1 Kings 2:7 nkjv

"But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother.

1 Kings 2:7 niv

"But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and let them be among those who eat at your table. They stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.

1 Kings 2:7 esv

But deal loyally with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from Absalom your brother.

1 Kings 2:7 nlt

"Be kind to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead. Make them permanent guests at your table, for they took care of me when I fled from your brother Absalom.

1 Kings 2 verses

1 Kings 2 7 Meaning

David, in his final instructions to Solomon, commands an enduring display of steadfast love and kindness toward the descendants of Barzillai the Gileadite. This specific act of remembrance and favor is a direct recompense for Barzillai's loyal support, expressed by providing vital provisions, food, and hospitality to David and his entourage when they fled Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion. The instruction signifies a recognition of faithfulness, ensuring that such kindness is honored and reciprocated even across generations by providing royal patronage and sustained sustenance.

1 Kings 2 7 Context

This verse is part of David's final instructions to his son Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 2. The entire chapter outlines David's deathbed charge, which covers both divine principles and pragmatic political counsel. David charges Solomon to "be strong, and show yourself a man" (v. 2) and to "keep the charge of the LORD your God" (v. 3). While much of his counsel involves executing justice or judgment upon figures like Joab and Shimei, verse 7 stands in contrast, offering a directive of mercy and kindness. It highlights David's remembrance of those who showed him loyalty and compassion during his darkest hour—the rebellion of his own son, Absalom, a period of immense personal and political upheaval for David (chronicled in 2 Samuel 15-19). This command for kindness toward Barzillai's family reflects David's character, even in his final moments, emphasizing gratitude and covenant faithfulness within the broader political maneuvering.

1 Kings 2 7 Word analysis

• But show kindness (וְעָשִׂיתָ חֶסֶד, ve’asita chesed):
  • Show: The verb "do" or "make," emphasizing active execution of the command.
  • Kindness (חֶסֶד, hesed): This Hebrew term is profound, signifying covenant loyalty, steadfast love, mercy, unfailing grace, and faithful obligation. It goes beyond mere sentiment to express actions motivated by loyalty to a relationship or promise. David's instruction to Solomon to perform hesed towards Barzillai's family demonstrates his commitment to this principle, rooted in God's hesed towards Israel and David himself. It implies a lasting, generational commitment.
• to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite (לִבְנֵי בַּרְזִלַּי הַגִּלְעָדִי, livney Barzillai ha-Gil'adi):
  • Barzillai: A wealthy and influential man from Rogelim in Gilead. He risked his own safety and resources to provide essential provisions and comfort to David. David had invited Barzillai to live in Jerusalem and dine with him permanently, but Barzillai, being old, asked to send his son Chimham instead (2 Sam 19:33-37). David promised to care for Chimham. This instruction fulfills that prior promise.
  • Gileadite: Refers to his origin from Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River. This geographically significant detail highlights the breadth of David's loyal support network, extending beyond core Israelite territories and encompassing diverse groups who demonstrated fidelity.
• and let them be among those who eat at your table (וְהָיוּ בְּאֹכְלֵי שֻׁלְחָנֶךָ, ve'hayu be'okhley shulkhanekha):
  • This phrase signifies a privilege of royal favor, provision, and protection. Eating at the king's table implied an honored status, often reserved for royal family members, close advisors, or beneficiaries of the king's direct generosity. It symbolized inclusion into the royal household and security of sustenance, freeing them from financial worry. This privilege extends beyond just meals to encompass all necessities.
  • The provision for future generations underscores the lasting nature of royal hesed.
• for they befriended me (כִּי־כֵן קָרְבוּ אֵלַי, ki-khen karevu elai):
  • Befriended me / drew near to me: The Hebrew verb קָרַב (karav) means "to draw near," "to approach," or "to come close." In this context, it signifies their active and close support, solidarity, and willingness to come alongside David during a perilous time. They didn't just passively observe; they actively engaged to help him.
• when I fled from Absalom your brother (בְּבָרְחִי מִפְּנֵי אַבְשָׁלוֹם אָחִיךָ, be'var'chi mipney Avshalom achikha):
  • Fled: Highlights David's extreme vulnerability and distress, reinforcing the significance of Barzillai's timely assistance.
  • Absalom your brother: Emphasizes the deeply personal and traumatic nature of the rebellion, stemming from David's own son. The inclusion of "your brother" reminds Solomon of the profound familial betrayal that made Barzillai's loyalty so invaluable, further solidifying the reason for David's command for perpetual hesed. It contrasts Absalom's betrayal with Barzillai's steadfast loyalty.

1 Kings 2 7 Bonus section

• This instruction contrasts sharply with the political realities of the ancient Near East, where new kings often purged all associates of the previous monarch. David, however, emphasizes continuity of honor based on merit and faithfulness.
• The charge concerning Barzillai's sons is paralleled by David's earlier treatment of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son (2 Sam 9), showing David's consistent commitment to extending kindness based on prior covenant or loyal service. This establishes a pattern for Solomon to follow, highlighting David's understanding that God's covenant loyalty (hesed) is the ultimate model for human governance.
• The distinction between Barzillai's descendants and the cases of Joab and Shimei underscores Solomon's kingly responsibility to discern accurately: applying justice where necessary for past misdeeds, but extending grace and remembrance where loyalty and aid were offered. It provides a blueprint for Solomon's administration, balancing the severity of justice with the warmth of gratitude.

1 Kings 2 7 Commentary

David's dying instruction regarding Barzillai’s family serves as a profound illustration of principled leadership rooted in remembrance, gratitude, and the enduring concept of hesed. Amidst directives to consolidate power and execute justice against adversaries, David deliberately inserts this charge for perpetual kindness. This demonstrates that true leadership, even kingship, is not solely about punishment or self-preservation, but also about honoring faithfulness and maintaining obligations born from selfless service. Barzillai's act of aid during David's desperate flight from Absalom (2 Sam 17) was critical, timely, and risky; it was a profound demonstration of loyalty when others rebelled. David ensures that this fidelity is repaid intergenerationally, symbolically seating Barzillai’s descendants at the king's own table, guaranteeing them sustained sustenance and royal protection. This action also teaches Solomon the importance of acknowledging and rewarding loyalty, building a kingdom on a foundation of both justice and grace, rather than pure fear or transactional alliances. It’s a vivid demonstration that righteousness in a ruler involves both discipline and generous gratitude, securing peace through covenantal remembrance and a profound sense of indebtedness.