2 Samuel 17 27

2 Samuel 17:27 kjv

And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

2 Samuel 17:27 nkjv

Now it happened, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the people of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim,

2 Samuel 17:27 niv

When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim

2 Samuel 17:27 esv

When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim,

2 Samuel 17:27 nlt

When David arrived at Mahanaim, he was warmly greeted by Shobi son of Nahash, who came from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and by Makir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and by Barzillai of Gilead from Rogelim.

2 Samuel 17 verses

2 Samuel 17 27 Meaning

The verse introduces three specific individuals – Shobi, the son of Nahash, from Rabbah of the Ammonites; Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar; and Barzillai, the Gileadite, from Rogelim – who brought vital provisions to King David in Mahanaim. This occurred while David was fleeing Absalom's rebellion, signifying the compassionate and timely aid offered to the exiled king during his most vulnerable period.

2 Samuel 17 27 Context

2 Samuel chapter 17 portrays David at his lowest ebb, having fled Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. His plight is dire, his kingship challenged, and his life endangered. Earlier in the chapter, Absalom had followed the destructive counsel of Hushai (divinely orchestrated to thwart Ahithophel's superior advice) to pursue David quickly. David, receiving this intelligence, expeditiously crosses the Jordan River into the region of Gilead. Verse 27 marks a critical turning point as David reaches Mahanaim, a place of strategic significance, where, weary and in great need, he receives unexpected and crucial material support. This aid transitions David from a state of mere survival to being equipped to potentially mount a defense, illustrating God's providential care in rallying loyal individuals to His anointed.

2 Samuel 17 27 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (וַיְהִי, vayhi): A common Hebrew transitional phrase, often introducing a significant event or new phase in the narrative. It emphasizes the commencement of a new development, signaling divine providence in the unfolding events.
• when David was come to Mahanaim (מַחֲנַיִם, Maḥanaim): Mahanaim means "two camps" or "two hosts." This town, located east of the Jordan River in Gilead, holds biblical significance, stemming from Jacob's encounter with angels (Gen 32:2). It later became Ish-bosheth's capital (2 Sam 2:8-12), serving as a place of refuge. For David, it became a haven and a rallying point during his exile, indicating a divinely chosen safe place.
• that Shobi the son of Nahash (שׁוֹבִי בֶּן־נָחָשׁ, Shovi ben Nachash):
  • Shobi: This is a surprising source of aid.
  • Nahash: This name typically refers to the Ammonite king who had harassed Israel (1 Sam 11) and later showed some kindness to David (2 Sam 10:2). Shobi's action may stem from the previously established covenant relationship or David's act of kindness towards the Ammonite royal house, showing how unexpected alliances can form through God's influence. It counters the general hostility Israel faced from Ammon.
  • of Rabbah of the children of Ammon: Rabbah was the capital city of Ammon (modern-day Amman), identifying Shobi as a non-Israelite, a foreign prince. His aid underscores the widespread concern for David and the potential for God to use unexpected sources.
• and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lo-debar (מָכִיר בֶּן־עַמִּיאֵל מִלֹּא־דְבָר, Makhir ben Ammi'el mi-Lo Devar):
  • Machir: This Machir is previously noted for providing shelter and care for Mephibosheth, Jonathan's disabled son, whom David had sought to restore (2 Sam 9:4-5). His current assistance to David aligns perfectly with his character of compassion and loyalty to the house of Saul/David.
  • Lo-debar: This place name means "without pasture" or "no word," suggesting a barren or desolate region. That Machir came from such a place, yet extended such rich provision, highlights his personal character and generosity.
• and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim (בַּרְזִלַּי הַגִּלְעָדִי מֵרֹגְלִים, Barzillay ha-Gile'adi me-Rogelim):
  • Barzillai: His name, "my iron," suggests strength and fortitude. He is portrayed as a wealthy, influential, and very aged man (2 Sam 19:32), who demonstrated extraordinary loyalty. His aid was not simply compassion but also a significant commitment of resources.
  • the Gileadite: Indicating his origin from the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan, known for its rugged independence.
  • Rogelim: A town likely near Mahanaim, reinforcing Barzillai's local prominence and ability to provide substantial support immediately.

2 Samuel 17 27

2 Samuel 17 27 Bonus section

The combined act of these three individuals provides a glimpse into the diverse loyalties and support David could still command, even when ostensibly defeated. Their readiness to provide significant aid (mentioned in the following verse, 2 Sam 17:28-29) speaks volumes about David's character and his kingdom's underlying stability. The fact that the first named individual is an Ammonite son of Nahash (who earlier oppressed Israel) is particularly noteworthy, suggesting that some former enemies could become surprising benefactors due to previous kindness shown by David (2 Sam 10:2). This highlights a theme of "reaping what you sow," and God's capacity to orchestrate support from unforeseen sources. Mahanaim itself becomes a symbolically rich location, where Jacob once encountered God's angels, and David now finds providential relief.