2 Samuel 17 29

2 Samuel 17:29 kjv

And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

2 Samuel 17:29 nkjv

honey and curds, sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat. For they said, "The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness."

2 Samuel 17:29 niv

honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows' milk for David and his people to eat. For they said, "The people have become exhausted and hungry and thirsty in the wilderness."

2 Samuel 17:29 esv

honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, "The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness."

2 Samuel 17:29 nlt

honey, butter, sheep, goats, and cheese for David and those who were with him. For they said, "You must all be very hungry and tired and thirsty after your long march through the wilderness."

2 Samuel 17 verses

2 Samuel 17 29 Meaning

2 Samuel 17:29 details the specific provisions brought to King David and his followers by faithful supporters—Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai—during David's desperate flight from his son Absalom. This act of hospitality and loyalty provided essential sustenance—basic agricultural staples like grains and legumes—for David and his weary people in their time of great distress and exile, enabling their survival and continued strength.

2 Samuel 17 29 Context

Chapter 17 of 2 Samuel describes David's flight from Absalom, who had usurped the throne. David and his loyal followers are in a desperate situation, fleeing across the Jordan River to Mahanaim. They are exhausted, hungry, and in urgent need of sustenance. The earlier part of the chapter focuses on the cunning advice given to Absalom by Ahithophel and Hushai, and David's narrow escape. The latter part of the chapter introduces Shobi son of Nahash, Machir son of Ammiel, and Barzillai the Gileadite, who are compassionate individuals from the Transjordan region. Recognizing David's plight and knowing the rigors of flight, these loyal subjects bring an abundance of necessary provisions to David and his people, offering a crucial act of support and showing the underlying loyalty that still existed for the king among segments of Israel.

2 Samuel 17 29 Word analysis

• And wheat (וְחִטָּה - we-chittah): "Wheat" was a primary grain, essential for bread. It indicates a staple, often symbolizing prosperity or basic necessity. Its inclusion shows they provided core food items.
• and barley (וּשְׂעֹרָה - u-se'orah): "Barley" was another common grain, more resilient and cheaper than wheat, often used for animal feed or common bread for the poor. Its mention suggests a broad provision catering to all ranks and general necessity.
• and flour (וְקֶמַח - we-qemach): "Flour" (likely ground from wheat or barley) indicates prepared sustenance, ready for baking bread. It points to foresight in the provision, not just raw materials.
• and parched grain (וְקָלִי - we-qali): "Parched grain" refers to roasted kernels of wheat, barley, or other cereals. This was a common snack or meal, especially useful for travelers as it required no further preparation and was easily portable and stored. Ruth ate it (Ruth 2:14).
• and beans (וּפוֹל - u-fol): "Beans" (fava beans were common) are a leguminous plant, providing protein and fiber. They were a simple, hardy food source, easy to grow and store.
• and lentils (וַעֲדָשִׁים - wa-'adashim): "Lentils" are also legumes, rich in protein, and were a standard part of the Israelite diet (Gen 25:34, Esau's stew). They offered significant nutritional value to the weary.
• and parched [stuff] (וְקָלִי - we-qali): This is a repetition of "parched grain" (qali), possibly indicating a variety of parched items, a large quantity of parched food, or different kinds of produce that had been roasted (e.g., chick peas, different grains). It underscores the abundance and practical nature of the supplies for a group on the move.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "and wheat, and barley": These two staple grains form the agricultural backbone of ancient diets. Their immediate inclusion indicates the provision of basic, fundamental food sources. They are versatile, foundational for daily sustenance.
• "and flour, and parched grain": This pairing suggests different stages and forms of grain preparation. "Flour" requires cooking, while "parched grain" is ready-to-eat. This shows thoughtfulness in providing both ingredients for sustained living and immediate, easily consumable provisions for a group in flight.
• "and beans, and lentils": These two types of legumes represent key sources of protein and sustained energy, vital for a large group under stress. They complement the carbohydrates from the grains, providing a more balanced, albeit simple, diet.
• "and parched [stuff]" (final repetition): The final re-mentioning of "parched grain" or "parched stuff" (depending on translation) strongly emphasizes either the sheer volume of easily edible food or a broader category of dried, roasted provisions, ensuring sustained energy without complex cooking. This reiterates the practical and immediate needs of those fleeing.

2 Samuel 17 29 Bonus section

The specific location where these provisions were delivered, Mahanaim, holds biblical significance. It was the place where Jacob met angels after his separation from Laban and before his encounter with Esau (Gen 32:1-2), a location of divine encampment and protection. David's flight to Mahanaim might subtly evoke a parallel with Jacob's desperate situation, suggesting God's watchful care over His anointed, even in a similar place of vulnerability. The identity of the suppliers also matters: Shobi, an Ammonite, shows support crossing national boundaries, hinting at broader loyalty to David's kingdom. Machir had previously harbored Mephibosheth (2 Sam 9:4), indicating his family's established faithfulness. Barzillai, a very wealthy Gileadite, exemplifies profound personal loyalty and sacrifice, later even refusing to stay at David's palace, emphasizing his simple, noble character (2 Sam 19:31-39). The combined acts of these three diverse figures portray the varied wellsprings of God's provision and the enduring commitment of those whose hearts were truly with the king God had chosen.

2 Samuel 17 29 Commentary

2 Samuel 17:29 stands as a powerful testament to loyalty, compassion, and divine provision working through human instruments in a moment of acute crisis. When David was rejected by many and faced treachery from his own son, these faithful individuals—Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai—stepped forward to meet the very basic human needs of hunger and exhaustion. The detailed list of provisions—grains (wheat, barley, flour, parched grain) and legumes (beans, lentils)—highlights their practical wisdom. These are not luxuries but the durable, sustaining staples of the ancient world, ideal for travel and communal feeding. This act underscores that even in the darkest hours, when a godly leader is in distress, God often raises up unexpected sources of aid and faithfulness, reinforcing the principle that God provides for His own, often through the generosity of others. It also contrasts sharply with the disloyalty of Absalom and highlights the continuing presence of God's favor and provision in David's life, even in apparent defeat.