2 Samuel 19 31

2 Samuel 19:31 kjv

And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.

2 Samuel 19:31 nkjv

And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and went across the Jordan with the king, to escort him across the Jordan.

2 Samuel 19:31 niv

Barzillai the Gileadite also came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and to send him on his way from there.

2 Samuel 19:31 esv

Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim, and he went on with the king to the Jordan, to escort him over the Jordan.

2 Samuel 19:31 nlt

Barzillai of Gilead had come down from Rogelim to escort the king across the Jordan.

2 Samuel 19 verses

2 Samuel 19 31 Meaning

This verse describes Barzillai the Gileadite's action of accompanying King David during his crucial return journey from exile across the Jordan River to Jerusalem. It highlights Barzillai's unwavering loyalty and support, as he personally traveled from his home in Rogelim to assist David in crossing the significant boundary of the Jordan River, demonstrating a selfless commitment to the re-established king.

2 Samuel 19 31 Context

2 Samuel 19 details King David's return to Jerusalem following the defeat and death of his son Absalom, who had usurped the throne. As David prepares to cross the Jordan River, signifying his re-entry into his kingdom and capital, various individuals come to meet him, seeking reconciliation, expressing loyalty, or claiming their positions. Barzillai the Gileadite is a prominent figure in this chapter, having previously provided crucial sustenance to David and his loyalists during their flight from Absalom (2 Sam 17). The verse under analysis specifically depicts Barzillai's deep commitment by actively assisting the king in crossing the symbolic Jordan, despite his advanced age, prior to returning to his own home. It sets the scene for David's generous offer to Barzillai and Barzillai's humble refusal later in the chapter, underscoring his integrity and selfless service.

2 Samuel 19 31 Word analysis

• And Barzillai (וּבַרְזִלַּי֙ - ū·ḇar·zi·lay):
  • Barzillai means "my iron" or "man of iron." This name fittingly reflects his strong, resilient, and unyielding character.
  • His name serves as an appropriate descriptor for a man who demonstrated immense fortitude and faithfulness during David's most vulnerable period.
• the Gileadite (הַגִּלְעָדִֽי - hag·gil·‘ā·ḏî):
  • Identifies his geographical origin from Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River.
  • Gilead was known for its hardy people, often associated with strength and resourcefulness. This reinforces Barzillai's robust nature.
• came down (יָרַ֕ד - yā·raḏ):
  • Means "descended" or "went down." This often implies movement from higher ground (Gilead) to a lower elevation (the Jordan valley).
  • It highlights a purposeful journey undertaken by Barzillai.
• from Rogelim (מֵרֹגְלִים֙ - mê·rō·ḡə·lîm):
  • The specific location in Gilead from which Barzillai hailed.
  • This detail anchors the narrative in a concrete geographical setting, underscoring the distance and effort involved in his journey to support the king.
• and went on (וַיַּעֲבֹ֥ר - way·ya·‘ă·ḇōr):
  • Literal meaning "and he crossed over" or "passed through."
  • Here, it implies accompanying someone in crossing or journeying alongside.
• with the king (אֶת־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ - ’eṯ-ham·me·leḵ):
  • Emphasizes his personal attendance and proximity to David, showing honor and commitment.
  • His presence was not just a general show of support but an intimate escort.
• to Jordan (הַיַּרְדֵּ֑נָה - hay·yar·dê·nāh):
  • Refers to the Jordan River, a crucial geographical and symbolic boundary in biblical narratives.
  • For David, crossing it signified the completion of his exile and his restoration to power in Judah and Israel.
• to conduct him over Jordan (לְלַוֹּת֥וֹ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּֽן - lə·law·wō·ṯōw ’eṯ-hay·yar·dên):
  • The verb lavah (לָוָה) means "to accompany," "to escort," "to attend."
  • This phrase clearly states the purpose of Barzillai's journey: to ensure David's safe passage and to provide a farewell escort at the point of his return. It's a gesture of final, dedicated service before David re-enters Jerusalem fully.
  • This service underscores his commitment not merely to provide resources but to personally see David off as he resumed his rightful place.

2 Samuel 19 31 Bonus section

Barzillai's gesture of accompanying King David to the Jordan before his full restoration carries a subtle prophetic weight for the original audience. Just as the Jordan River was the boundary that ancient Israel crossed to enter their promised inheritance under Joshua, David's crossing symbolizes his re-entry into the fulness of his kingship after a period of exile and testing. Barzillai, as a venerable elder, stands as a testament to faithfulness enduring through trials, anticipating the ultimate faithful King who would perfectly cross every barrier for the salvation of His people. The memory of Barzillai was so esteemed that David explicitly commanded Solomon to extend kindness to his sons, illustrating that genuine selfless service, motivated by loyalty and love, creates an enduring legacy that future generations will recognize and honor, even without earthly recompense.

2 Samuel 19 31 Commentary

2 Samuel 19:31 concisely portrays the profound loyalty and integrity of Barzillai. His actions are not merely perfunctory but are marked by intentional sacrifice and unwavering devotion. Coming from his home in Rogelim to the Jordan signifies a significant effort, especially given his advanced age, to ensure King David's safe passage and offer a personal farewell. This act underscores Barzillai's deep character—he was not seeking favor but genuinely desired to support his king, mirroring the faithfulness expected of believers towards God's anointed or those in leadership. His presence at this crucial threshold (the Jordan) marked the complete turn of David's fortunes and the return to normalcy for the kingdom. Barzillai's humility and generosity shine, establishing him as a quiet, yet powerful, example of faithful stewardship.