2 Samuel 19:38 kjv
And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.
2 Samuel 19:38 nkjv
And the king answered, "Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good to you. Now whatever you request of me, I will do for you."
2 Samuel 19:38 niv
The king said, "Kimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever you wish. And anything you desire from me I will do for you."
2 Samuel 19:38 esv
And the king answered, "Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do for him whatever seems good to you, and all that you desire of me I will do for you."
2 Samuel 19:38 nlt
"Good," the king agreed. "Kimham will go with me, and I will help him in any way you would like. And I will do for you anything you want."
2 Samuel 19 38 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sam 9:7 | "And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness... and you shall eat bread at my table always.” | David's royal kindness to Mephibosheth. |
| 2 Sam 17:27-29 | When David came to Mahanaim... Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim... brought beds... and provisions. | Barzillai's prior loyal provision to David. |
| 1 Ki 2:7 | "But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table." | Solomon honors David's commitment to Barzillai's descendants. |
| Ps 23:5 | "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil..." | Divine provision and royal hospitality. |
| Lev 19:32 | "You shall rise up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man..." | Command to respect the aged. |
| Prov 16:31 | "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a righteous life." | Wisdom associated with old age. |
| Heb 6:10 | "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name..." | God remembers and rewards faithful service. |
| Matt 10:42 | "And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." | Reward for showing kindness to God's people. |
| Deut 10:18 | "He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing." | God's care for the vulnerable and provision. |
| Matt 6:26 | "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them." | God's sovereign care and provision. |
| Phil 4:19 | "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." | Divine promise of comprehensive provision. |
| Lk 12:22-31 | Teachings on not worrying about food or clothing, as God knows and provides. | Trust in God's abundant provision. |
| Prov 11:18 | "The wicked earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness gets a true reward." | Reward for righteous acts. |
| Isa 32:1-2 | "Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice. Each will be like a hiding place from the wind..." | Ideal righteous king provides shelter and sustenance. |
| Ps 72:12-14 | "For he delivers the needy when he calls... He redeems their life from oppression and violence..." | Characteristics of a righteous, delivering king. |
| 1 Tim 5:1-2 | "Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father..." | Respect and care for older persons in the church. |
| Prov 29:4 | "By justice a king builds up the land, but a man who takes bribes tears it down." | The importance of a king's just rule. |
| Isa 46:3-4 | "Even to your old age I am he... I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." | God's sustaining care into old age. |
| 2 Sam 19:33-35 | Barzillai declines the invitation due to old age, mentioning lack of taste and energy. | Barzillai's humility and wisdom in his refusal. |
| Lk 14:12-14 | Instruction to invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind to a feast, expecting no repayment but blessing. | Serving those who cannot repay you, leading to divine reward. |
| Deut 15:7-8 | Command to open your hand generously to a poor and needy brother. | The principle of generous provision for those in need. |
| 2 Ki 25:29-30 | Evil-Merodach gave Jehoiachin a daily allowance, symbolizing sustained royal favor. | Sustained royal favor and provision in exile. |
| Job 29:16 | "I was a father to the needy, and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know." | An example of righteous care for the vulnerable. |
| 2 Sam 7:1-16 | David's desire to build God a house and God's covenant promise of an enduring dynasty to David. | Context of David's reign and character as king. |
2 Samuel 19 verses
2 Samuel 19 38 Meaning
This verse conveys King David's personal promise to Barzillai, the elderly Gileadite, regarding his son (or kinsman), Chimham. Although Barzillai declined David's direct invitation to the royal court due to his advanced age, David ensures that Barzillai's family will receive full royal provision and intimate patronage in Jerusalem through Chimham. It highlights David's gratitude, commitment to his word, and a king's responsibility to care for loyal subjects.
2 Samuel 19 38 Context
2 Samuel chapter 19 describes King David's return to Jerusalem after the defeat of Absalom's rebellion. As David prepares to cross the Jordan River, various factions come to meet him, demonstrating their loyalty or seeking forgiveness. Barzillai the Gileadite, an elderly and wealthy man, had generously provided for David and his men while they were fugitives in Mahanaim (2 Sam 17:27-29). In gratitude, David invited Barzillai to accompany him to Jerusalem, offering him a place at court and royal provision. However, Barzillai humbly declined, citing his advanced age (80 years) and diminished capacity to enjoy court life, instead recommending that his son or kinsman, Chimham, go in his stead. David, eager to show his continued favor and repay Barzillai's loyalty, agrees to this proposal, emphasizing his commitment to fully care for Chimham. Verse 38 specifically highlights David's assurance of this continued patronage.
2 Samuel 19 38 Word analysis
- And: Connects this statement to Barzillai's preceding refusal and recommendation, indicating David's response and firm resolve.
- the king: Refers to David, emphasizing his sovereign authority, position, and the weight of his promise. His word carries royal decree.
- said: (וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ vayyōmer) Implies a formal, definitive pronouncement. It signifies David's personal declaration and commitment.
- Barzillai: The proper name of the elderly Gileadite, specifically mentioned despite the immediate focus shifting to Chimham, signifying that the benefit is fundamentally intended for Barzillai, honored through his kinsman.
- shall go: This verb implies action and acceptance of the offer made to Chimham. David commands that the agreed-upon arrangement proceed.
- with me: (אִתִּ֖י ittî) Denotes personal companionship and royal association. This signifies the unique privilege and close relationship that Chimham, acting for Barzillai, will have with the king.
- and I will feed him: (וְכִלְכַּלְתִּ֫יוֹ veḵilkaltîv) More than just providing food, this Hebrew word implies comprehensive sustenance, provision, care, and support. It encompasses material needs, protection, and livelihood under royal patronage. It's a promise of lifelong security and honor.
- with me: (אִתִּ֖י ittî) This repetition reinforces the intimacy and directness of the king's care. It means at the king's expense and under the king's direct purview and generosity, potentially even at his personal table (as seen in 1 Kings 2:7 with Solomon).
- in Jerusalem: (בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַם bîrûšālayim) The capital city and the seat of David's kingdom. It is the center of power, cultural life, and soon-to-be the spiritual heart of the nation. To be provided for in Jerusalem signifies a life of honor, status, and proximity to the highest authority.
- "the king said, Barzillai shall go with me": This phrase encapsulates David's gratitude and decisive response to Barzillai's loyal service. Despite Barzillai's declining the personal invitation, David ensures his benevolent intentions are still carried out through a surrogate. It highlights royal grace and reciprocal favor.
- "I will feed him with me in Jerusalem": This segment outlines the substance of David's promise. It denotes ongoing, personal, and substantial royal provision. "With me" twice underscores the intimate nature of this patronage – more than mere sustenance, it implies direct royal care and a favored status within the king's inner circle in the capital city.
2 Samuel 19 38 Bonus section
This act of providing for Barzillai's proxy, Chimham, becomes a long-standing directive within David's royal household. King Solomon, upon inheriting the throne, specifically instructs Shimei (of Gera) to spare "the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite" and "let them be among those who eat at your table" (1 Ki 2:7). This demonstrates the lasting nature of David's promises and the continuity of royal patronage and recognition for exceptional loyalty, emphasizing that David's word carried weight far beyond his own reign. This generosity to Barzillai stands in contrast to David's handling of others in this chapter, showcasing his discerning and often gracious character in meting out justice and rewards.
2 Samuel 19 38 Commentary
2 Samuel 19:38 stands as a testament to King David's noble character, embodying gratitude, wisdom, and a king's duty. After a tumultuous period of rebellion, David prioritizes honoring those who stood by him. Barzillai's humility in recognizing his limitations due to old age and his shrewd suggestion to send Chimham demonstrates integrity. David's eager acceptance and the emphasis on "feeding him with me" signifies the highest form of royal patronage and intimate fellowship. This wasn't merely a promise of food, but a secure place within the royal family's trust and provision, ensuring Chimham's prosperity and, by extension, continued honor for Barzillai and his lineage. The inclusion of "in Jerusalem" signifies a place of status and privilege within the kingdom's heart. This royal commitment foreshadows the covenantal care that God provides for His loyal servants, reflecting the Lord who prepares a table for His own. It exemplifies a leader valuing faithfulness and ensuring the welfare of his loyal subjects even beyond their immediate capacity to serve, leaving a legacy of generosity that was indeed carried out by Solomon (1 Ki 2:7).