2 Samuel 19 39

2 Samuel 19:39 kjv

And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

2 Samuel 19:39 nkjv

Then all the people went over the Jordan. And when the king had crossed over, the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own place.

2 Samuel 19:39 niv

So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and bid him farewell, and Barzillai returned to his home.

2 Samuel 19:39 esv

Then all the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over. And the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own home.

2 Samuel 19:39 nlt

So all the people crossed the Jordan with the king. After David had blessed Barzillai and kissed him, Barzillai returned to his own home.

2 Samuel 19 verses

2 Samuel 19 39 Meaning

This verse narrates the completion of King David's company and "all the people" crossing the Jordan River, signifying their successful return to the west bank and the final stage of David's restoration to his throne in Jerusalem. Upon safe passage, King David bids an affectionate farewell to Barzillai the Gileadite, a loyal aged supporter who had provided essential provisions during David's flight from Absalom. David personally expresses his profound gratitude through a kiss and a formal blessing, honoring Barzillai's unwavering faithfulness. Following this emotional parting, Barzillai, who had previously declined a place at court due to his age, returns to his own home in Gilead. The verse encapsulates a moment of deep appreciation, mutual respect, and the re-establishment of order after conflict.

2 Samuel 19 39 Context

The verse is situated in 2 Samuel chapter 19, following the defeat of Absalom's rebellion. King David is making his perilous journey back to Jerusalem to reclaim his throne. The crossing of the Jordan River (mentioned earlier in 2 Sam 19:15, 17-18) marks a pivotal point, signifying the physical boundary between David's exile east of the Jordan and his restoration on the west bank, leading back to Jerusalem. Prior to this verse, Barzillai the Gileadite, an eighty-year-old man who had generously supported David during his flight (2 Sam 17:27-29), had been invited by David to come to Jerusalem and live with him in honor at the court. Barzillai humbly declined, citing his advanced age and preference for dying in his hometown, requesting instead that David extend his kindness to his servant (or perhaps son) Chimham. This verse then describes the final farewell and Barzillai's immediate return home, highlighting the conclusion of their shared journey and David's recognition of the immense debt he owed this loyal subject. Historically, crossing the Jordan River was deeply symbolic for Israel, representing transitions and entering a new phase or "promised land," akin to Joshua's crossing into Canaan. Here, it symbolizes David's entry into a new era of his restored kingship.

2 Samuel 19 39 Word analysis

• And all the people went over Jordan. (וְכָל-הָעָם֙ עָֽבְרוּ֙ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן - `ve'khol-ha'am av'ru et-ha'Yarden`)
  • And all the people (וְכָל-הָעָם֙): `כל` (kōl) means "all, whole." This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the return, encompassing David's loyal followers and perhaps even those reconciled to his return. It signals a collective re-entry into the land. Significance: Represents unity and the broad acceptance of David's kingship post-rebellion.
  • went over (עָֽבְרוּ֙): From the root `עבר` (abar), meaning "to pass over, cross." This verb is used for significant crossings, like Israel crossing the Red Sea or the Jordan. Significance: Marks a decisive transition from a period of flight and turmoil to one of stability and homecoming. It's a literal passage with immense symbolic weight, ending the liminal period.
  • Jordan (אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן): The Jordan River, a significant geographical and symbolic boundary in biblical history. Significance: Represents the frontier of David's "exile" and the threshold of his return to his domain. Its crossing parallels Israel's entrance into the Promised Land, marking a restoration or new beginning.
• And when the king was come over, (וְהַמֶּלֶךְ֙ עָבַ֔ר - `ve'hammeleḵ āvar`)
  • the king (וְהַמֶּלֶךְ֙): Refers to David. His specific mention signifies his leadership and the culmination of his own perilous journey back to kingship. Significance: Underscores David's personal safe passage and the restoration of his authority; he is the central figure leading his people.
  • was come over (עָבַ֔ר): Another instance of `עבר` (abar). Significance: Reiterates David's crossing as the key event for his full return, showing his re-establishment in his land.
• the king kissed Barzillai, (נָשַׁ֥ק הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ לְבַרְזִלַּ֔י - `nāšaq hammelēḵ ləvarzillai`)
  • kissed (נָשַׁ֥ק): From `נשק` (nāshaq), meaning "to kiss." A gesture of deep affection, respect, farewell, or sometimes homage in the ancient Near East (e.g., Gen 45:15; Psa 2:12). Significance: Far more than a simple goodbye, it's a profound, intimate act signifying genuine gratitude, affection, and personal honor for Barzillai's unwavering loyalty and sacrifice. It conveys deep appreciation for his generosity and faithful friendship during adversity.
  • Barzillai (לְבַרְזִלַּ֔י): The loyal supporter from Rogelim in Gilead. Significance: The specific recipient of David's personal gratitude, representing steadfast loyalty and sacrificial service to God's anointed during a time of great need.
• and blessed him; (וַֽיְבָרֲכֵ֑הוּ - `vayəvārăḵēhū`)
  • blessed (וַֽיְבָרֲכֵ֑הוּ): From the root `ברך` (bārakh), meaning "to bless." To invoke divine favor, well-being, or prosperity upon someone. Significance: A king's blessing carried great weight. It was a formal pronouncement of good will and a spiritual invocation of God's favor upon Barzillai, signifying divine endorsement of David's gratitude and a recognition of Barzillai's righteous deeds. It extends beyond earthly recompense, wishing spiritual well-being.
• and he returned unto his own place. (וַיָּ֖שָׁב לִמְקוֹמֽוֹ׃ - `vayyāshāv limqōmō`)
  • he returned (וַיָּ֖שָׁב): From `שוב` (shuv), meaning "to return, turn back." Significance: Barzillai's act of humility, affirming his choice to forego court life for his simpler, rural home. It highlights his contentment and lack of ambition for worldly prestige, prioritizing his home and his peace in old age.
  • unto his own place (לִמְקוֹמֽוֹ׃): Refers to Barzillai's hometown in Rogelim, Gilead. Significance: Emphasizes his rootedness, his decision to conclude his life in familiar surroundings rather than in the grandeur of the king's court. This shows David respecting Barzillai's personal preference for a quiet, dignified return to his origin.

Words-Group/Phrase Analysis:

• "And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over": This structure emphasizes the collective movement of David's followers and then focuses specifically on the king's passage, highlighting his central role and leadership in this act of national restoration. It conveys the orderly and decisive completion of the return journey, uniting leader and people in the process.
• "the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him": This phrase captures the depth of David's emotional and spiritual response. The actions signify more than mere politeness; they express profound affection, respect, and invocation of divine favor upon a truly loyal subject. It highlights David's character in acknowledging and honoring those who supported him in his hour of greatest need.
• "and he returned unto his own place": This conveys Barzillai's personal integrity, humility, and contentment. It signals his lack of ambition for worldly gain or position, preferring the peace and familiarity of his home in his final years. It also implicitly underscores David's respect for this elder's wishes, allowing him a graceful exit.

2 Samuel 19 39 Bonus section

• The King's Reciprocation: David's actions in this verse—the kiss, the blessing, and the later instruction to Solomon concerning Barzillai's sons (1 Kgs 2:7)—demonstrate a strong biblical principle of acknowledging and rewarding faithfulness and generous service. This models how God remembers and recompenses the righteous service of His people.
• Biblical Hospitality: Barzillai's previous actions (providing provision in 2 Sam 17:27-29) are exemplary of the ancient Near Eastern and biblical virtue of hospitality. This verse shows David's earnest desire to reciprocate that kindness, upholding the cultural and moral imperative to honor those who have shown hospitality, particularly in times of distress.
• The Wisdom of Old Age: Barzillai's refusal of court life due to his age, as explained in the preceding verses, portrays a man deeply aware of his limitations and priorities. His contentment with returning to his home offers a lesson in knowing one's season and remaining true to one's values, rather than clinging to status or influence.
• Echoes of Return: The crossing of the Jordan by "all the people" has strong echoes of Israel's initial entry into the Promised Land under Joshua. This motif symbolizes not just a physical return, but a spiritual and national re-consecration or renewed covenant, akin to finding "rest" after a journey of trials.
• Leadership in Restoration: David's careful attention to various individuals (Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai) during his return journey (2 Sam 19) highlights his nuanced leadership in post-conflict restoration. He displays a mix of justice, mercy, and personal gratitude crucial for reunifying his fractured kingdom.

2 Samuel 19 39 Commentary

2 Samuel 19:39 serves as a poignant conclusion to Barzillai's direct involvement in David's return, symbolizing the transition from the tumult of rebellion to the stability of kingship. The universal crossing of the Jordan signifies the collective return to national order, with David's individual crossing underscoring his re-established authority. David's deeply personal farewell — a kiss and a blessing — to Barzillai goes beyond conventional gratitude. It is a genuine, heart-felt acknowledgment of a friend who offered invaluable support at the king's lowest point. This act speaks volumes about David's capacity for loyal relationships and his understanding of rewarding faithful service, reflecting a divine principle. Barzillai's subsequent return "unto his own place" illustrates his unwavering humility and wisdom, preferring the tranquility of his home over the allure of courtly life, demonstrating true contentment and detachment from worldly ambition. The verse thus embodies themes of restoration, gratitude, faithful service, and humble contentment, marking a crucial moment in the winding down of the rebellion and the re-establishment of the Davidic monarchy.