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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when David {H1732} was come {H935} to Mahanaim {H4266}, that Shobi {H7629} the son {H1121} of Nahash {H5176} of Rabbah {H7237} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}, and Machir {H4353} the son {H1121} of Ammiel {H5988} of Lodebar {H3810}, and Barzillai {H1271} the Gileadite {H1569} of Rogelim {H7274},

Complete Jewish Bible

After David had arrived in Machanayim, Shovi the son of Nachash, from Rabbah of the people of 'Amon; Machir the son of 'Ammi'el from Lo-D'var and Barzillai the Gil'adi from Roglim

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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 Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
As King David flees Jerusalem from his son Absalom's rebellion, he arrives at Mahanaim, a city east of the Jordan River. In this moment of dire need, exhausted and vulnerable, David and his loyal followers are met with an extraordinary act of kindness and provision from three distinct individuals: Shobi the Ammonite, Machir of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite. This verse marks the beginning of a crucial period of support that sustains David's forces, highlighting God's faithful provision through unexpected human instruments even in the midst of profound betrayal and crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, which spans [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins") through [2 Samuel 19](/2_samuel/19 "2 Samuel 19 - David Returns to Jerusalem"). Having been forced to flee Jerusalem due to the rapid success of Absalom's coup, David and his loyalists have crossed the Jordan River, signaling a retreat to the eastern territories. The preceding chapters detail the swiftness of Absalom's takeover, the counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai, and David's desperate flight. [2 Samuel 17:27](/2_samuel/17-27 "2 Samuel 17:27 - David Receives Aid at Mahanaim") introduces the critical turning point where David, in his most vulnerable state, receives essential sustenance and shelter. It sets the stage for the detailed account of provision in [2 Samuel 17:28-29](/2_samuel/17-28 "2 Samuel 17:28-29 - Provisions for David's Camp"), demonstrating that despite the political and personal turmoil, God's providential care for His anointed king is unwavering.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Absalom's rebellion represents a significant civil war within Israel, a period of immense instability and personal anguish for David. The setting of Mahanaim is significant; it was a city east of the Jordan in Gilead, historically known as a place where Jacob encountered angels ([Genesis 32:1-2](/genesis/32-1 "Genesis 32:1-2 - Jacob Encounters Angels at Mahanaim")) and later served as a Levitical city and a city of refuge. David's presence here underscores his desperate need for a safe haven away from Absalom's immediate reach. The act of providing food, shelter, and supplies to a fleeing king and his weary entourage was a profound act of hospitality and loyalty, carrying significant risk during a time of civil unrest. Culturally, hospitality was a sacred duty in the ancient Near East, especially towards those in distress. The involvement of an Ammonite (Shobi) is particularly noteworthy, given the historical animosity between Israel and Ammon, highlighting an unexpected alliance or a pre-existing diplomatic tie, possibly from David's earlier kindness to Nahash or his family.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David"). Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence**, illustrating God's faithfulness to David even when he is at his lowest point, providing for his needs through human agents. It starkly contrasts the **Loyalty** of these three men with the widespread **Betrayal** exemplified by Absalom and many of David's former supporters. The actions of Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai embody the biblical virtue of **Hospitality and Compassion**, demonstrating practical love and support for those in distress. Furthermore, the passage underscores the idea that God often raises up **Unexpected Allies** to fulfill His purposes, even from nations traditionally hostile to Israel, as seen with Shobi the Ammonite. This divine orchestration of support reaffirms God's sovereignty over human affairs and His commitment to His covenant with David, even amidst the consequences of David's own past sins and the turmoil of his family.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mahanaim (Hebrew, _Maḥănayim'_):** Meaning "two camps" or "two companies." This city holds significant biblical history, first appearing in [Genesis 32:1-2](/genesis/32-1 "Genesis 32:1-2 - Jacob's Encounter with Angels at Mahanaim") where Jacob encountered angels, dividing his company into two camps. Later, it served as a royal city and a city of refuge. Its name itself, "two camps," might subtly allude to David's divided loyalties or the two factions of Israel during the rebellion, but more importantly, it signifies a place of divine presence and protection, echoing Jacob's experience of God's safeguarding. For David, it becomes a literal place of refuge and provision.
* **Shobi (Hebrew, _Šōḇî'_):** An Ammonite, identified as "the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon." This is highly significant because the Ammonites were long-standing enemies of Israel, often engaging in conflict (e.g., [1 Samuel 11](/1_samuel/11 "1 Samuel 11 - Saul Defeats the Ammonites")). The "Nahash" mentioned here could be the same king who showed kindness to David in the past ([2 Samuel 10:2](/2_samuel/10-2 "2 Samuel 10:2 - David's Kindness to Hanun, Son of Nahash")), or a different individual. Regardless, an Ammonite providing aid to David underscores God's ability to raise up help from the most unexpected sources, transcending national and historical enmities to fulfill His purposes.
* **Barzillai (Hebrew, _Barzillay'_):** Meaning "man of iron" or "my iron." This name aptly describes his character, as he proves to be a man of unwavering strength, loyalty, and generosity. He is identified as "the Gileadite of Rogelim," indicating his wealth and prominence in the region of Gilead. Barzillai's introduction here foreshadows his pivotal role in providing extensive provisions for David and his entire company, and his steadfast devotion will be further highlighted in later chapters ([2 Samuel 19:31-39](/2_samuel/19-31 "2 Samuel 19:31-39 - David's Farewell to Barzillai")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim":** This clause establishes the critical juncture in David's flight. Having crossed the Jordan River, David and his loyal followers arrive at Mahanaim, a strategic location in Gilead. This marks a temporary respite from the immediate pursuit of Absalom's forces and a place where David can regroup. The arrival at Mahanaim signifies a moment of extreme vulnerability and exhaustion for the king and his retinue, setting the stage for the divine provision that follows.
* **"that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon":** This introduces the first of the three benefactors. Shobi, an Ammonite, represents an unexpected source of aid. His lineage connects him to Rabbah, the capital of Ammon, and potentially to a previous King Nahash who had shown kindness to David. His willingness to assist David, despite the historical animosity between their nations, highlights God's sovereign hand in orchestrating support from unlikely quarters and demonstrates a remarkable act of cross-cultural compassion and loyalty.
* **"and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar":** Machir is the second individual named, and he is not new to the narrative. He is the same man who previously provided a home and care for Mephibosheth, Saul's crippled grandson, demonstrating his consistent compassion and loyalty to David's house ([2 Samuel 9:4-5](/2_samuel/9-4 "2 Samuel 9:4-5 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth")). His reappearance here underscores his consistent character and unwavering support for David, even when it was politically perilous to do so. His presence signifies a reliable and steadfast ally within Israel.
* **"and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim":** The third and perhaps most prominent figure introduced is Barzillai. Identified as a Gileadite from Rogelim, he is depicted as a wealthy and influential elder from the region. His introduction here sets the stage for his extensive and crucial provision for David and his weary company, detailed in the subsequent verses. Barzillai embodies deep personal loyalty and generosity, becoming a symbol of unwavering support for David's legitimate kingship during a time of national crisis.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the stark contrast between the profound betrayal David experiences from his own son, Absalom, and the unexpected, selfless loyalty displayed by Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai. This highlights the depth of David's personal suffering while simultaneously showcasing God's faithful provision through human instruments. **Foreshadowing** is also present, as the mere introduction of these three men in this verse subtly hints at the crucial and extensive aid they are about to provide, which is then detailed in the subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 17:28-29](/2_samuel/17-28 "2 Samuel 17:28-29 - Provisions for David's Camp")). The naming of Barzillai, in particular, sets the stage for his significant role later in the narrative. Furthermore, there is an element of **Divine Irony** or **Paradox** in God raising up an Ammonite, a traditional enemy, to provide for His anointed king, demonstrating that God's ways of provision are not limited by human expectations or historical animosities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse profoundly illustrates God's unwavering providence and faithfulness to His chosen king, David, even in the midst of profound personal and national crisis. Despite being betrayed by his own son and forced into exile, David experiences God's sustaining grace through the unexpected and generous actions of Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai. Their timely appearance and subsequent provisions are not mere coincidence but a testament to God's active involvement in the lives of His people, orchestrating circumstances and raising up allies to meet desperate needs. This narrative underscores that God's care extends even to the darkest valleys, often manifesting through the compassion and loyalty of others. It also highlights the stark contrast between human treachery and divine faithfulness, reminding us that while human relationships may falter, God's covenant promises endure.

* [1 Kings 17:4-6](/1_kings/17-4 "1 Kings 17:4-6 - Elijah Fed by Ravens")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of David's arrival at Mahanaim and the immediate provision by Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In our own lives, we often face periods of intense difficulty, betrayal, or vulnerability, much like David. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that even when circumstances seem bleak and human support falters, God remains faithful and sovereign. He often chooses to meet our needs through unexpected channels and unlikely individuals, demonstrating His boundless creativity and love. We are called to cultivate a posture of trust, recognizing God's hand in every provision, no matter how it arrives. Furthermore, this narrative challenges us to consider how we can embody the spirit of Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai in our communities. Are we willing to extend costly compassion and unwavering loyalty to those in distress, even when it is inconvenient, risky, or unpopular? Being an instrument of God's provision for others—whether through practical aid, emotional support, or faithful presence—is a tangible way to live out our faith and reflect the character of God, who never abandons His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways has God provided for you through unexpected people or circumstances during a time of personal crisis?**
* **How can you identify and respond to the urgent needs of others in your community, embodying the compassion and generosity shown by Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai?**
* **What does this passage teach you about the nature of true loyalty and friendship, especially in contrast to betrayal?**
* **How does recognizing God's providence in this story encourage you to trust Him more fully with your own vulnerabilities and future needs?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that an Ammonite like Shobi helped David?**
Answer: The significance lies in the historical and often hostile relationship between Israel and Ammon. The Ammonites were frequently adversaries of Israel, engaging in battles and territorial disputes. For an Ammonite, especially one from the capital Rabbah, to provide substantial aid to David during his flight from his own son's rebellion is highly unusual and unexpected. This highlights God's sovereign ability to raise up help from the most unlikely sources, transcending national enmities and demonstrating that His purposes are not confined by human alliances or animosities. It also suggests that David's earlier kindness to Nahash, the father of Hanun (who later insulted David, leading to war), or perhaps to Nahash himself, may have established a bond of goodwill that extended to Shobi.

**What was Mahanaim's significance, both historically and for David's situation?**
Answer: Mahanaim, meaning "two camps," holds historical significance from [Genesis 32:1-2](/genesis/32-1 "Genesis 32:1-2 - Jacob Encounters Angels at Mahanaim"), where Jacob encountered angels, signifying a place of divine encounter and protection. Later, it became a Levitical city and a city of refuge. For David, arriving at Mahanaim was crucial because it was located east of the Jordan River, providing a safe distance from Absalom's immediate pursuit in Jerusalem. It was a strategic location in Gilead where David could regroup, receive provisions, and prepare for the inevitable confrontation. Its historical association with divine encounters may also have offered a spiritual comfort to David in his time of distress, reinforcing the sense of God's presence and protection.

**How does Machir's previous action of caring for Mephibosheth connect to his aid for David here?**
Answer: Machir's previous action, detailed in [2 Samuel 9:4-5](/2_samuel/9-4 "2 Samuel 9:4-5 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"), where he provided a home and care for Mephibosheth (Saul's crippled grandson), demonstrates his consistent character of compassion and loyalty to David's house. Even when Saul's dynasty was out of favor, Machir showed kindness to Mephibosheth, defying political expediency. His reappearance in [2 Samuel 17:27](/2_samuel/17-27 "2 Samuel 17:27 - David Receives Aid at Mahanaim") to aid David personally during the rebellion underscores his unwavering faithfulness. It shows that his loyalty was not merely to a position or a fleeting power, but to David and his covenant, even when the king was vulnerable and his throne was in jeopardy. Machir's actions serve as a testament to deep, consistent, and principled loyalty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's flight and the unexpected provision at Mahanaim finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. David, the anointed king, experiences the ultimate betrayal from his own son, forcing him into a desperate exile. This foreshadows the experience of Jesus, the true and greater King, who was also betrayed by one of His own ([John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")) and abandoned by many of His closest followers in His hour of greatest need ([Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Disciples Flee")). Just as David found refuge and provision in Mahanaim through the kindness of Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai, so too was Christ sustained by divine provision and the faithfulness of a few. In Gethsemane, an angel appeared to strengthen Him ([Luke 22:43](/luke/22-43 "Luke 22:43 - An Angel Strengthens Jesus")), and throughout His ministry, He was cared for by faithful women and disciples. Ultimately, Jesus' suffering and apparent abandonment led to His triumph over sin and death, establishing a kingdom that cannot be shaken. For believers, Christ is our ultimate "Mahanaim," the place of refuge and abundant provision. In Him, we find a present help in times of trouble ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach God's Throne of Grace")) and the assurance that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). The unexpected allies who aided David point to the diverse ways God provides for His people through the body of Christ, where believers are called to be instruments of His love and provision for one another, especially in times of spiritual or physical distress.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 2:7

But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

2 Samuel 10:1

¶ And it came to pass after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his stead.

2 Samuel 10:2

Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

2 Samuel 9:4

And the king said unto him, Where [is] he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he [is] in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.

1 Samuel 11:1

¶ Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.

Ezra 2:61

And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:

2 Samuel 12:26

¶ And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.