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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And honey {H1706}, and butter {H2529}, and sheep {H6629}, and cheese {H8194} of kine {H1241}, for David {H1732}, and for the people {H5971} that were with him, to eat {H398}: for they said {H559}, The people {H5971} is hungry {H7457}, and weary {H5889}, and thirsty {H6771}, in the wilderness {H4057}.

Complete Jewish Bible

honey, curdled milk, sheep and cheese made of cow's milk for David and the people with him to eat; because they said, "These people are hungry, tired and thirsty from the desert."

Berean Standard Bible

honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 17:29 powerfully depicts the critical provision of sustenance for King David and his loyal followers during their desperate flight from Absalom's rebellion. In their vulnerable state—hungry, weary, and thirsty in the desolate wilderness—this generous supply of essential provisions, including honey, butter, sheep, and cheese, served as a tangible expression of compassion and unwavering loyalty, enabling David's exhausted company to survive and persevere through an intensely challenging period of crisis and displacement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of a pivotal act of support detailed in the immediately preceding verses, where three prominent individuals—Shobi the Ammonite, Machir from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite—are introduced as those who brought a comprehensive array of provisions to David. Their actions directly follow David's hasty and desperate flight from Jerusalem, as recorded in [2 Samuel 15:13-17](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13-17 - David Flees Jerusalem"), due to Absalom's swift and overwhelming rebellion. The narrative highlights David's extreme vulnerability and the critical need for sustenance for his large entourage, setting the stage for the profound impact of these provisions. The specific listing of food items underscores the practical nature of their dire circumstances and the immediate relief provided. This act of kindness stands in stark contrast to the betrayal David experienced from his own son and many within his kingdom, emphasizing the loyalty of a faithful remnant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's flight took him across the Jordan River into the Transjordan region, an area often described as a "wilderness" (_midbār_). While not entirely barren, this region was less populated and offered fewer immediate resources for a large, fleeing company than the settled lands west of the Jordan. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty, especially towards those in distress or flight. The act of providing food and shelter to a king in exile, particularly one whose throne was contested, was a significant political and social statement, demonstrating loyalty and risking the wrath of the usurper, Absalom. The provisions listed—honey, butter, sheep, and cheese—were staple foods of the time, providing vital energy, protein, and fat necessary for sustaining a large group of people who were physically exhausted and deprived. "Cheese of kine" specifically refers to cheese made from cow's milk, indicating a common and accessible dairy product, essential for a people on the move.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Provision through Human Instruments**, showcasing how God, in His faithfulness, provides for His anointed, David, even in his lowest and most vulnerable state, often working through the compassion and loyalty of others. This underscores that God's care is tangible and practical, meeting immediate physical needs, much like His provision for Israel in the desert, as recounted in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail"). Secondly, it highlights the profound **Compassion and Loyalty** demonstrated by Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai, who risked their own safety and resources to support their king, embodying selfless devotion in a time of political upheaval. Their actions stand in stark contrast to the betrayal David experienced from Absalom and others. Thirdly, the passage underscores the **Vulnerability of Leadership**, revealing that even a powerful king like David was not immune to severe hardship, hunger, and physical exhaustion, emphasizing his dependence on God and the faithfulness of his subjects during a period of intense crisis, as seen in his lament in [Psalm 3:1-2](/psalm/3-1 "Psalm 3:1-2 - David's Prayer in Distress"). Lastly, it emphasizes the **Practical Needs in Crisis**, illustrating that in moments of extreme distress, basic sustenance is paramount. The specific list of provisions—honey, butter, sheep, and cheese—speaks to the immediate, practical necessities for survival and recovery when people are "hungry, and weary, and thirsty" in the wilderness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honey (Hebrew, _dᵉbash'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be gummy," this term refers to honey, likely from wild bees, or a syrup made from dates or grapes. In the ancient world, honey was a primary natural sweetener and a valuable source of quick energy, often consumed as a staple food. Its inclusion here signifies a readily available and highly beneficial provision for an exhausted and famished group.
* **Kine (Hebrew, _bâqâr'_):** This archaic English term, preserved in the KJV, refers to "beef cattle" or "an animal of the ox family," encompassing both genders but often implying female cattle when used in the plural for dairy products. In the context of "cheese of kine," it specifically means cheese made from cow's milk. This highlights the common, practical nature of the provisions, drawing from readily available agricultural resources in the region.
* **Hungry (Hebrew, _râʻêb'_):** This word describes a state of intense hunger or being "hunger-bitten." It conveys a deep, physical need for food, emphasizing the severe deprivation experienced by David and his company. Coupled with "weary" and "thirsty," it paints a vivid picture of their dire physical condition, making the provision of food not merely a comfort but an urgent necessity for their very survival.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine":** This clause provides a precise inventory of the provisions brought. "Honey" would have been a natural sweetener and energy source. "Butter" (likely a fermented milk product or curd, or even clarified butter/ghee) and "cheese of kine" (cow's milk cheese) provided essential fats and proteins. "Sheep" would have been for meat, offering a crucial source of protein for a large, exhausted group. This list speaks to both immediate energy needs and sustained nourishment, demonstrating a comprehensive and thoughtful provision.
* **"for David, and for the people that [were] with him, to eat":** This specifies the recipients of the provisions. It emphasizes that the aid was not just for David, the king, but for his entire company—his loyal soldiers, household, and all who had followed him in his desperate flight. This underscores the scale of the need and the comprehensive nature of the provision, ensuring that no one in his vulnerable entourage was left without sustenance. It highlights the collective nature of their suffering and the collective benefit of the aid.
* **"for they said, The people [is] hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.":** This final clause reveals the profound motivation behind the benefactors' actions. Their direct statement indicates a deep empathy and acute awareness of David's and his people's dire physical state. "Hungry, and weary, and thirsty" vividly describes the cumulative effects of rapid flight, lack of rest, and exposure in a harsh, unyielding environment. The phrase "in the wilderness" further emphasizes the challenging circumstances, highlighting the isolation and scarcity that made these provisions absolutely vital for survival and recovery.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its message with vividness and emotional impact. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as it meticulously lists the specific items of provision: "honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine." This detailed catalog not only provides a concrete image of the relief offered but also emphasizes the practical, life-sustaining nature of the gifts, highlighting their immediate utility for a group facing starvation. Furthermore, the verse powerfully uses **Pathos** by explicitly stating the dire condition of David's people: "hungry, and weary, and thirsty." This direct appeal to the reader's emotions evokes profound sympathy for David's plight and underscores the urgency and compassion of the benefactors. The phrase "for they said" also functions as **Reported Speech**, giving voice to the benefactors' motivation and emphasizing their empathetic understanding of the dire situation. Finally, there is an implicit **Contrast** between David's former glory as king in Jerusalem and his current vulnerable state, fleeing in the wilderness, which heightens the significance of this timely and life-saving provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage beautifully illustrates the providential care of God, often manifested through the compassion and generosity of His people. Even when David, God's anointed king, found himself in the lowest and most vulnerable circumstances, stripped of his throne and fleeing for his life, God did not abandon him. Instead, He moved the hearts of faithful individuals to provide tangible, life-sustaining aid. This demonstrates that God's faithfulness is not merely spiritual but extends to the practical, physical needs of His servants, especially in times of extreme hardship. It underscores a fundamental biblical principle: God often uses human instruments to accomplish His divine purposes and to demonstrate His love and provision for His children. The selfless actions of Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai serve as a powerful example of biblical love in action, responding to immediate and desperate need without expectation of return. Their willingness to risk their own safety and resources for the sake of God's anointed king exemplifies true loyalty and faith.

* [Psalm 23:5](/psalm/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - God Prepares a Table")
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - Caring for the Least of These")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Samuel 17:29 offers profound lessons for believers navigating their own "wilderness" seasons—times of great difficulty, exhaustion, uncertainty, or even spiritual dryness. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in our most vulnerable moments, when we feel abandoned or overwhelmed, God remains faithful to provide for our needs. This provision often comes not through miraculous, direct intervention, but through the kindness, generosity, and compassion of others whom God has prepared and moved. This passage challenges us to cultivate a spirit of trust in God's provision, recognizing that He uses the tangible actions of His people to meet real needs. Furthermore, it calls us to embody the same selfless compassion demonstrated by Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai. Are we attentive to the practical needs of those around us—the hungry, the weary, the thirsty, the vulnerable, the displaced? Are we willing to extend ourselves, even at personal risk or inconvenience, to provide tangible support to those in crisis, echoing Christ's call to care for "the least of these"? This verse encourages us to be instruments of God's grace and provision, reflecting His love in practical, life-sustaining ways within our communities and beyond, remembering that acts of kindness, however small, can have profound impact in desperate times.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "wilderness" seasons of your life have you experienced God's provision, perhaps through unexpected human instruments?**
* **How does this passage challenge your understanding of God's faithfulness beyond purely spiritual blessings, extending to practical, physical needs?**
* **Who in your life or community might be "hungry, weary, and thirsty" (literally or figuratively), and how might God be calling you to be an instrument of His provision for them?**
* **What does this story teach us about loyalty and compassion in times of crisis, and how can we apply these principles in our relationships and service today?**

### FAQ
**Who were Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai, and why did they help David?**

Answer: Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai were three prominent individuals from the Transjordan region who provided crucial aid to King David and his followers during his flight from Absalom's rebellion. Shobi was the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, possibly indicating a former enemy now allied with David, or a sign of David's widespread support across tribal and national lines. Machir, son of Ammiel, was from Lo-debar and had previously shown kindness by caring for Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son ([2 Samuel 9:4-5](/2_samuel/9-4-5 "2 Samuel 9:4-5 - Machir's Care for Mephibosheth")). Barzillai was a wealthy Gileadite from Rogelim. They helped David out of profound loyalty and compassion, recognizing his desperate plight and the extreme exhaustion, hunger, and thirst of his company. Their actions were a testament to their unwavering support for David's legitimate kingship, even when it seemed to be in jeopardy, demonstrating remarkable courage and selflessness.

**What is the significance of the specific provisions listed: "honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine"?**

Answer: The specific items listed—honey, butter (likely a form of curd or fermented milk product), sheep (for meat), and cheese of kine (cow's milk cheese)—were not luxuries but vital, practical provisions for a large group of people facing physical exertion and deprivation in a wilderness setting. Honey provided quick energy and was a natural sweetener. Butter and cheese offered essential fats and proteins, crucial for sustained energy and nourishment. Sheep provided meat, a significant source of protein. Together, these items formed a comprehensive and highly nutritious supply, demonstrating a thoughtful and practical response to the immediate, life-threatening needs of David's weary and famished company. This shows that the benefactors understood the specific demands of their situation and provided exactly what was needed for survival and recovery.

**How does this event demonstrate God's providence?**

Answer: This event powerfully demonstrates God's providence by showing His faithful care for David, His anointed king, even in his darkest hour. While David was fleeing, vulnerable and seemingly abandoned, God orchestrated human agents—Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai—to provide exactly what was needed for survival. This is not a direct, miraculous intervention like manna from heaven, but a profound demonstration of God working through the hearts and resources of His people. It illustrates that God's providence often operates through ordinary means and human compassion, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled and His servants are sustained, even when circumstances seem dire. It underscores the truth that God is always at work, even when His hand is not overtly visible, orchestrating events and moving individuals to accomplish His divine will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The provision for David in 2 Samuel 17:29, while a historical event, resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's provision and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, the anointed king, finds himself rejected, fleeing, and utterly dependent, a poignant foreshadowing of Christ's own journey. Jesus, the true King, also experienced rejection and vulnerability, famously having "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). He endured His own "wilderness" experiences, facing temptation and hunger after forty days of fasting ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Temptation of Jesus")). Yet, just as David was sustained by faithful hands, Christ was ministered to by angels after His temptation ([Matthew 4:11](/matthew/4-11 "Matthew 4:11 - Angels Minister to Jesus")) and strengthened by an angel in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:43](/luke/22-43 "Luke 22:43 - An Angel Strengthens Jesus")). Ultimately, Christ is the **ultimate provision** for a humanity that is "hungry, and weary, and thirsty" in the wilderness of sin, separated from God. He declares Himself the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering spiritual sustenance that truly satisfies, and the "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water")) to quench our deepest thirst. The compassion shown to David by his loyalists also prefigures the call for believers to minister to Christ's body, the Church, and to the "least of these" ([Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - Caring for the Least of These")), recognizing that in serving others, we are serving Him. Thus, 2 Samuel 17:29 points to God's unwavering commitment to sustain His chosen ones, a commitment perfectly and eternally fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our ultimate Provider and Sustainer, who gave His very self for our eternal nourishment.

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

2 Samuel 16:2

And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses [be] for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

Isaiah 21:14

The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.

2 Samuel 16:14

And the king, and all the people that [were] with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.

Philippians 4:15

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Judges 8:4

¶ And Gideon came to Jordan, [and] passed over, he, and the three hundred men that [were] with him, faint, yet pursuing [them].

Judges 8:6

And the princes of Succoth said, [Are] the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?