2 Samuel 17:29

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

2 Samuel 17:29 details the critical provisions brought to King David and his loyal followers as they fled Jerusalem from Absalom's rebellion. This act of compassion ensured that David's weary, hungry, and thirsty company received essential sustenance in the wilderness, allowing them to survive and press on during a time of immense vulnerability.

Context

This verse is the culmination of a vital act of kindness from three prominent individuals: Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai, who are introduced in 2 Samuel 17:27-28. Having heard of David's desperate plight and his flight across the Jordan River, these men provided not only essential household items but also a generous array of food items, including honey, butter, sheep (for meat), and cheese made from cattle. Their motivation was clear: they recognized the extreme distress of David and his people, who were utterly exhausted and famished from fleeing Absalom's pursuit through challenging terrain.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision Through Human Instruments: This passage beautifully illustrates how God provides for His anointed, even in their lowest moments, often working through the compassion and loyalty of others. It underscores that God's care is tangible and practical.
  • Compassion and Loyalty: The actions of Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai exemplify profound loyalty and selfless compassion. They risked their own safety and resources to support their king, demonstrating a deep understanding of his and his people's dire needs.
  • The Vulnerability of Leadership: The verse highlights that even a powerful king like David was not immune to severe hardship, hunger, and physical exhaustion. It shows his dependence on God and the faithfulness of his subjects during a period of intense crisis.
  • Practical Needs in Crisis: The specific list of provisions—honey, butter, sheep, and cheese—emphasizes the immediate, practical necessities for survival and recovery when people are "hungry, and weary, and thirsty." These were not luxuries but life-sustaining provisions.

Linguistic Insights

The term "kine" (pronounced /kaɪn/) used in the King James Version is an archaic plural form for "cow" or "cattle." Therefore, "cheese of kine" simply means cheese made from cow's milk. The list of food items—honey, butter, sheep (likely for slaughter and consumption), and cheese—represents a highly practical and nutritious supply for individuals enduring physical exertion and deprivation in a wilderness setting. These were staple foods that provided energy and sustenance.

Practical Application

The narrative of 2 Samuel 17:29 offers enduring lessons for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness in Hardship: When we face our own "wilderness" seasons—times of great difficulty, exhaustion, or uncertainty—this verse reminds us that God is faithful to provide for our needs, often through the kindness and generosity of others. It encourages trust in His provision.
  • The Call to Compassion: It serves as a powerful example of biblical compassion. Just as David's loyalists saw a need and met it, we are called to be attentive to the practical needs of those around us, especially the vulnerable, sick, or distressed. This echoes the teaching found in Matthew 25:35, "I was hungry, and ye gave me meat."
  • Supporting Those in Need: The loyalty shown to David, even when his kingship was threatened, highlights the importance of standing by and supporting leaders, friends, and family during their times of weakness and trial.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 16:2 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Philippians 4:15 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Judges 8:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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?