2 Samuel 19:33

KJV

And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto Barzillai {H1271}, Come thou over {H5674} with me, and I will feed {H3557} thee with me in Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king said to Barzillai, "Come on across with me, and I will provide for your needs with me in Yerushalayim."

Berean Standard Bible

The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.”

American Standard Version

And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will sustain thee with me in Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the devastating rebellion led by his son Absalom, King David, now returning to Jerusalem, extends a profound and personal invitation to Barzillai, a wealthy and loyal Gileadite. This verse captures David's heartfelt desire to bring Barzillai into the royal court in Jerusalem, promising to provide for him directly from the king's own table. This gesture serves as David's reciprocal act of honor and gratitude for the vital provisions and steadfast support Barzillai had offered during the king's perilous exile, underscoring David's recognition of faithful service and deep personal esteem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture in David's reign, marking his triumphal yet emotionally complex return to Jerusalem after the traumatic flight from Absalom's rebellion. The preceding chapters meticulously detail David's desperate escape across the Jordan River and the ensuing civil war, a period of immense vulnerability for the king. As David makes his way back to his capital, he encounters various figures—some, like Shimei, seeking reconciliation and pardon ([2 Samuel 19:16-23](/2_samuel/19-16-23 "2 Samuel 19:16-23 - Shimei's Pardon and David's Mercy")), and others, like Barzillai, who had demonstrated unwavering loyalty during David's darkest hour. David's interaction with Barzillai immediately follows his crossing of the Jordan and precedes his full re-establishment in Jerusalem, highlighting the king's immediate priority to acknowledge and reward those who stood by him. This episode serves as a powerful testament to David's character and his commitment to justice and gratitude.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near Eastern world, an invitation to "eat with the king" or "be fed by the king" was among the highest honors a monarch could bestow. It signified far more than mere material provision; it implied royal patronage, security, and a permanent, esteemed place within the royal household. Such an offer guaranteed a lifetime provision, often extending to the individual's family, and served as a public declaration of the king's profound favor and trust. For a wealthy man like Barzillai from Gilead, who had no material need, David's offer was primarily an act of immense prestige, a symbol of their deep personal bond, and a public acknowledgment of his unwavering loyalty. This gesture mirrors David's earlier provision for [Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son](/2_samuel/9-7 "2 Samuel 9:7 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"), who was also given a permanent place at the king's table, demonstrating a consistent royal practice of honoring those connected to the throne.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several core themes. Foremost is **Gratitude and Reciprocity**, as David actively seeks to repay Barzillai's extraordinary kindness and provision during his time of dire need ([2 Samuel 17:27-29](/2_samuel/17-27-29 "2 Samuel 17:27-29 - Barzillai's Provision for David")). It also profoundly highlights **Loyalty and Faithful Service**, exemplified by Barzillai's steadfast support for the legitimate king even when David's throne seemed lost and his life was in danger. David's offer underscores the immense value placed on such unwavering devotion within the kingdom. Furthermore, the passage speaks to **Royal Provision and Honor**, demonstrating the king's prerogative and responsibility to care for and elevate those who have served him faithfully, ensuring their well-being and acknowledging their esteemed place within the royal sphere. This act reinforces the idea of a covenantal relationship between king and loyal subject.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From H4428, this term emphasizes David's restored authority and position. Despite his recent humiliation and flight from Absalom's rebellion, he is now firmly re-establishing his kingship. His offer to Barzillai is an exercise of his royal prerogative and generosity, demonstrating his capacity to reward and honor those who remained loyal, thereby solidifying his legitimate rule.
* **Feed (Hebrew, _kûwl'_):** From H3557, a primitive root meaning "to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)." While literally meaning "to sustain" or "to nourish," in this royal context, _kûwl_ carries significant weight. It implies not just the provision of food but comprehensive care, maintenance, and support. To be "fed by the king" meant to be provided for from the royal treasury, ensuring a life of security and honor, free from want, signifying a permanent and privileged relationship.
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim'_):** From H3389, probably meaning "founded peaceful." More than just a geographical location, Jerusalem was David's capital, the city of the king, and soon to be the spiritual center of Israel. Bringing Barzillai to Jerusalem meant integrating him into the very heart of the kingdom, granting him access to the royal court, its resources, and its social and political life, a stark contrast to Barzillai's home in Gilead. It symbolized full inclusion and highest honor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said unto Barzillai":** This opening clause immediately establishes the speaker and the recipient, emphasizing David's initiative and the personal, direct nature of the address. It highlights David's intentional engagement with Barzillai, signaling the importance and sincerity of the ensuing offer, coming directly from the highest authority in the land.
* **"Come thou over with me":** This is a direct, personal invitation from the king. "Over with me" refers to crossing the Jordan River back into the western territory of Israel and continuing with David to Jerusalem. It signifies a call to companionship, proximity, and shared journey with the king, a privilege reserved for those in high favor and trust, marking Barzillai's transition from supporter in exile to honored companion in the restored kingdom.
* **"and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem":** This is the core of David's offer, a promise of permanent sustenance and inclusion within the royal household. The phrase "with me" underscores the personal nature of the provision – Barzillai would not merely be provided for by the king, but would share in the king's own provisions, perhaps even dining at the royal table. This was the ultimate expression of royal honor and gratitude, ensuring Barzillai's comfort, security, and elevated status in the capital, symbolizing full integration into the king's inner circle.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Direct Discourse** to convey David's personal and heartfelt invitation, making the exchange immediate and impactful, allowing the reader to experience the king's sincere gratitude firsthand. The specific offer to "feed thee with me in Jerusalem" serves as powerful **Symbolism** for royal patronage, honor, and enduring gratitude. The act of sharing the king's table was a profound gesture of inclusion and a public declaration of favor, signifying a bond that transcended mere material provision, speaking to a deeper relationship of trust and belonging. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Contrast** between David's recent state of vulnerability and flight, where Barzillai provided for him, and his current position of restored authority, where he now offers provision, highlighting the principle of **Reciprocity** in action and demonstrating David's character as a just and grateful ruler.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully illustrates the biblical principle of honoring those who have served faithfully and the profound importance of expressing genuine gratitude. David's immediate desire to reward Barzillai reflects a divine pattern of remembering and recompensing acts of kindness and loyalty, especially those offered in times of distress and vulnerability. It demonstrates that true leadership, even in a fallen world, should be marked by a deep appreciation for loyal service and a commitment to care for those who have blessed others. This act of royal provision foreshadows God's own generous provision for His faithful servants, often through human instruments, and His ultimate promise of eternal sustenance and fellowship in His presence. It underscores that God, who sees all, will never forget the work and labor of love shown for His name.

* [Proverbs 27:18](/proverbs/27-18 "Proverbs 27:18 - Honoring One's Master")
* [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - Reward for a Cup of Cold Water")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Is Not Unjust to Forget Your Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's gracious offer to Barzillai serves as a powerful reminder for believers today to cultivate a spirit of genuine gratitude and to actively seek opportunities to honor and bless those who have shown us kindness, loyalty, or support, especially during difficult times. It challenges us to move beyond mere verbal thanks to tangible expressions of appreciation, whether through practical help, recognition, or simply by being present for others in their moments of need. Just as David remembered Barzillai's provision when he was vulnerable and then reciprocated from his position of strength, we are called to remember and reciprocate the love and service we receive, reflecting God's own character of faithfulness and generosity. This passage also encourages us to be willing instruments of God's provision for others, recognizing that our resources and abilities, no matter how great or small, can be used to sustain and uplift those in need, just as Barzillai faithfully served David, and David, in turn, sought to honor Barzillai.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who in your life has shown you exceptional kindness or unwavering loyalty during a difficult season, and how have you tangibly expressed your gratitude to them?**
* **In what practical ways can you honor and provide for those who have faithfully served others, whether in your family, church, or broader community, reflecting David's generosity?**
* **How does David's act of remembering Barzillai encourage your faith in God's faithfulness to remember your service and acts of love, assuring you that no good deed done in His name goes unnoticed?**

### FAQ
**Who was Barzillai, and what was his significance to King David?**

Answer: Barzillai was a very wealthy and elderly Gileadite from Rogelim who demonstrated extraordinary loyalty and generosity to King David during the most vulnerable period of his reign. When David fled Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion, he and his followers were in dire straits, lacking basic provisions. Barzillai, along with others, provided vital supplies, including food, bedding, and utensils, for David's weary army and household in Mahanaim ([2 Samuel 17:27-29](/2_samuel/17-27-29 "2 Samuel 17:27-29 - Barzillai's Provision for David")). His actions were crucial for sustaining David's forces and showed unwavering support for the legitimate king when many others had abandoned him or joined the rebellion, making him a true hero of loyalty.

**Why was David's offer to "feed thee with me in Jerusalem" such a significant gesture?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, an invitation to be fed by the king, especially to "eat with me" (meaning at the royal table), was the highest form of honor and royal patronage. It signified a lifetime provision, security, and a permanent, esteemed place within the royal court. It was a public declaration of the king's favor and a guarantee of sustenance and protection. For Barzillai, who was already wealthy, this offer was less about material need and more about the immense prestige, recognition, and personal fellowship with the king it implied. It solidified his status as a trusted and honored friend of the crown, akin to the honor shown to [Mephibosheth](/2_samuel/9-7 "2 Samuel 9:7 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"), who was given a permanent place at David's table.

**Did Barzillai accept David's offer to come to Jerusalem?**

Answer: No, Barzillai respectfully declined David's offer, as recorded in the verses immediately following [2 Samuel 19:33](/2_samuel/19-33 "2 Samuel 19:33 - David's Offer to Barzillai"). In [2 Samuel 19:34-37](/2_samuel/19-34-37 "2 Samuel 19:34-37 - Barzillai Declines David's Offer"), Barzillai explains that he is too old (80 years old) to fully enjoy the pleasures and demands of court life in Jerusalem and would prefer to die in his own city. However, he graciously suggested that David take his servant (or son, depending on interpretation) Chimham in his place, ensuring that David's generosity would still benefit his household. David honored this request and took Chimham with him, promising to care for him. This demonstrates Barzillai's humility and wisdom, and David's enduring gratitude, which extended to Barzillai's descendants, as seen in David's final instructions to Solomon in [1 Kings 2:7](/1_kings/2-7 "1 Kings 2:7 - David's Dying Command Regarding Barzillai's Sons").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's gracious and reciprocal offer to Barzillai, promising him a place at the royal table and lifelong provision in Jerusalem, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate invitation extended by the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Just as David, the earthly king, remembered and rewarded the faithful service of one who provided for him in his time of need, so too does our heavenly King remember every act of kindness shown to Him and to His "least of these." Christ, the true Son of David, invites all who have faithfully served Him and His kingdom into His eternal presence, promising not merely earthly provision but everlasting life and a place at the heavenly banquet. The imagery of being "fed with me in Jerusalem" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant, where believers are invited to the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") and to partake of the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), Jesus Himself. He provides eternal sustenance, perfect fellowship, and a secure dwelling, ensuring that those who have been loyal and faithful to Him will dwell forever in His presence in the New Jerusalem, where every need is met and every act of love is eternally rewarded, as promised in [Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34 - The King's Invitation to Inherit the Kingdom").

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 Thessalonians 1:7

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

Luke 22:28

Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

Luke 22:30

That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 25:34

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Matthew 25:40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

2 Samuel 9:11

Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, [said the king], he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons.