2 Samuel 19:37

KJV

Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, [and be buried] by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let thy servant {H5650}, I pray thee, turn back again {H7725}, that I may die {H4191} in mine own city {H5892}, and be buried by the grave {H6913} of my father {H1} and of my mother {H517}. But behold thy servant {H5650} Chimham {H3643}; let him go over {H5674} with my lord {H113} the king {H4428}; and do {H6213} to him what shall seem good {H2896}{H5869} unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Please, just let your servant go back and die in my own city, near the grave of my father and mother. But here is your servant Khimham; let him cross with my lord the king; and do for him whatever seems good to you."

Berean Standard Bible

Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”

American Standard Version

Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, by the grave of my father and my mother. But behold, thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 19:37 captures the poignant and humble request of Barzillai the Gileadite to King David. Having faithfully sustained David and his loyalists during Absalom's rebellion, the elderly Barzillai graciously declines David's generous invitation to reside in Jerusalem under royal care. Instead, he expresses a deep longing to return to his hometown, to die and be buried alongside his parents, demonstrating a profound connection to his heritage and a realistic self-awareness of his advanced age. Simultaneously, he selflessly advocates for his "servant" Chimham, likely his son, to accompany the king, ensuring that David's kindness and patronage would extend to his family and the next generation. This verse encapsulates themes of humility, filial piety, intergenerational blessing, and the graceful exchange between a grateful king and a loyal, wise subject.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in David's reign, immediately following the brutal suppression of Absalom's rebellion. David is returning to Jerusalem, crossing the Jordan River, and is met by various factions and individuals seeking to reconcile or reaffirm their loyalty. Barzillai's interaction with David occurs after Shimei's plea for forgiveness and before David's re-entry into Jerusalem. The preceding verses, which detail David's invitation to Barzillai to come to Jerusalem and Barzillai's initial refusal based on his age, are found in [2 Samuel 19:31-36](/2_samuel/19-31-36 "2 Samuel 19:31-36 - Barzillai's Loyalty and David's Offer"). Verse 37 is Barzillai's specific counter-proposal, demonstrating his wisdom and foresight in extending the king's favor to his kin. The subsequent verses, [2 Samuel 19:38-40](/2_samuel/19-38-40 "2 Samuel 19:38-40 - David's Farewell to Barzillai and Welcome to Chimham"), describe David's acceptance of the proposal and the emotional farewell. This passage highlights David's gratitude and Barzillai's integrity, serving as a testament to loyal service and wise stewardship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, loyalty to the king was paramount, and providing sustenance to a fleeing monarch, as Barzillai did for David in [2 Samuel 17:27-29](/2_samuel/17-27-29 "2 Samuel 17:27-29 - Barzillai's Provision for David"), was an act of immense courage and faithfulness, risking severe reprisal if Absalom had won. The concept of "dying in one's own city" and being buried with one's ancestors was deeply significant, reflecting a strong cultural emphasis on family lineage, ancestral land, and the continuity of the clan. Burial sites were considered sacred and a vital part of one's identity and legacy. To be buried away from one's kin was often seen as a dishonor or a tragic fate. Furthermore, the practice of a king extending patronage or favor to a loyal subject's family, often through a younger representative like Chimham, was a common way to secure alliances, reward service, and ensure continued loyalty across generations. This act of intergenerational blessing was a cornerstone of ancient Near Eastern social and political structures.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates gratitude and reciprocity, as David seeks to repay Barzillai's selfless service, and Barzillai responds with thoughtful wisdom. The theme of humility and self-awareness is prominent in Barzillai's recognition of his limitations due to age, choosing a dignified end over a life of courtly honor. His desire to be buried with his parents underscores the profound importance of filial piety and legacy, connecting individual life to ancestral heritage. Finally, Barzillai's recommendation of Chimham highlights the theme of intergenerational blessing and mentorship, demonstrating a selfless investment in the future and ensuring his family's continued well-being through royal favor. This act of foresight ensures that the kindness shown to Barzillai will extend beyond his lifetime, a theme that resonates with David's later charge to Solomon concerning Barzillai's sons in [1 Kings 2:7](/1_kings/2-7 "1 Kings 2:7 - David's Charge to Solomon Regarding Barzillai's Sons").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** Barzillai repeatedly refers to himself as "thy servant." This term, derived from a root meaning "to serve" or "to work," signifies a "bondman" or "attendant." In ancient Near Eastern contexts, it was a common and humble form of address when speaking to a superior, especially a king. Barzillai's consistent use of this term, despite his wealth and crucial support for David, emphasizes his deference, loyalty, and acknowledgment of David's royal sovereignty. It underscores that his service was not for personal gain but out of genuine allegiance.
* **City (Hebrew, _ʻîyr'_):** Barzillai's plea to "die in mine own city" highlights the profound cultural significance of one's hometown. As a place "guarded by waking or a watch," a city in ancient Israel was not merely a dwelling place but the center of one's identity, family lineage, and ancestral inheritance. It represented one's roots, community, and the place where one's family history was embedded. Barzillai's desire reflects a longing for a peaceful, dignified end in the familiar surroundings of his heritage, emphasizing the deep connection between individual identity and communal belonging.
* **Chimham (Hebrew, _Kimhâm'_):** The name Chimham, derived from a root meaning "pining," is likely a shortened form of a longer name. His introduction here as "thy servant Chimham" signifies Barzillai's strategic and selfless act of intergenerational transfer. By sending Chimham, Barzillai ensures that the favor and patronage of the king will benefit his family beyond his own lifetime. Chimham acts as a proxy, representing Barzillai's legacy and securing a future for his descendants within the royal court, demonstrating Barzillai's wisdom and foresight in planning for his family's welfare.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again,"**: Barzillai humbly requests permission from King David to return to his own home. The phrase "I pray thee" (Hebrew: נָא, _na'_) adds a tone of polite entreaty, softening the refusal of the king's generous offer. This opening sets a tone of deference, even as Barzillai asserts his personal desire to depart from the royal entourage.
* **"that I may die in mine own city, [and be buried] by the grave of my father and of my mother."**: This is the core of Barzillai's personal desire, revealing a deep yearning for a dignified end in his ancestral home. It emphasizes the cultural importance of being buried with one's kin, connecting individual life to ancestral heritage. The specific mention of "my father and of my mother" highlights profound filial piety and the desire for continuity and rest within his family's sacred burial ground.
* **"But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king;"**: Having stated his personal wish, Barzillai immediately shifts his focus to his family. Introducing "Chimham" (likely his son or a close family member) as "thy servant" again reinforces humility and presents Chimham as a worthy recipient of royal favor. Barzillai's request for Chimham to "go over with my lord the king" is a strategic and selfless act, ensuring that David's promised kindness and patronage will benefit the next generation of his family.
* **"and do to him what shall seem good unto thee."**: This concluding phrase grants David full discretion regarding Chimham's welfare and position in Jerusalem. It demonstrates Barzillai's trust in David's benevolence and wisdom, further cementing the bond of respect and gratitude between them. It is an open-ended request that allows David to bestow honor and provision as he sees fit, ensuring a lasting benefit for Barzillai's family.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 2 Samuel 19:37 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Humility** is a dominant theme, primarily conveyed through Barzillai's repeated use of "thy servant" when addressing the king. This consistent self-abasement, despite his wealth and crucial support for David, underscores his genuine deference and lack of personal ambition. There is a strong element of **Pathos** in Barzillai's heartfelt plea to "die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother." This evokes sympathy and understanding for an old man's desire for a peaceful, dignified end connected to his roots. The passage also utilizes **Contrast** by juxtaposing David's generous offer of a comfortable life at court with Barzillai's humble request for a return to his simple origins and ancestral burial place. This contrast highlights Barzillai's wisdom in knowing his season and prioritizing legacy over fleeting honor. Finally, Barzillai's act of sending Chimham serves as a form of **Intergenerational Foreshadowing**, implying that the kindness shown to Barzillai will extend to his descendants, a promise that David explicitly fulfills in his charge to Solomon in [1 Kings 2:7](/1_kings/2-7 "1 Kings 2:7 - David's Charge to Solomon Regarding Barzillai's Sons").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 19:37 offers rich theological insights into the nature of true wisdom, humility, and the enduring significance of legacy. Barzillai's decision to decline royal honor in favor of a return to his ancestral home reflects a profound self-awareness and contentment, prioritizing spiritual and familial roots over worldly gain. This act of selfless wisdom, coupled with his foresight in sending Chimham, demonstrates a deep understanding of intergenerational blessing—a concept woven throughout the biblical narrative where the faithfulness of one generation impacts the next. It also highlights the divine principle that genuine service, offered without expectation of personal reward, is often remembered and honored by God, sometimes through the agency of human leaders. The exchange between David and Barzillai beautifully illustrates the reciprocal nature of gratitude and loyalty within a covenantal framework, even between king and subject.

* [Genesis 47:30](/genesis/47-30 "Genesis 47:30 - Jacob's Burial Request")
* [1 Kings 2:7](/1_kings/2-7 "1 Kings 2:7 - David's Charge to Solomon Regarding Barzillai's Sons")
* [Proverbs 16:31](/proverbs/16-31 "Proverbs 16:31 - Gray Hair as a Crown of Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Barzillai's humble request in 2 Samuel 19:37 provides a powerful model for contemporary life, urging us to cultivate wisdom in discerning our personal seasons and priorities. In a world that often glorifies ambition and endless striving, Barzillai reminds us of the profound peace found in knowing when to step back, recognizing our limitations, and embracing the dignity of our natural end. His desire to be buried with his parents underscores the enduring importance of honoring our heritage, maintaining strong family ties, and understanding our place within a larger lineage. Moreover, his selfless act of advocating for Chimham challenges us to consider how we are investing in and empowering the next generation. True leadership and mentorship involve paving the way for others, ensuring that blessings and opportunities are passed on, rather than hoarded. This verse invites us to reflect on our own motivations for service, encouraging us to act out of genuine loyalty and humility, trusting that our faithful contributions, even those unseen, will bear fruit across time and generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern my "season" in life, and what wisdom is there in knowing when to step back or transition to new roles?**
* **In what ways am I honoring my family heritage and investing in the well-being and future of the next generation?**
* **Am I serving others with humility and without expectation of personal gain, or am I seeking recognition and reward?**
* **What does it mean for me to find my "rest" or "home" in a way that transcends earthly attachments, as Barzillai sought his final resting place?**

### FAQ

**Who was Barzillai, and what was his significance?**

Answer: Barzillai the Gileadite was a wealthy and influential man from Rogelim, east of the Jordan River. He played a crucial role in supporting King David during Absalom's rebellion. When David fled Jerusalem, Barzillai, along with others, provided vital provisions, food, and supplies for David and his loyalists, demonstrating immense loyalty and courage, as recorded in [2 Samuel 17:27-29](/2_samuel/17-27-29 "2 Samuel 17:27-29 - Barzillai's Provision for David"). His significance lies in his selfless service, wisdom in old age, and his role in securing a future for his family through royal patronage.

**Why did Barzillai decline King David's generous offer to live in Jerusalem?**

Answer: Barzillai declined David's offer primarily due to his advanced age. As he states in [2 Samuel 19:35](/2_samuel/19-35 "2 Samuel 19:35 - Barzillai's Refusal to Go to Jerusalem"), he was eighty years old and felt he was past the point of enjoying the pleasures of court life, such as distinguishing good from bad, or enjoying food and drink. He also expressed a deep desire to return to his hometown, to die and be buried with his parents, indicating a profound connection to his roots and a wish for a peaceful, dignified end in familiar surroundings. His refusal was not a rejection of David's kindness but a humble and realistic assessment of his own limitations and desires.

**Who was Chimham, and why was he sent with the king?**

Answer: Chimham was likely Barzillai's son, though some traditions suggest he might have been a close relative or trusted servant. Barzillai sent Chimham with King David as a proxy to receive the royal favor and patronage that David had offered to Barzillai himself. This act ensured that David's gratitude and kindness would extend to Barzillai's family and the next generation, securing their future well-being and status within the kingdom. It demonstrated Barzillai's foresight, generosity, and commitment to his family's legacy. David later remembered this loyalty, instructing Solomon to show kindness to the "sons of Barzillai" in [1 Kings 2:7](/1_kings/2-7 "1 Kings 2:7 - David's Charge to Solomon Regarding Barzillai's Sons"), which would have included Chimham.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Barzillai's profound humility, self-awareness, and selfless act of sending Chimham to receive the king's favor beautifully foreshadow the ultimate self-sacrifice and intercession of Jesus Christ. Barzillai, recognizing his own limitations and mortality, chose to step aside, allowing a younger representative to enter the king's presence and secure a future for his family. This mirrors Christ, who, though divine, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")), not for his own gain, but to secure eternal life and a place in God's kingdom for humanity. Just as Barzillai's act ensured his family's legacy through Chimham, Christ's death and resurrection secured a spiritual inheritance for all who believe, allowing us to enter into the presence of the ultimate King. We, like Chimham, are the beneficiaries of a grace extended through another, a grace we could not earn or achieve ourselves. Barzillai's desire to "die in mine own city" can also be seen as a longing for true rest and home, a longing ultimately fulfilled not in an earthly city, but in the "heavenly city" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham's Faith in the Heavenly City")), the New Jerusalem, which Christ prepares for His people ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Promises a Place")). Through Christ, we gain access to the King's court, not as mere servants, but as adopted children, inheriting a blessing far greater than any earthly patronage.

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.

Jeremiah 41:17

And they departed, and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt,

2 Samuel 19:40

¶ Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

1 Kings 13:22

But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which [the LORD] did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.

Genesis 49:29

And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that [is] in the field of Ephron the Hittite,

Genesis 49:31

There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.

2 Timothy 4:6

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.