2 Samuel 19:37

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.

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.

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."

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.”

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

Context of 2 Samuel 19:37

This verse occurs as King David is returning to Jerusalem after the defeat of Absalom's rebellion. Barzillai the Gileadite, a wealthy and elderly man, had faithfully provided for David and his men during their flight and exile beyond the Jordan. In gratitude, David offered to take Barzillai to Jerusalem and care for him in his old age (2 Samuel 19:33). Barzillai, however, declined this offer, citing his advanced age and desire to die and be buried in his hometown. Instead, he humbly requests that his servant, Chimham, be allowed to go with the king, ensuring David's kindness would extend to his family.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Humility and Self-Awareness: Barzillai demonstrates profound humility by recognizing his limitations due to old age. He doesn't seek personal gain or status at court, understanding that his time for such a life has passed. His focus shifts from personal comfort to his legacy and family.
  • Filial Piety and Legacy: His heartfelt request to "die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother" highlights the deep cultural and personal importance of one's ancestral home and being laid to rest among one's kin. It speaks to a desire for a peaceful, dignified end connected to his roots.
  • Generosity and Mentorship: Barzillai's act of recommending Chimham, likely his son or a close family member, to accompany David is a selfless act of generosity. It ensures that David's favor would benefit a younger generation, demonstrating a form of mentorship and securing his family's future through the king's patronage. This act of intergenerational blessing underscores his wisdom.
  • Gratitude and Reciprocity: The exchange between David and Barzillai exemplifies a beautiful bond of gratitude and respectful reciprocity. David's offer stems from genuine thankfulness, and Barzillai's response, though a refusal, is not a rejection but a thoughtful redirection of that kindness.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated phrase "thy servant" (used by Barzillai to refer to himself) is a common expression of respect and deference when addressing a king or superior. It underscores Barzillai's humble posture before David, despite his own wealth and the significant help he had rendered. His use of "my lord the king" further reinforces this respectful address, acknowledging David's rightful authority and position.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for contemporary life:

  • Knowing Our Season: Barzillai wisely recognized his own limitations and the appropriate season for different activities in life. There is wisdom in knowing when to step back and allow others to lead or benefit.
  • Investing in the Next Generation: Barzillai's decision to send Chimham highlights the importance of investing in and paving the way for younger individuals. True leadership often involves empowering others.
  • Humility in Service: Barzillai's service was not for personal gain but out of loyalty and kindness. His continued humility, even when offered great honor, is a powerful example for how we should approach service and rewards.
  • Honoring Roots: The desire to be buried with his parents speaks to the enduring significance of family heritage and one's place in the broader narrative of their lineage.

David remembered Barzillai's loyalty, later instructing Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai, including Chimham, demonstrating that genuine acts of service and humility are often remembered and rewarded across generations.

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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.
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