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Commentary on 2 Samuel 19 verses 31–39
David had already graced the triumphs of his restoration with the generous remission of the injuries that had been done to him; we have him here gracing them with a no less generous reward of the kindnesses that had been shown to him. Barzillai, the Gileadite, who had a noble seat at Rogelim, not far from Mahanaim, was the man who, of all the nobility and gentry of that country, had been most kind to David in his distress. If Absalom had prevailed, it is likely he would have suffered for his loyalty; but now he and his shall be no losers by it. Here is,
I. Barzillai's great respect to David, not only as a good man, but as his righteous sovereign: He provided him with much sustenance, for himself and his family, while he lay at Mahanaim, Sa2 19:32. God had given him a large estate, for he was a very great man, and, it seems, he had a large heart to do good with it: what else but that is a large estate good for? To reduced greatness generosity obliges us, and to oppressed goodness piety obliges us, to be in a particular manner kind, to the utmost of our power. Barzillai, to show that he was not weary of David, though he was so great a charge to him, attended him to Jordan, and went over with him, Sa2 19:31. Let subjects learn hence to render tribute to whom tribute is due and honour to whom honour, Rom 13:7.
II. The kind invitation David gave to him to court (Sa2 19:33): Come thou over with me. He invited him, 1. That he might have the pleasure of his company and the benefit of his counsel; for we may suppose that he was very wise and good, as well as very rich, otherwise he would not have been called here a very great man; for it is what a man is, more than what he has, that renders him truly great. 2. That he might have an opportunity of returning his kindness: "I will feed thee with me; thou shalt fare as sumptuously as I fare, and this at Jerusalem, the royal and holy city." David did not take Barzillai's kindness to him as a debt (he was not one of those arbitrary princes who think that whatever their subjects have is theirs when they please), but accepted it and rewarded it as a favour. We must always study to be grateful to our friends, especially to those who have helped us in distress.
III. Barzillai's reply to this invitation, wherein,
1.He admires the king's generosity in making him this offer, lessening his service, and magnifying the king's return for it: Why should the king recompense it with such a reward? Sa2 19:36. Will the master thank that servant who only does what was his duty to do? He though he had done himself honour enough in doing the king any service. Thus, when the saints shall be called to inherit the kingdom in consideration of what they have done for Christ in this world, they will be amazed at the disproportion between the service and the recompence. Mat 25:37, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee?
2.He declines accepting the invitation. He begs his majesty's pardon for refusing so generous an offer: he should think himself very happy in being near the king, but, (1.) He is old, and unfit to remove at all, especially to court. He is old, and unfit for the business of the court: "Why should I go up with the king to Jerusalem? I can do him no service there, in the council, the camp, the treasury, or the courts of justice; for how long have I to live? Sa2 19:34. Shall I think of going into business, now that I am going out of this world?" He is old and unfit for the diversions of the court, which will be ill-bestowed, and even thrown away, upon one that can relish them so little, Sa2 19:35. As it was in Moses's time, so it was in barzillai's and it is not worse now, that, if men be so strong that they come to fourscore years, their strength then is labour and sorrow, Psa 90:10. These were then, and are still, years of which men say they have no pleasure in them, Ecc 12:1. Dainties are insipid when desire fails, and songs to the aged ear are little better than those sung to a heavy heart, very disagreeable: how should they be otherwise when the daughters of music are brought low? Let those that are old learn of Barzillai to be dead to the delights of sense; let grace second nature, and make a virtue of the necessity. Nay, Barzillai, being old, thinks he shall be a burden to the king, rather than any credit to him; and a good man would not go any where to be burdensome, or, if he must be so, will rather be so to his own house than to another's. (2.) He is dying, and must begin to think of his long journey, his removal out of the world, Sa2 19:37. It is good for us all, but it especially becomes old people to think and speak much of dying. "Talk of going to court!" says Barzillai; "Let me go home and die in my own city, the place of my father's sepulchre; let me die by the grave of my father, that my bones may be quietly carried to the place of their rest. The grave is ready for me, let me go and get ready for it, go and die in my nest."
3.He desires the king to be kind to his son Chimham: Let him go over with my lord the king, and have preferment at court. What favour is done to him Barzillai will take as done to himself. Those that are old must not grudge young people those delights which they themselves are past the enjoyment of, nor confine them to their retirements. Barzillai will go back himself, but he will not make Chimham go back with him; though he could ill spare Chimham, yet, thinking it would gratify and advance him, he is willing to do it.
IV. David's farewell to Barzillai. 1. He sends him back into his country with a kiss and a blessing (Sa2 19:39), signifying that in gratitude for his kindnesses he would love him and pray for him, and with a promise that whatever request he should at any time make to him he would be ready to oblige him (Sa2 19:38): Whatsoever thou shalt think of, when thou comest home, to ask of me, that will I do for thee. What is the chief excellency of power but this, that it gives men a capacity of doing the more good? 2. He takes Chimham forward with him, and leaves it to Barzillai to choose him his preferment. I will do to him what shall seem good to thee, Sa2 19:38. And, it should seem, Barzillai, who had experienced the innocency and safety of retirement, begged a country seat for him near Jerusalem, but not in it; for, long after, we read of a place near Beth-lehem, David's city, which is called the habitation of Chimham, allotted to him, probably, not out of the crown-lands or the forfeited estates, but out of David's paternal estate.
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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. 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, 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, 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.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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.
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
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. 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, 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, 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), 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), the New Jerusalem, which Christ prepares for His people (John 14:2-3). 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.