2 Samuel 19:38

KJV

And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, [that] will I do for thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} answered {H559}, Chimham {H3643} shall go {H5674} over with me, and I will do {H6213} to him that which shall seem good {H2896}{H5869} unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require {H977} of me, that will I do {H6213} for thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king answered, "Khimham will cross with me, and I will do for him whatever seems good to you. Whatever you ask of me, I will do for you."

Berean Standard Bible

The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.”

American Standard Version

And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures King David's profound gratitude and unwavering commitment to Barzillai the Gileadite, who had faithfully sustained him during Absalom's rebellion. As David prepares to return to Jerusalem, Barzillai, citing his advanced age, humbly declines the king's invitation to the royal court but proposes his son, Chimham, go in his stead. David's immediate and open-ended acceptance of this request, promising to grant Chimham whatever Barzillai desires, underscores the king's integrity, the profound value of loyalty, and the enduring nature of royal favor extended across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This passage occurs at a pivotal moment in David's reign, marking his triumphant, yet somber, restoration to the throne after the devastating rebellion led by his son, Absalom. The immediate preceding verses ([2 Samuel 19:31-37](/2_samuel/19-31-37 "2 Samuel 19:31-37 - David and Barzillai's Farewell")) detail the poignant interaction between King David and Barzillai. Barzillai, an eighty-year-old wealthy man from Rogelim in Gilead, had provided crucial provisions and unwavering support for David and his loyalists while they were in Mahanaim, fleeing from Absalom's forces ([2 Samuel 17:27-29](/2_samuel/17-27-29 "2 Samuel 17:27-29 - Barzillai's Provision for David")). As David prepares to cross the Jordan River to return to Jerusalem, he expresses his deep gratitude by inviting Barzillai to live in the capital and be honored at court. Barzillai, however, humbly declines, citing his old age and desire to die in his hometown. Instead, he proposes that his son, Chimham, accompany the king. David's response in [2 Samuel 19:38](/2_samuel/19-38 "2 Samuel 19:38 - David's Promise to Barzillai") is a swift and comprehensive affirmation of this request, demonstrating his commitment to extending his favor to Barzillai's family. This act of royal grace serves as a powerful counterpoint to the recent betrayal and chaos of the rebellion, highlighting David's character as a just, grateful, and promise-keeping king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, royal favor and patronage were central to societal structure, personal security, and economic well-being. A king's promise was considered sacred and binding, often extending beyond the immediate recipient to their family and descendants. Loyalty during times of crisis, such as Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins")), was highly valued and expected to be reciprocated with significant rewards. Barzillai's provision for David was not merely an act of charity but a profound demonstration of allegiance, risking his own safety and resources for the beleaguered king. His decision to send Chimham in his place reflects the cultural importance of intergenerational legacy and the desire to secure a prosperous future for one's offspring through royal connection. For Chimham to "go over with" the king meant not just a journey but an integration into the royal household, implying access to court life, potential administrative roles, and ongoing royal protection and provision. This arrangement secured the family's standing and ensured their continued well-being for generations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, **Gratitude and Royal Favor** are paramount; David's open-ended promise to Chimham is a direct expression of his profound appreciation for Barzillai's unwavering loyalty and generous support during his most vulnerable period. It exemplifies the principle that faithful service to the king (or to God) is remembered and rewarded. Second, the theme of **Succession and Legacy** is profoundly evident in Barzillai's choice to send his son. This act ensures that the favor and blessing earned by the father will be transferred to the next generation, securing the family's place within the kingdom's elite. This intergenerational blessing was a highly cherished concept in Israelite society, reflecting a desire for enduring prosperity and honor. Finally, **Promise-Keeping and Integrity** are central to David's character. His strong affirmation, "whatsoever thou shalt require of me, [that] will I do for thee," underscores the sacredness and binding nature of his word. This promise was so significant that David, on his deathbed, would later instruct his son Solomon to continue showing kindness to the sons of Barzillai ([1 Kings 2:7](/1_kings/2-7 "1 Kings 2:7 - David's Dying Charge to Solomon Regarding Barzillai's Sons")), ensuring that the royal favor would indeed extend beyond his own reign, demonstrating the lasting impact of a king's integrity and the reliability of his word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chimham (Hebrew, _Kimhâm'_):** From the root meaning "pining," this refers to Barzillai's son, who becomes the direct beneficiary of King David's favor. As a proxy for his aging father, Chimham's presence with the king signifies the continuation of Barzillai's legacy and ensures the family's ongoing connection to the royal court, providing access to its benefits and protection.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This adjective, used here in the phrase "that which shall seem good unto thee" (literally "the good in your eyes"), signifies what is pleasing, beneficial, or desirable. David's promise to do what seems "good" to Barzillai regarding Chimham conveys an open-ended commitment, granting Barzillai full discretion to specify the form of royal favor, whether it be provision, protection, or a position within the court. It highlights David's complete deference and genuine desire to honor Barzillai's wishes.
* **require (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** This verb, meaning "to try" or "to select," is used here in the sense of "to choose" or "to desire." In the phrase "whatsoever thou shalt require of me," it emphasizes the comprehensive and unconditional nature of David's pledge. It assures Barzillai that any specific request or future need he might articulate on behalf of Chimham will be met by the king, reinforcing David's earnest desire to reciprocate Barzillai's loyalty with abundant and tailored favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me,"**: This clause immediately follows Barzillai's proposal, indicating David's swift and unhesitating acceptance. David agrees to take Chimham into his personal retinue, signifying a place of honor, direct access to the king, and integration into the royal household. This is a public declaration of royal favor and an acknowledgment of Barzillai's faithful and invaluable service during a time of crisis.
* **"and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee:"**: This part of the promise grants Barzillai the authority to determine the specifics of Chimham's welfare and future. David is not merely offering a generic blessing but is inviting Barzillai to articulate his precise desires for his son, promising to fulfill them. This demonstrates David's deep respect for Barzillai's judgment and his genuine desire to honor him in a way that truly benefits his family and secures their prosperity.
* **"and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, [that] will I do for thee."**: This concluding phrase expands and reiterates the comprehensive and unconditional nature of David's commitment. It functions as a powerful, open-ended pledge, assuring Barzillai that any future request or need he might have concerning Chimham or his family will be met by the king. This emphasizes David's integrity, the binding nature of his word, and the lasting bond of gratitude and loyalty that he intends to uphold.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Hyperbole** is evident in David's expansive promise, "whatsoever thou shalt require of me, [that] will I do for thee." This is not meant to be taken literally as an absolute blank check for any demand, but rather as a rhetorical expression of the king's boundless gratitude and comprehensive commitment to Barzillai and his family. It powerfully conveys the depth of David's appreciation and the extensive nature of the royal favor he intends to bestow. Additionally, there is a clear element of **Foreshadowing** in this promise. While not explicitly stated as such, David's solemn pledge here lays the groundwork for his dying instructions to Solomon in [1 Kings 2:7](/1_kings/2-7 "1 Kings 2:7 - David's Final Instructions to Solomon"), where he specifically commands his son to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai. This later fulfillment underscores David's integrity and the enduring nature of his word, demonstrating that his promises were not fleeting but carried lasting weight across generations. The entire interaction also serves as a potent example of **Royal Patronage**, a thematic device that highlights the king's role in rewarding loyalty and securing the welfare of those who serve him faithfully, thereby reinforcing the stability and justice of his reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's unwavering commitment to Barzillai's family, expressed in this verse, resonates deeply with the biblical theme of God's faithfulness and covenant loyalty. Just as David, as an earthly king, remembers and rewards the steadfastness of his servant, so too does God consistently remember His covenant promises and extend His favor to those who are faithful to Him. This act of intergenerational blessing mirrors God's own character, where His kindness extends "to a thousand generations" for those who love Him and keep His commandments ([Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")). David's integrity in keeping his word, even years later through Solomon, reflects the immutability of God's promises, which are always "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ. The principle of blessing those who bless God's anointed is also evident, underscoring the divine economy where acts of selfless service are not forgotten but result in lasting favor and security.

* [1 Kings 2:7](/1_kings/2-7 "1 Kings 2:7 - David's Dying Instructions to Solomon Regarding Barzillai's Sons")
* [Psalm 37:25](/psalm/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - The Righteous Not Forsaken")
* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abram")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The exchange between David and Barzillai, culminating in David's solemn promise concerning Chimham, offers profound lessons for our lives today. It underscores the vital importance of gratitude—not just as a fleeting emotion, but as a proactive commitment to acknowledge and reciprocate kindness, especially from those who have supported us in our times of greatest need. David's willingness to extend open-ended favor reminds us that true leadership and genuine relationships are built on remembering the sacrifices of others and being generous in return. Furthermore, this passage highlights the sacred weight of our words. David's promise was not a casual remark but a binding pledge, demonstrating the integrity that should characterize all our dealings. In a world where promises are often lightly made and easily broken, this serves as a powerful call to cultivate trustworthiness and reliability in our personal and professional lives. Finally, Barzillai's concern for his son's future and David's readiness to bless the next generation compel us to consider our own intergenerational responsibilities. How are we investing in the future of our families, communities, and the next generation of believers? Our actions today can secure blessings and opportunities for those who come after us, extending our legacy of faith, service, and integrity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's response to Barzillai challenge your understanding of gratitude and reciprocal kindness in your own relationships?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate greater integrity and faithfulness in keeping your promises, both spoken and unspoken?**
* **How can you, like Barzillai, intentionally invest in the future of the next generation, ensuring their well-being and connection to spiritual and practical blessings?**
* **What acts of loyalty and selfless support have you received from others, and how might you express your gratitude in a lasting and meaningful way?**

### FAQ
**Who was Chimham, and what became of him after this event?**

Answer: Chimham was the son of Barzillai the Gileadite. He is significant because he served as his aging father's proxy, accepting King David's invitation to join the royal court in Jerusalem. While the Bible doesn't detail his daily life at court, we know that David's promise to Barzillai concerning Chimham was so strong that it extended beyond David's own lifetime. On his deathbed, David instructed his son Solomon to "deal kindly with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite and let them be among those who eat at your table" ([1 Kings 2:7](/1_kings/2-7 "1 Kings 2:7 - David's Dying Charge to Solomon Regarding Barzillai's Sons")). This indicates that Chimham, and likely his descendants, enjoyed continued royal favor, protection, and provision in Jerusalem, fulfilling David's comprehensive pledge to Barzillai. There is also a later mention of "the lodging place of Chimham" near Bethlehem ([Jeremiah 41:17](/jeremiah/41-17 "Jeremiah 41:17 - The Lodging Place of Chimham")), suggesting that Chimham or his descendants may have established a significant estate or caravanserai there, perhaps as a result of the wealth and influence they received from the king's enduring patronage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's open-ended promise to Chimham, born out of gratitude and secured by royal integrity, powerfully foreshadows the far greater and infinitely more comprehensive covenant of grace extended to believers through Jesus Christ. David, as an earthly king, could only offer temporal favor and a place at his table; Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, offers eternal life and a place in His heavenly kingdom. Just as David remembered Barzillai's loyalty, God remembers our faith and extends immeasurable grace, not based on our merit, but on the perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice of His Son ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). The "good" that David promised to do for Chimham, and "whatsoever" Barzillai might require, pales in comparison to the "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" that we have in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Christ's promises are not limited by human lifespan or the whims of a monarch; they are "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), secured by His resurrection and guaranteed by His eternal reign. He not only invites us to His table but makes us co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), ensuring an eternal legacy that far surpasses any earthly royal favor. In Christ, we receive not just a place in the court, but adoption into the very family of God, with an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope")).

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.