2 Samuel 19:40

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the king {H4428} went on {H5674} to Gilgal {H1537}, and Chimham {H3643} went on {H5674} with him: and all the people {H5971} of Judah {H3063} conducted {H5674}{H5674} the king {H4428}, and also half {H2677} the people {H5971} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king crossed over to Gilgal, and Khimham crossed with him. All the people of Y'hudah brought the king across, as did half the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham crossed over with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king.

American Standard Version

So the king went over to Gilgal, and Chimham went over with him: and all the people of Judah brought the king over, and also half the people of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse marks a pivotal moment in King David's journey of restoration, detailing his procession to Gilgal following the defeat of Absalom's rebellion. It highlights the inclusion of Chimham, son of Barzillai, as a gesture of David's gratitude, and notably distinguishes between the unified, enthusiastic escort provided by "all the people of Judah" and the more divided, partial support from "half the people of Israel," subtly foreshadowing the persistent tribal tensions that would continue to challenge his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Samuel 19:40 concludes the intricate narrative of David's return to Jerusalem after the devastating rebellion led by his son, Absalom. The preceding verses detail the immediate aftermath of Absalom's death, David's emotional grief, and his subsequent crossing of the Jordan River. David has just navigated complex political and personal reconciliations, including pardoning Shimei (who had cursed him, [2 Samuel 19:16-23](/2-samuel/19-16 "2 Samuel 19:16-23 - David Pardons Shimei")) and resolving the dispute with Mephibosheth (Saul's grandson, [2 Samuel 19:24-30](/2-samuel/19-24 "2 Samuel 19:24-30 - David and Mephibosheth")). Crucially, David has also bid farewell to Barzillai the Gileadite, an aged loyalist who provided crucial aid during David's exile, and promised to care for Barzillai's son, Chimham (as recorded in [2 Samuel 19:31-39](/2-samuel/19-31 "2 Samuel 19:31-39 - David's Farewell to Barzillai")). This verse, therefore, serves as the immediate prelude to the escalating tribal dispute between Judah and Israel over the king's return, which erupts in [2 Samuel 19:41-43](/2-samuel/19-41 "2 Samuel 19:41-43 - The Dispute Between Judah and Israel").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gilgal held immense historical and spiritual significance for ancient Israel. It was the first encampment of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land under Joshua, where they renewed their covenant with God, circumcised the new generation, and rolled away the reproach of Egypt (as recounted in [Joshua 4:19](/joshua/4-19 "Joshua 4:19 - Israel's First Camp at Gilgal") and [Joshua 5:9](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9 - The Reproach of Egypt Rolled Away")). Thus, David's return to Gilgal was not merely a logistical stop but a symbolic act of national re-establishment and covenant renewal after a period of profound internal strife. The distinction between "all the people of Judah" and "half the people of Israel" reflects the deep-seated tribal divisions that characterized the early monarchy, a tension that would eventually lead to the kingdom's split after Solomon's reign (see [1 Kings 12](/1-kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom")). The formal "conducting" of the king was a customary act of homage and reassertion of royal authority.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Restoration and Return**, as David physically and politically reclaims his throne, symbolizing the nation's slow healing process after civil war. Secondly, it highlights **Loyalty and Reconciliation**, demonstrating the unwavering allegiance of David's own tribe, Judah, while simultaneously revealing the partial and hesitant reconciliation from the northern tribes, foreshadowing future disunity. Thirdly, David's inclusion of Chimham exemplifies **Gratitude and Covenant Faithfulness**, as the king honors his promise to Barzillai, showcasing his integrity and commitment even amidst national upheaval. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Lingering Divisions**, setting the stage for the subsequent tribal dispute and the eventual rebellion of Sheba (detailed in [2 Samuel 20](/2-samuel/20 "2 Samuel 20 - Sheba's Rebellion")), indicating that true national unity was far from fully achieved.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gilgal (Hebrew, _Gilgal'_):** Meaning "circle of stones" or "rolling away," Gilgal was a highly significant site in Israelite history. It served as the first camp of Israel after crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land (Joshua 4:19), where the reproach of Egypt was "rolled away" (Joshua 5:9). It was also a place of covenant renewal and a frequent base for Joshua's campaigns. David's return to Gilgal thus carries deep symbolic weight, signifying a new beginning and a re-establishment of the covenant relationship between king and people, and between the people and God, after the chaos of rebellion.
* **Chimham (Hebrew, _Kimham'_):** Chimham is the son of Barzillai the Gileadite, a wealthy and loyal supporter who provided crucial aid to David during his flight from Absalom (2 Samuel 17:27-29). Barzillai, too old to travel to Jerusalem, asked David to take Chimham in his stead, ensuring his family's continued prosperity and David's gratitude (2 Samuel 19:31-39). Chimham's presence with David symbolizes the king's integrity in fulfilling his promises and his commitment to honoring those who demonstrated loyalty during his time of distress.
* **conducted (Hebrew, _leha'avir'_):** The Hebrew verb לְהַעֲבִיר (_leha'avir_), often translated as "conducted" or "brought over," implies more than simple accompaniment. It suggests a formal, deliberate, and perhaps even ceremonial escort. This indicates a proactive and organized effort by the people of Judah to facilitate the king's return and re-establish his authority. It emphasizes their enthusiastic and unified support, contrasting sharply with the less committed posture of "half the people of Israel."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the king went on to Gilgal":** This clause establishes David's immediate destination after crossing the Jordan. His journey to Gilgal is not just a geographical movement but a symbolic return to a place of national origins and covenant renewal, signaling a desire for a fresh start for his reign and the nation after the rebellion.
* **"and Chimham went on with him":** This phrase highlights David's faithfulness to his word. Having promised Barzillai the Gileadite that he would care for his son, Chimham, David ensures that this promise is immediately fulfilled. Chimham's presence serves as a tangible sign of David's gratitude and integrity, demonstrating his commitment to honoring those who stood by him.
* **"and all the people of Judah conducted the king":** This emphasizes the complete and enthusiastic support David received from his own tribe. The phrase "all the people of Judah" signifies a unified, strong, and formal escort, demonstrating their unwavering loyalty and their proactive role in restoring their king to power. This highlights the deep tribal bond and the political strength of Judah.
* **"and also half the people of Israel":** This crucial detail reveals the lingering divisions within the kingdom. While Judah's support was total, the northern tribes ("Israel") were only partially represented, with "half" of them joining the procession. This indicates a less unified or enthusiastic welcome from the northern kingdom, foreshadowing the immediate dispute over David's return (2 Samuel 19:41-43) and the deeper tribal rifts that would eventually lead to the kingdom's division.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its complex message. **Symbolism** is evident in David's journey to Gilgal, a place deeply symbolic of new beginnings and covenant renewal for Israel, suggesting a national fresh start after the chaos of rebellion. The contrast between "all the people of Judah" and "half the people of Israel" is a powerful instance of **juxtaposition**, highlighting the stark tribal divisions and the varying degrees of loyalty David commanded. This contrast also functions as potent **foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the immediate dispute that will erupt in the very next verses (2 Samuel 19:41-43) and the deeper, long-standing tensions that would ultimately lead to the division of the kingdom, as seen in the rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20). The careful phrasing thus sets the stage for future conflicts, even amidst the apparent triumph of David's return.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 19:40, while seemingly a simple account of travel, is rich with theological and thematic implications. It underscores the divine sovereignty at play in David's restoration, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to David despite the king's personal failings and the nation's turmoil. David's return to Gilgal, a place of covenant renewal, symbolically re-establishes the relationship between the king and his people under God's watchful eye. However, the verse also exposes the persistent human element of tribalism and disunity, reminding us that even divinely appointed leadership faces challenges from internal divisions and incomplete reconciliation. It highlights the complexities of leadership, the importance of integrity (seen in David's care for Chimham), and the ongoing need for patience and grace in healing societal and communal fractures. The partial support from Israel points to the inherent tension in a unified kingdom comprised of diverse tribes, a tension that would ultimately lead to schism.

* [Psalm 3:1-8](/psalms/3 "Psalm 3 - A Psalm of David's Deliverance")
* [Psalm 89:20-29](/psalms/89-20 "Psalm 89:20-29 - God's Covenant with David")
* [1 Kings 12:16](/1-kings/12-16 "1 Kings 12:16 - Israel's Rejection of Rehoboam")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers profound insights into the nature of leadership, community, and the process of reconciliation. David's journey back to Gilgal, marked by both enthusiastic support and lingering division, mirrors the complexities often found in our own lives and communities after periods of conflict or disruption. It challenges us to consider how we respond to leaders and how we contribute to unity or division within our spheres of influence. David's act of honoring Barzillai through Chimham serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude, integrity, and keeping one's word, even amidst overwhelming circumstances. True leadership involves not only strategic prowess but also a deep commitment to personal faithfulness and a willingness to acknowledge and reward loyalty. Furthermore, the partial acceptance from "half the people of Israel" teaches us that unity is often a gradual, messy process, requiring patience, forgiveness, and persistent effort to bridge divides. It reminds us that while physical returns or resolutions may be swift, true healing and reconciliation, especially in communities or families, can take considerable time and intentionality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's act of bringing Chimham with him speak to the importance of gratitude and honoring commitments in leadership?**
* **In what ways do we see "all the people of Judah" and "half the people of Israel" dynamics playing out in our own communities, churches, or families today?**
* **What steps can we take to foster genuine reconciliation and unity when divisions persist, even after a conflict has seemingly ended?**
* **How does the symbolism of Gilgal—a place of new beginnings—encourage us in our personal or communal spiritual journeys after periods of struggle or failure?**

### FAQ
**Why is Gilgal significant here?**

Answer: Gilgal was a place of profound historical and spiritual significance for ancient Israel. It was the first encampment of the Israelites after they miraculously crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land under Joshua (as recorded in [Joshua 4:19](/joshua/4-19 "Joshua 4:19 - Israel's First Camp at Gilgal")). At Gilgal, the new generation of Israelites was circumcised, and the "reproach of Egypt" was "rolled away," signifying a renewal of their covenant with God and a fresh start as His people (see [Joshua 5:9](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9 - The Reproach of Egypt Rolled Away")). For David to return to Gilgal after the devastating civil war with Absalom was therefore highly symbolic. It represented a re-establishment of his reign, a national act of covenant renewal, and a symbolic fresh beginning for a nation seeking to heal and reunite under its legitimate king.

**Who was Chimham, and why was he with David?**

Answer: Chimham was the son of Barzillai the Gileadite, an elderly and wealthy man who had provided crucial provisions and support to King David and his loyalists during their flight from Absalom's rebellion (detailed in [2 Samuel 17:27-29](/2-samuel/17-27 "2 Samuel 17:27-29 - Barzillai's Support for David")). As David was preparing to return to Jerusalem, he offered Barzillai a place at his court as a reward for his loyalty. However, Barzillai, being very old, declined the offer, asking David instead to take his son, Chimham, and provide for him (as seen in [2 Samuel 19:31-39](/2-samuel/19-31 "2 Samuel 19:31-39 - David's Farewell to Barzillai")). David's inclusion of Chimham in his procession to Gilgal and subsequently to Jerusalem was a direct fulfillment of this promise, demonstrating David's gratitude, integrity, and faithfulness in honoring those who had shown him kindness and loyalty in his time of need.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 19:40, with its depiction of King David's return to Gilgal and the mixed reception from his people, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. David, the anointed king, was rejected by his own son and forced into exile, only to be restored to his throne. This mirrors Christ, the true Son of David, who was rejected by His own people, suffered death, and was then gloriously raised and exalted to His heavenly throne (as described in [Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). David's journey to Gilgal, a place of new beginnings and covenant renewal, points to Christ's resurrection and ascension, which inaugurated the new covenant and a spiritual "Gilgal" for all who believe, rolling away the reproach of sin and death (compare [Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and the Blotting Out of the Law")). The enthusiastic "conducting" of David by "all the people of Judah" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the church, the body of Christ, who joyfully welcome and worship their risen King (see [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). Yet, the subtle note of "half the people of Israel" joining David's procession also prefigures the partial acceptance of Christ by His earthly people, Israel, and the continued division among humanity regarding His kingship (as noted in [Romans 11:25](/romans/11-25 "Romans 11:25 - The Partial Hardening of Israel")). Ultimately, while David's reign was marked by lingering divisions, Christ's reign will be one of perfect unity and complete dominion, gathering all His people—Jew and Gentile—into one glorious kingdom where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship (as proclaimed in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ")).

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.