2 Samuel 6:19

KJV

And he dealt among all the people, [even] among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece [of flesh], and a flagon [of wine]. So all the people departed every one to his house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he dealt {H2505} among all the people {H5971}, even among the whole multitude {H1995} of Israel {H3478}, as well to the women {H802} as men {H376}, to every one {H376} a {H259} cake {H2471} of bread {H3899}, and a good piece {H829} of flesh, and a flagon {H809} of wine. So all the people {H5971} departed {H3212} every one {H376} to his house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he distributed to all the people of Isra'el, to everyone there, both men and women, a loaf of bread, a portion of meat and a raisin cake, after which the people all left for their homes.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he distributed to every man and woman among the multitude of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. And all the people departed, each for his own home.

American Standard Version

And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, both to men and women, to every one a cake of bread, and a portion of flesh, and a cake of raisins. So all the people departed every one to his house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 6:19 culminates the triumphant return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, portraying King David's exemplary generosity and pastoral care for his people. Following a grand procession, fervent worship, and David's blessing of the nation, the king personally distributed abundant provisions—a cake of bread, a generous portion of meat, and a sweet cake—to every man and woman among the vast multitude of Israel. This act of communal feasting solidified the nation's joy and unity, marking the successful establishment of God's dwelling presence in the capital and reinforcing David's role as a shepherd-king who ministers comprehensively to the physical and spiritual needs of his flock.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding act of a pivotal narrative in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "The Ark Comes to Jerusalem"), which meticulously details the solemn and ultimately joyous relocation of the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. The chapter begins with a tragic misstep and divine judgment upon Uzzah for touching the Ark ([2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6 "Uzzah's Death and God's Holiness")), leading to a period of fear and the Ark's temporary stay in Obed-Edom's house. However, upon witnessing God's evident blessing on Obed-Edom's household ([2 Samuel 6:11-12](/2_samuel/6-11 "The Ark Blesses Obed-Edom's House")), David renews the effort with proper reverence and great celebration. The subsequent procession involves numerous sacrifices, David's zealous dancing before the Lord ([2 Samuel 6:14](/2_samuel/6-14 "David Dancing Before the Lord")), and his blessing of the people in the name of the Lord ([2 Samuel 6:18](/2_samuel/6-18 "David Blesses the People")). Verse 19, therefore, is the capstone of this national celebration, demonstrating the communal feasting that often accompanied significant covenant renewals or acts of worship, ensuring that all participants shared in the joy and tangible blessing of God's renewed presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's throne, His active presence among His people, and the covenant He made with them at Sinai ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "God's Presence Above the Mercy Seat")). Its relocation to Jerusalem was a strategic and theological move by David, establishing the city not only as the political capital but also as the spiritual center of Israel. The distribution of food, particularly bread, meat, and a sweet cake, was typical of covenant renewal ceremonies or peace offerings (Hebrew: _zevach shlamim_). In such offerings, a portion of the sacrificed animal was returned to the worshipper to be eaten in a celebratory meal before the Lord ([Leviticus 7:15](/leviticus/7-15 "The Peace Offering")). This communal meal signified fellowship with God and with one another, reinforcing national unity and shared participation in divine blessing. David's act here mirrors the role of a benevolent king and priest, ensuring the well-being and inclusion of all his subjects in this sacred and joyous event.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the narrative of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "The Second Book of Samuel") and David's reign. It highlights **God's Presence and Blessing**, as the entire celebration revolves around the Ark, the tangible symbol of Yahweh's dwelling among His people. The abundance of food distributed underscores **Divine Provision and Generosity**, reflecting God's goodness mediated through His chosen king. David's meticulous distribution "to every one" emphasizes **Inclusivity and Unity**, ensuring that the joy and blessing of God's presence were shared by all segments of society, "as well to the women as men," fostering a deep sense of communal identity. Finally, the verse showcases **Righteous Leadership and Pastoral Care**, demonstrating David's commitment not only to spiritual acts of worship and blessing but also to the practical welfare of his people, embodying the ideal of a king who shepherds his flock with both spiritual and physical provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dealt (Hebrew, _châlaq'_):** From H2505, a primitive root meaning "to be smooth (figuratively); by implication (as smooth stones were used for lots) to apportion or separate." Here, it signifies David's deliberate and systematic act of distributing or dividing the provisions among the multitude. It implies an orderly and equitable sharing.
* **cake of bread (Hebrew, _challâh'_):** From H2471, referring to "a cake (as usually punctured)." This term denotes a special type of bread, often a round or perforated loaf, typically associated with offerings or festive occasions. It suggests a more refined or prepared item than simple, everyday bread, indicating the celebratory nature of the distribution.
* **flagon [of wine] (Hebrew, _ʾăshîyshâh'_):** From H809, meaning "something closely pressed together, i.e. a cake of raisins or other comfits." While the KJV translates this as "flagon [of wine]," the Hebrew word _ʾashîyshâh_ is more accurately understood as a "cake of raisins" or "cake of pressed dates," as supported by its usage in passages like [Song of Solomon 2:5](/song_of_solomon/2-5 "A Cake of Raisins in Song of Solomon") and [Hosea 3:1](/hosea/3-1 "Hosea's Love for an Adulterous Woman"). This interpretation means David distributed three types of solid food items, emphasizing the richness, sweetness, and abundance of the festive meal rather than a drink. This alternative understanding highlights the lavish and celebratory nature of the provisions, symbolizing the "sweetness" of God's presence and blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he dealt among all the people, [even] among the whole multitude of Israel":** This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive and inclusive nature of David's generosity. The verb "dealt" (Hebrew: _châlaq_) signifies a deliberate and systematic act of apportionment or distribution. The repetition of "all the people" and "whole multitude" underscores that no one present was overlooked, highlighting the king's commitment to communal participation and shared blessing.
* **"as well to the women as men":** This specific inclusion is highly significant, demonstrating that David's provision extended beyond the male heads of households to every individual, regardless of gender. In a patriarchal society, this detail highlights the extraordinary inclusivity of the celebration and David's equitable care for all his subjects, ensuring that every member of the community partook in the joy.
* **"to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece [of flesh], and a flagon [of wine]":** This clause details the specific provisions distributed. As elaborated in the "Key Word Analysis," these items represent a rich, festive meal: a special loaf of bread, a generous portion of meat (likely from the peace offerings), and a sweet cake (raisin or date cake). The quantity and variety signify abundance and the celebratory nature of the occasion, akin to a shared feast in God's presence, marking a moment of national joy and divine favor.
* **"So all the people departed every one to his house":** This concluding statement indicates the successful completion of the celebration and the orderly dispersal of the multitude. Having partaken in the sacred feast and received the king's blessing and tangible provision, the people returned home, their hearts filled with joy, satisfaction, and a renewed sense of communal identity from participating in such a momentous national and spiritual event.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is prominently featured in the phrase "all the people... whole multitude... every one," which serves to powerfully emphasize the universal scope of David's generosity and the complete inclusivity of the celebration. This repetition not only reinforces the idea that no one was excluded but also creates a palpable sense of communal unity and shared experience. The detailed enumeration of the provisions—"a cake of bread, and a good piece [of flesh], and a flagon [of wine]"—functions as a form of **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, where specific, representative parts are listed to evoke the whole concept of a lavish and abundant feast, thereby highlighting the richness and festive nature of the distribution. Furthermore, the very act of distributing food itself carries potent **Symbolism**, representing not only David's exemplary pastoral care and benevolent leadership but also the tangible divine blessing and abundant provision that flow from God's presence among His people, transforming a sacred ritual into a deeply satisfying and joyful experience for every individual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The distribution of food by David after the Ark's arrival is far more than a simple act of charity; it is a profound theological statement. It signifies the tangible blessings that accompany God's presence and the proper worship of Him. The feast is a communal expression of joy and fellowship, mirroring the covenant meals where God's people shared in His bounty and celebrated His faithfulness. This act of abundant provision by the king, following his blessing in the Lord's name, underscores the divine principle that true leadership involves both spiritual guidance and practical, physical care for the flock. It is a foretaste of the abundant life found in God's kingdom, where physical and spiritual needs are met, and all are invited to partake in the celebration of His goodness and the joy of His dwelling presence.

* [Deuteronomy 12:7](/deuteronomy/12-7 "Rejoicing Before the Lord")
* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [Acts 2:46](/acts/2-46 "Early Church Fellowship and Sharing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 6:19 offers timeless lessons for believers today, providing a powerful model for leadership and personal conduct. David's profound generosity, flowing from a heart aligned with God and overflowing with joy, reminds us that spiritual celebrations and encounters with God's presence are often accompanied by tangible expressions of care, hospitality, and provision, ensuring that no one is left out of the joy and blessing. In our own lives and communities, this verse challenges us to consider how we can extend practical generosity and radical inclusivity, especially when celebrating God's goodness or experiencing His manifest presence. It calls us to foster environments of shared blessing and communal unity, recognizing that the abundance God provides is often intended to be distributed, creating deeper bonds of fellowship and demonstrating His love. The satisfaction of the people departing to their homes underscores the peace, contentment, and spiritual fulfillment that come from participating in God's redemptive work and receiving His comprehensive provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's act of distributing food reflect the character of God as a gracious and abundant provider?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as individuals or communities, extend generosity and inclusivity in our celebrations of God's presence today, ensuring all are included?**
* **What does it mean to "depart to your house" with joy and satisfaction after experiencing God's blessing, and how can we cultivate that deep contentment in our daily lives?**
* **How does this passage inform our understanding of leadership, both spiritual and secular, in caring holistically for the well-being of others?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the specific food items distributed by David?**

Answer: The distribution of "a cake of bread, and a good piece [of flesh], and a flagon [of wine]" (more accurately, a sweet cake or raisin cake) was highly symbolic and culturally significant. The meat likely came from the peace offerings (Hebrew: _zevach shlamim_), which were unique among sacrifices in that a portion was returned to the worshippers to be eaten in a celebratory meal before the Lord. This communal feasting signified fellowship with God and shared blessing, underscoring the covenant relationship. The bread and sweet cake further emphasized the festive and abundant nature of the occasion, indicating a lavish celebration rather than mere sustenance. It underscored David's generosity and the profound joy of God's presence being established in Jerusalem, a moment of national rejoicing and divine favor.

**Why was David so intent on distributing food to "all the people, as well to the women as men"?**

Answer: David's meticulous and inclusive distribution highlights his role as a shepherd-king who genuinely cared for the welfare of every individual in his flock. In a society where public feasts might sometimes prioritize men or heads of households, David's specific mention of "women as men" underscores his commitment to ensuring that the joy and tangible blessings of the Ark's arrival were shared by everyone, without exception. This act fostered national unity, reinforced his benevolent and equitable leadership, and ensured that the celebration of God's presence was a truly communal experience for the entire nation of Israel, demonstrating a holistic approach to leadership that extended beyond spiritual duties to practical care.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 6:19, with its depiction of David's generous provision and the communal feast celebrating God's presence, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate provision found in Jesus Christ. David, as a king after God's own heart, provides physical sustenance to his people, much like a shepherd feeds his flock. This act points forward to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who not only provides spiritual nourishment but also miraculously fed thousands, demonstrating His divine power and compassion ([Matthew 14:19](/matthew/14-19 "Feeding the Five Thousand")). More profoundly, Jesus declares Himself to be the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering eternal sustenance that truly satisfies the soul, far surpassing any earthly bread or meat. The celebratory meal in 2 Samuel 6 also anticipates the New Covenant meal—the Lord's Supper or Eucharist—instituted by Christ Himself ([Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "Institution of the Lord's Supper"); [1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23 "Paul's Account of the Last Supper")). In this sacred meal, believers partake of the body and blood of Christ, remembering His ultimate sacrifice and celebrating His abiding presence. Just as David's feast brought joy and unity to Israel, Christ's provision brings reconciliation, abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus Gives Abundant Life")), and eternal fellowship with God, culminating in the great marriage supper of the Lamb.

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

Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

1 Chronicles 16:3

And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon [of wine].

2 Chronicles 35:12

And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto the LORD, as [it is] written in the book of Moses. And so [did they] with the oxen.

2 Chronicles 35:13

And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the [other] holy [offerings] sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided [them] speedily among all the people.

2 Chronicles 30:24

For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.

1 Kings 8:66

On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.