The Hebrew word Rôgᵉlîym, represented by H7274, identifies Rogelim, a place East of the Jordan. It appears 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible. The name's primary function in scripture is to specify the hometown of a key individual who aids King David during his time of crisis.
In the biblical narrative, H7274 is exclusively associated with Barzillai the Gileadite. When David arrives at Mahanaim after fleeing from Absalom, Barzillai of Rogelim is among those who bring provisions for the king and his people 2 Samuel 17:27. Later, when David is returning to his throne, Barzillai comes down from Rogelim to escort the king across the Jordan River 2 Samuel 19:31. The location serves as the point of origin for this act of loyalty.
Several related words help to frame the context of Rogelim's appearances in scripture:
- H1271 Barzillay (iron-hearted; Barzillai): This is the "very great man" from Rogelim who provided for King David at Mahanaim and whose loyalty was remembered for generations (2 Samuel 17:27, 1 Kings 2:7).
- H1569 Gilʻâdîy (a Giladite or descendant of Gilad): This term describes the lineage of Barzillai, identifying him as the Gileadite of Rogelim 2 Samuel 19:31.
- H3381 yârad (to descend): This verb is used to describe Barzillai's journey when he came down from Rogelim to meet David at the Jordan 2 Samuel 19:31.
- H5674 ʻâbar (to cross over): This word describes the action at the Jordan River, where Barzillai went over with the king 2 Samuel 19:31.
- H7971 shâlach (to send away, for, or out): This word is used to describe Barzillai's purpose in accompanying David, which was to conduct him over the Jordan 2 Samuel 19:31.
The significance of H7274 is tied directly to the narrative of loyalty shown to God's anointed king.
- A Place of Faithfulness: Rogelim is presented as the home of Barzillai, a man who remained loyal and supportive to David during Absalom's rebellion 2 Samuel 17:27.
- A Source of Provision: Through its most prominent citizen mentioned in scripture, Rogelim becomes a location associated with providing for the king in his time of need, as Barzillai brought sustenance for David's company 2 Samuel 19:32.
- A Legacy of Loyalty: The actions of Barzillai of Rogelim left a lasting impression, prompting David to command that his sons be shown kindness, cementing the location's connection to a legacy of rewarded faithfulness 1 Kings 2:7.
In summary, H7274 is a geographical marker whose biblical importance is derived entirely from its connection to Barzillai the Gileadite. Though mentioned only twice, Rogelim serves as the backdrop for a memorable account of steadfast loyalty and generous provision toward King David. It illustrates how a specific place can become synonymous with the faithful actions of its inhabitants during a pivotal moment in Israel's history.
TRV