2 Samuel 19:31

ยถ And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.

And Barzillai {H1271} the Gileadite {H1569} came down {H3381} from Rogelim {H7274}, and went over {H5674} Jordan {H3383} with the king {H4428}, to conduct {H7971} him over Jordan {H3383}.

Barzillai the Gil'adi had come down from Roglim and passed on to the Yarden with the king to bring him across the Yarden.

Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and send him on his way from there.

And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim; and he went over the Jordan with the king, to conduct him over the Jordan.

Commentary

2 Samuel 19:31 marks a moment of profound loyalty and respect during King David's tumultuous return to Jerusalem after the rebellion led by his son, Absalom. This verse focuses on Barzillai, a wealthy and elderly Gileadite who played a significant role in supporting David during his exile.

Context

Following Absalom's defeat and death, King David was making his way back across the Jordan River to reclaim his throne in Jerusalem. The journey back was fraught with political tensions and personal grief. As David prepared to cross the Jordan from the east, many people came to meet him, including those seeking to reconcile or gain favor, and those, like Barzillai, who had demonstrated unwavering loyalty. Barzillai had previously provided crucial provisions and support for David and his weary men when they were in Mahanaim, east of the Jordan, during the height of Absalom's pursuit (2 Samuel 17:27-29). His journey from Rogelim to meet David at the Jordan highlights his deep commitment to the king, going beyond mere hospitality to offer a final, respectful escort for David's return.

Key Themes

  • Loyalty and Devotion: Barzillai's actions exemplify steadfast loyalty. He had supported David when he was a refugee and now came to personally escort him back, demonstrating unwavering devotion regardless of David's circumstances.
  • Gratitude and Honor: David recognized Barzillai's immense service. The act of Barzillai "conducting him over Jordan" was a gesture that David deeply appreciated, leading to his offer of a place at court (2 Samuel 19:33) and later, a command to his son Solomon to care for Barzillai's descendants (1 Kings 2:7).
  • Selfless Service: Barzillai, despite his age, went out of his way to honor the king. His later refusal of David's offer to live in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19:35-37) underscores his humility and lack of desire for personal gain, focusing purely on supporting the king.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "conduct him over Jordan" emphasizes Barzillai's role not just as a well-wisher, but as an active participant in David's return. The Hebrew verb for "conduct" (ืœึฐืฉึทืืœึฐึผื—ื•ึน, l'shall'cho) can mean to send off, escort, or accompany, suggesting a formal and respectful farewell or send-off from the trans-Jordanian region where Barzillai resided. "Rogelim" (ืจึนื’ึฐืœึดื™ื) is a place name, possibly meaning "foot-runners" or "spies," but in this context, it simply denotes Barzillai's home region in Gilead.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons on the value of loyalty and the importance of showing gratitude. Barzillai's actions remind us to:

  • Be a steadfast friend: Support others, especially during their most challenging times, without expecting anything in return.
  • Honor those who serve: Recognize and appreciate the contributions of those who have helped us, whether through practical aid or unwavering support.
  • Practice selfless service: True service often comes from a place of genuine care rather than a desire for reward or recognition, as Barzillai exemplified.

The bond between David and Barzillai serves as a powerful example of mutual respect and enduring faithfulness in leadership and relationships.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 2:7 (6 votes)

    But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

  • Nehemiah 7:63 (2 votes)

    And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took [one] of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.

  • Ezra 2:61 (2 votes)

    And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:

  • 2 Samuel 17:27 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

  • 2 Samuel 17:29 (2 votes)

    And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that [were] with him, to eat: for they said, The people [is] hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.