2 Samuel 19:33

And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto Barzillai {H1271}, Come thou over {H5674} with me, and I will feed {H3557} thee with me in Jerusalem {H3389}.

The king said to Barzillai, "Come on across with me, and I will provide for your needs with me in Yerushalayim."

The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.”

And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will sustain thee with me in Jerusalem.

Commentary

Context

This verse occurs at a crucial juncture in King David's reign, immediately following the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion. David is returning to Jerusalem after being forced to flee his capital. During his exile in Mahanaim, a wealthy and elderly Gileadite named Barzillai, along with others, showed immense loyalty and kindness by providing much-needed provisions and support for David and his weary followers (2 Samuel 17:27-29). As David crosses the Jordan River back towards Jerusalem, he encounters Barzillai, and this verse records David's heartfelt offer of gratitude and honor to his benefactor.

Key Themes

  • Gratitude and Reciprocity: King David's offer to Barzillai is a powerful demonstration of his deep gratitude for the support received during a time of great distress. It highlights the biblical principle of honoring and rewarding those who have shown faithfulness and generosity.
  • Royal Provision and Honor: The invitation to "Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem" was a significant gesture. It meant Barzillai would be sustained directly from the royal table, signifying a place of immense honor, security, and close fellowship with the king within the royal court. This kind of provision was a mark of high esteem, much like the care shown to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son.
  • Loyalty and Service: Barzillai's actions exemplify unwavering loyalty to God's anointed king, even when David's throne was in jeopardy. David's offer underscores the value of such steadfast service and the lasting impression it leaves.

Significance and Application

This passage serves as a timeless reminder of several important principles:

  • Acknowledging Kindness: It teaches us the importance of recognizing, appreciating, and, where possible, reciprocating acts of kindness and loyalty. David did not forget Barzillai's crucial support.
  • Honoring the Faithful: The narrative encourages us to honor those who have faithfully served, especially in times of adversity. Barzillai's humility (as seen in the verses immediately following this one, where he declines the offer due to his old age) further magnifies the exchange.
  • God's Use of Instruments: Just as God used Barzillai to sustain David, the Lord often works through people to provide for His servants. This passage highlights the importance of being both a grateful recipient and a willing instrument of God's provision.
  • Lasting Impact of Loyalty: David's gratitude towards Barzillai was so profound that it extended beyond Barzillai's lifetime, influencing David's final instructions to his son Solomon to show kindness to Barzillai's sons (1 Kings 2:7). This illustrates how acts of faithfulness can create a legacy of blessing.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:7 (2 votes)

    And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

  • Luke 22:28 (2 votes)

    Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

  • Luke 22:30 (2 votes)

    That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

  • Matthew 25:34 (2 votes)

    Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

  • Matthew 25:40 (2 votes)

    And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

  • 2 Samuel 9:11 (2 votes)

    Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, [said the king], he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons.