2 Samuel 19:40

ยถ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

2 Samuel 19:40 KJV describes King David's journey back to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion, highlighting key figures and the divided support from the Israelite tribes.

Context

This verse marks a significant moment in King David's restoration to the throne following the devastating rebellion led by his son, Absalom. Having just crossed the Jordan River, David proceeds towards Gilgal, a place of historical and spiritual importance for Israel, often associated with new beginnings and covenant renewal, as seen in Joshua 4:19. The passage also introduces Chimham, the son of Barzillai the Gileadite, whom David brings with him as a gesture of gratitude for Barzillai's support during David's exile.

Key Themes

  • Restoration and Return: David's journey to Gilgal symbolizes his physical and political return to power, marking the end of his exile and the beginning of the nation's healing process after civil war.
  • Loyalty and Reconciliation: The enthusiastic escort by "all the people of Judah" demonstrates their strong loyalty to David, reflecting the deep bond between the king and his own tribe. The presence of "half the people of Israel" indicates a partial, though not yet complete, national reconciliation, hinting at the lingering tribal divisions that would soon surface again in the rebellion of Sheba.
  • Gratitude and Promise-Keeping: David's inclusion of Chimham fulfills his promise to the elderly Barzillai, who had provided crucial aid during David's flight. This highlights David's integrity and faithfulness in honoring his commitments, as requested by Barzillai in the preceding verses.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "conducted the king" (Hebrew: ืœึฐื”ึทืขึฒื‘ึดื™ืจ ืึถืชึพื”ึทืžึถึผืœึถืšึฐ, leha'avir et-hamelech) implies more than just accompanying; it suggests a formal, organized escort, emphasizing the deliberate effort and honor shown by the people of Judah in bringing their king back. This was a deliberate act of re-establishment.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons on leadership, the importance of keeping one's word, and the complexities of national and interpersonal reconciliation. David's willingness to honor Barzillai through Chimham teaches us about gratitude and fulfilling promises, even amidst great personal and national upheaval. The mixed reception David receives from Judah and Israel reminds us that unity, especially after conflict, is often a gradual process, requiring patience, forgiveness, and continued effort to bridge divides within communities, families, or organizations. It underscores that while physical return may be swift, true healing and reconciliation can take time.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 19:11 (2 votes)

    And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, [even] to his house.

  • 2 Samuel 19:15 (2 votes)

    So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.

  • Matthew 21:9 (2 votes)

    And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

  • Genesis 49:10 (2 votes)

    The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].