2 Samuel 6:19

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

2 Samuel 6:19 concludes the grand celebration marking the successful relocation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, David's capital. This event was of immense spiritual and national significance, as the Ark symbolized God's dwelling presence among His people. After David's fervent worship and dancing, and offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. This verse describes David's generous act of providing a feast for all the gathered Israelites before they returned home, solidifying the joy and communal spirit of the occasion.

Key Themes

  • Generosity and Provision: King David demonstrates remarkable generosity by personally distributing provisions to every individual present, ensuring that all could partake in the joy and blessings of the day. This act underscores his care for his people.
  • Inclusivity: The phrase "among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men" highlights the comprehensive nature of David's provision. No one was excluded from the celebration and the shared bounty, emphasizing unity and equality in the joy of God's presence.
  • Celebration of God's Presence: The distribution of bread, meat, and wine (or sweet cakes) signifies a festive atmosphere, typical of a covenant meal or a feast following significant offerings. It underscores the profound joy and thanksgiving associated with the Ark's arrival, symbolizing God's favor and blessing upon Israel and their king.
  • Davidic Leadership: This act of providing for the people reinforces David's role not just as a military or political leader, but also as a spiritual shepherd who ministers to the needs of his flock, fostering a sense of community and shared blessing under God.

Linguistic Insights

The provisions mentioned – "a cake of bread," "a good piece [of flesh]," and "a flagon [of wine]" – carry interesting nuances:

  • The "cake of bread" (Hebrew: challat) likely refers to a special, perhaps round or enriched, loaf, indicating more than just ordinary bread.
  • The "good piece [of flesh]" (Hebrew: eshpar) is a unique term in the Old Testament, suggesting a choice portion of meat, probably from the peace offerings, which were shared between God, the priests, and the worshippers.
  • The "flagon [of wine]" (Hebrew: ashishah): While the KJV translates this as "flagon of wine," the Hebrew word ashishah is more commonly understood as a "raisin cake" or "cake of pressed dates" (compare Song of Solomon 2:5 and Hosea 3:1). If translated as a cake, it would mean the people received three types of festive food items, emphasizing the abundance and sweetness of the celebration rather than a drink. This alternative understanding highlights the rich, celebratory nature of the provisions.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons:

  • Generosity as a Mark of Leadership: True leadership, especially in faith, involves caring for and providing for the well-being of the people, not just directing them.
  • Joy in God's Presence: The arrival of God's presence (symbolized by the Ark) was met with great joy and communal sharing. This reminds believers to celebrate God's work and presence in their lives with thanksgiving and unity.
  • Sharing Blessings: When God blesses, it is often intended to be shared. David's act encourages believers to be open-handed with the blessings they receive, distributing them to others and fostering a spirit of community.
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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 8:10 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.