How does 2 Samuel 19:38 reflect on loyalty and reward? Text “The king replied, ‘Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your eyes. And whatever you desire of me, I will do for you.’” (2 Samuel 19:38) Historical Setting David is returning to Jerusalem after Absalom’s revolt. During exile he had been sustained by Barzillai the Gileadite (2 Samuel 17:27–29). At the Jordan crossing David urges Barzillai to share royal life; the elderly benefactor declines but sends his son (or servant) Chimham. Verse 38 records David’s immediate pledge of favor. Loyalty Exemplified Barzillai’s aid was unsolicited, risky, and costly—hallmarks of covenant loyalty (ḥesed). He sided with the rightful king when the outcome was uncertain, echoing Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times.” Such steadfastness parallels Ruth’s devotion to Naomi (Ruth 1:16–17) and Jonathan’s covenant with David (1 Samuel 20:13–17). Royal Reward Promised Ancient Near-Eastern kings commonly reciprocated service with land grants and court positions. David’s vow, “I will do for him what is good in your eyes,” is open-ended, exceeding mere payment. Jeremiah 41:17 later locates refugees at “Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem,” indicating that David likely deeded property there to Barzillai’s family—an enduring reward that became a geographic marker. Covenant Faithfulness (Ḥesed) In Action The passage illustrates 2 Samuel’s recurring theme: the king honors loyal love (2 Samuel 9:1–13; 10:2). David’s grace flows from God’s own covenant character (Exodus 34:6). Loyalty begets favor; unfaithfulness (e.g., Absalom, Ahithophel) invites judgment, reinforcing Deuteronomy 7:9–10. Typological Significance David prefigures Christ, the greater King who remembers those who stand with Him in humiliation and rewards them in glory (Luke 22:28–30; Revelation 3:21). Chimham’s guaranteed future reflects believers’ promised inheritance (1 Peter 1:4). The episode therefore foreshadows eschatological reward: “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). Scriptural Cross-References On Loyalty And Reward • Proverbs 3:3–4—Favor and a good name follow steadfast love and faithfulness. • 1 Samuel 26:23—“The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness.” • Psalm 18:25—“To the faithful You show Yourself faithful.” • Hebrews 6:10—God will not forget work and love shown to His name. Practical Application 1. Stand with righteousness even when costly; the King sees (2 Chronicles 16:9). 2. Expect reward, but let loyalty, not gain, motivate service (Colossians 3:23–24). 3. Extend tangible gratitude to those who aid God’s people (Romans 12:10). 4. Recognize Christ’s call: share His reproach now to share His reign eternally (2 Timothy 2:12). Conclusion 2 Samuel 19:38 weaves together loyalty and reward: covenant faithfulness toward God’s anointed elicits generous, enduring favor. The episode assures believers that steadfast allegiance to the rightful King—ultimately Jesus—will never go unnoticed, for “the LORD delights in His faithful ones” (Psalm 149:4). |
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