The king replied, "Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me." The king replied,David answered Barzillai with gratitude for the costly loyalty he had shown while David was driven from Jerusalem during Absalom’s rebellion. As David prepared to cross the Jordan and return to his throne, he sought to honor the faithful servant who had supplied him in a season of need. 1Ki 3:24-27 The king continued, “Bring me a sword.”… “Chimham will cross over with me, Chimham, apparently one of Barzillai’s sons, would accompany David to Jerusalem in Barzillai’s place. David’s welcome extended Barzillai’s kindness to the next generation and gave Chimham a place within the restored royal court. 2Sa 17:27-29 When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi… and I will do for him what is good in your sight, David allowed Barzillai to direct the manner of Chimham’s care. The king did not treat loyalty as a debt to be dismissed with polite words; he accepted responsibility to show enduring kindness according to Barzillai’s desire. David later charged Solomon to continue showing favor to Barzillai’s sons (1 Kings 2:7). 2Sa 9:1-7 Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house… and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.” David’s offer displayed the covenant faithfulness expected of God’s king. Barzillai had served David without seeking gain, and David responded with generosity rather than forgetfulness. Such faithfulness points to the Lord, who remembers the service of those who trust Him and does not overlook acts of love offered in His name. 1Ki 2:20-21 “I have just one small request of you,” she said.… Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe central figure in this passage, David is the king of Israel who is returning to Jerusalem after the rebellion of his son Absalom. His response to Barzillai reflects his gratitude and willingness to honor those who supported him during his time of need. 2. Chimham The son of Barzillai, who is offered the opportunity to go with King David to Jerusalem. This reflects the king's desire to show kindness to Barzillai by extending his favor to his family. 3. Barzillai the Gileadite A wealthy and elderly supporter of David who provided for the king during Absalom's rebellion. His loyalty and generosity are acknowledged by David, who offers to reward him. 4. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel, where David is returning to re-establish his rule after the civil unrest caused by Absalom's rebellion. 5. The Crossing of the Jordan This event symbolizes a transition and restoration of David's kingship, as he returns to his rightful place as the leader of Israel. Teaching Points The Importance of Loyalty and SupportBarzillai's support of David during a time of crisis exemplifies the value of loyalty. In our lives, we should strive to be loyal and supportive to those in need, reflecting Christ's love. Gratitude and Generosity David's response to Barzillai's kindness by offering to care for Chimham teaches us the importance of expressing gratitude and being generous to those who have helped us. Legacy of Kindness The kindness shown by Barzillai had a lasting impact, as seen in David's instructions to Solomon. Our acts of kindness can leave a legacy that influences future generations. God's Faithfulness in Restoration David's return to Jerusalem symbolizes God's faithfulness in restoring what was lost. We can trust God to restore and redeem situations in our lives. Intergenerational Blessings The blessing extended to Chimham shows how the faithfulness of one generation can bring blessings to the next. We should consider how our actions today can impact future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Barzillai's loyalty to David during Absalom's rebellion inspire us to support others in times of crisis?2. In what ways can we express gratitude and generosity to those who have supported us, as David did for Barzillai and Chimham? 3. How can the legacy of kindness and loyalty, as seen in Barzillai's account, influence our actions and decisions today? 4. What are some areas in our lives where we need to trust God for restoration and redemption, similar to David's return to Jerusalem? 5. How can we ensure that our actions today create a positive impact on future generations, as seen in the blessing extended to Chimham? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 2:7This verse highlights David's continued kindness to the family of Barzillai, instructing Solomon to show favor to them, which underscores the lasting impact of Barzillai's loyalty. Proverbs 19:17 This proverb speaks to the virtue of kindness and generosity, which is exemplified by Barzillai's actions and David's response. Matthew 25:40 Jesus' teaching about serving "the least of these" can be connected to David's gratitude and willingness to honor those who supported him during difficult times.
People Abiathar, Abishai, Absalom, Amasa, Barzillai, Benjamin, Benjamites, Chimham, David, Gera, Israelites, Joab, Joseph, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zadok, Zeruiah, ZibaPlaces Bahurim, Gilgal, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Mahanaim, RogelimTopics Anything, Chimham, Cross, Desire, Fix, Pleases, Require, Seem, Seems, Sight, Whatever, Whatsoever, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 19:37 5339 home Library National Sorrows and National LessonsOn the illness or the Prince of Wales. Chapel Royal, St James's, December 17th, 1871. 2 Sam. xix. 14. "He bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man." No circumstances can be more different, thank God, than those under which the heart of the men of Judah was bowed when their king commander appealed to them, and those which have, in the last few days, bowed the heart of this nation as the heart of one man. But the feeling called out in each case was the same--Loyalty, … Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons Barzillai Samuel Links 2 Samuel 19:38 NIV2 Samuel 19:38 NLT 2 Samuel 19:38 ESV 2 Samuel 19:38 NASB 2 Samuel 19:38 KJV 2 Samuel 19:38 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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