Chimham
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Topical Encyclopedia
Chimham is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's life and reign. His account is found in the book of 2 Samuel, and he is associated with the narrative of David's return to Jerusalem after the rebellion of Absalom.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 19:37-40 : Chimham is introduced in the account of David's return to Jerusalem following the quelling of Absalom's rebellion. Barzillai the Gileadite, an elderly and wealthy supporter of David, had provided for the king during his time of need while he was in Mahanaim. As David prepared to return to Jerusalem, he offered to take Barzillai with him to the royal court as a gesture of gratitude. However, Barzillai, due to his advanced age, declined the offer and instead requested that Chimham, presumably his son, be taken in his place. David agreed to this request, saying, "Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever seems good to you, and whatever you desire of me, I will do for you" (2 Samuel 19:38).

2. Jeremiah 41:17 : The name Chimham appears again in the book of Jeremiah, where a location is referred to as "the lodging place of Chimham, near Bethlehem." This suggests that Chimham was granted land or a place of significance near Bethlehem, possibly as a reward for Barzillai's loyalty to David. The passage states, "And they went and stayed in Geruth Chimham, near Bethlehem, intending to go to Egypt."

Historical and Theological Significance:

Chimham's inclusion in the biblical narrative highlights the themes of loyalty, reward, and the continuation of relationships across generations. Barzillai's support of David during a critical period is honored through the favor shown to Chimham, illustrating the biblical principle of honoring those who have shown kindness and loyalty.

The mention of Chimham in Jeremiah suggests that his legacy continued beyond his immediate interaction with David, as the "lodging place of Chimham" became a recognized location. This indicates the lasting impact of David's generosity and the enduring memory of Barzillai's support.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, it was common for kings to reward their loyal supporters with land, positions, or other forms of favor. Chimham's account fits within this cultural practice, as David's acceptance of Chimham into his court and the subsequent granting of land near Bethlehem reflect the customs of royal patronage and the importance of familial and political alliances.

Interpretation:

From a theological perspective, Chimham's account can be seen as an example of God's providence and the importance of faithfulness. Barzillai's faithfulness to David, God's anointed king, is rewarded through the blessings bestowed upon Chimham. This narrative underscores the biblical theme that God honors those who honor His chosen leaders and that acts of kindness and loyalty are remembered and rewarded in God's timing.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Chimham

as they; like to them

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Chimham

(longing), a follower and probably a son, of Barzillai the Gileadite, who returned from beyond Jordan with David. (2 Samuel 19:37,38,40) (B C 1023.) David appears to have bestowed on him a possession at Bethlehem, on which, in later times, an inn or khan was standing. (Jeremiah 41:17)

ATS Bible Dictionary
Chimham

Probably a son a Barzillai, 2 Samuel 19:36; 1 Kings 2:7. He may have received from David the place near Bethlehem called Chimham, Jeremiah 41:17.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Pining, probably the youngest son of Barzillai the Gileadite (2 Samuel 19:37-40). The "habitation of Chimham" (Jeremiah 41:17) was probably an inn or khan, which is the proper meaning of the Hebrew geruth, rendered "habitation", established in later times in his possession at Bethlehem, which David gave to him as a reward for his loyalty in accompanying him to Jerusalem after the defeat of Absalom (1 Kings 2:7). It has been supposed that, considering the stationary character of Eastern institutions, it was in the stable of this inn or caravanserai that our Saviour was born (Luke 2:7).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CHIMHAM

kim'-ham (kimham (2 Samuel 19:37, 38) or kimhan (2 Samuel 19:40) or kemohem (Jeremiah 41:17 Kt.); this reading, however, may probably be safely ignored): One of the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, who supported David while the latter was in exile in Mahanaim (2 Samuel 19:37). After the death of Absalom, Barzillai was invited to spend the remainder of his life with the king; but he refused, and sent his son Chimham in his stead. From the mention of "the habitation of Chimham, which is by Beth-lehem" (Jeremiah 41:17 the King James Version), it has been inferred that Chimham received a grant of land from David's patrimony at Bethlehem, which retained his name for at least four centuries. It has been suggested that his name was probably Ahinoam ('achino`am).

Horace J. Wolf

GERUTH CHIMHAM

ge'-rooth kim'-ham (geruth kimham): If the reading geruth is correct, a "lodging-place" or "khan" on the highway to Egypt, may be meant (Jeremiah 41:17). It may have been built by Chimham son of Barzillai; or it may have been named from him as owner of the land on which it stood. But probably with Josephus we should read gidhroth, "hurdles" or "sheep pens" (Ant., X, ix, 5).

Strong's Hebrew
3643. Kimham -- an attendant of David, also a place near Bethlehem
... Kimham. 3644 . an attendant of David, also a place near Bethlehem. Transliteration:
Kimham Phonetic Spelling: (kim-hawm') Short Definition: Chimham. ... Chimham. ...
/hebrew/3643.htm - 6k
Library

Barzillai
... to the full the king's generous offer, and saw the advantages it presented to those
who were able to enjoy them, "behold thy servant Chimham," my son, "let him ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/barzillai.htm

Barzillai
... But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to
him what shall seem good unto thee.'-2 SAMUEL xix.34-37. To the Young. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/barzillai.htm

Index of Names and Subjects.
... Gedaliah, 276, 291, 292; assassination, 307. Gidroth-Chimham, 308. Giesebrecht,
38, 48, 147, 155, 181, 227, 257, 268, 287, 312, 380. Gilead, 68, 69, 201, 224. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/index of names and subjects.htm

"The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
... CHILDREN."Although Barzillai was not willing to go to live in Jerusalem, he felt
that his son might enjoy it, and so called the king's attention to Chimham. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/lv the king kissed barzillai.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... When he entreated for this so earnestly, the king said, "I dismiss thee, but thou
shalt grant me thy son Chimham, and upon him I will bestow all sorts of good ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... the wrath of the Chaldeans for the murder of their deputy, the little flock did
not return to Mispah but moved south to Gidroth(663)-Chimham near Bethlehem ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/4 and after xxx xxxi.htm

Thesaurus
Chimham (4 Occurrences)
... The "habitation of Chimham" (Jeremiah 41:17) was probably an inn or khan, which
is the proper meaning of the Hebrew geruth, rendered "habitation", established ...
/c/chimham.htm - 10k

Geruth-chimham (1 Occurrence)
Geruth-chimham. Geruth Chimham, Geruth-chimham. Gerzites .
Multi-Version Concordance Geruth-chimham (1 Occurrence). ...
/g/geruth-chimham.htm - 6k

Geruth Chimham
Geruth Chimham. Geruth, Geruth Chimham. Geruth-chimham . Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia GERUTH CHIMHAM. ge'-rooth kim ...
/g/geruth%20chimham.htm - 6k

Geruth (1 Occurrence)
... GERUTH CHIMHAM. ... It may have been built by Chimham son of Barzillai; or it may have
been named from him as owner of the land on which it stood. ...
/g/geruth.htm - 7k

Kimham (3 Occurrences)
... mother. But behold, your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the
king; and do to him what shall seem good to you." (See NIV). ...
/k/kimham.htm - 7k

Pleases (51 Occurrences)
... mother. But behold, your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the
king; and do to him what shall seem good to you." (See NIV). ...
/p/pleases.htm - 21k

Chilmad (1 Occurrence)

/c/chilmad.htm - 8k

Seems (99 Occurrences)
... mother. But here is your servant Chimham: let him go with my lord the king,
and do for him what seems good to you. (BBE DBY RSV). ...
/s/seems.htm - 37k

Seem (115 Occurrences)
... But behold, your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do
to him what shall seem good to you." (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS RSV). ...
/s/seem.htm - 38k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Chimham (4 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 19:37
Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, by the grave of my father and my mother. But behold, your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to you."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

2 Samuel 19:38
The king answered, "Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good to you. Whatever you require of me, that I will do for you."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

2 Samuel 19:40
So the king went over to Gilgal, and Chimham went over with him. All the people of Judah brought the king over, and also half the people of Israel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Jeremiah 41:17
and they departed, and lived in Geruth Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Subtopics

Chimham

Chimham: A Gileadite

Chimhan

Related Terms

Geruth-chimham (1 Occurrence)

Geruth Chimham

Geruth (1 Occurrence)

Kimham (3 Occurrences)

Pleases (51 Occurrences)

Chilmad (1 Occurrence)

Seems (99 Occurrences)

Seem (115 Occurrences)

Johanan (31 Occurrences)

Gerzites (1 Occurrence)

Inn (7 Occurrences)

Burying-place (19 Occurrences)

Barzillai (10 Occurrences)

Conducted (14 Occurrences)

Chimney (1 Occurrence)

Intending (24 Occurrences)

Fix (36 Occurrences)

Accompanied (43 Occurrences)

Require (46 Occurrences)

Habitations (38 Occurrences)

Passeth (100 Occurrences)

Troops (92 Occurrences)

Proceed (47 Occurrences)

Beth-lehem (49 Occurrences)

Grave (128 Occurrences)

Crossed (65 Occurrences)

Buried (125 Occurrences)

Gilgal (39 Occurrences)

Tomb (70 Occurrences)

Resting-place (211 Occurrences)

Habitation (90 Occurrences)

Bethlehem (49 Occurrences)

Half (135 Occurrences)

Chilmad: Merchants of
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