Kimham 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 2 Samuel 19:31-40, where he is associated with Barzillai the Gileadite, a wealthy and influential supporter of David during the king's flight from Absalom.

Background and Context

During Absalom's rebellion, King David fled Jerusalem and sought refuge across the Jordan River. Barzillai the Gileadite, a resident of Rogelim, provided David and his people with essential supplies and support during this critical time (2 Samuel 17:27-29). After Absalom's defeat and David's return to Jerusalem, Barzillai accompanied the king to the Jordan River to bid him farewell.

Kimham's Role

As David prepared to cross back into his kingdom, he offered to reward Barzillai for his loyalty and assistance by inviting him to come to Jerusalem and live at the king's court. However, Barzillai, being an elderly man, declined the offer, citing his advanced age and desire to die in his own city near the graves of his parents. Instead, Barzillai requested that Kimham, presumably his son or a close relative, be allowed to go in his place.

2 Samuel 19:37-38 records Barzillai's request and David's response: "Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Kimham; let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him what seems good to you.” The king replied, “Kimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever seems good to you, and anything you desire from me I will do for you.”

Legacy and Significance

Kimham's acceptance into David's court signifies the king's gratitude and the continuation of Barzillai's legacy through his family. While the Bible does not provide further details about Kimham's life or his role in David's court, his inclusion in this narrative highlights the importance of loyalty and the rewards that come from supporting God's anointed leaders.

Additionally, Kimham is mentioned in Jeremiah 41:17, where a location known as the "habitation of Kimham" near Bethlehem is referenced. This suggests that Kimham or his descendants may have established a notable settlement in the region, further cementing his place in Israel's history.

Kimham's account serves as a testament to the enduring bonds of loyalty and the blessings that flow from faithfulness to God's chosen servants. His life, though briefly mentioned, reflects the broader themes of divine providence and the honoring of commitments within the biblical narrative.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. ...
/hebrew/3643.htm - 6kKimham (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kimham (3 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 19:37 Please
let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own ...
/k/kimham.htm - 7k

Chimham (4 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/c/chimham.htm - 10k

Kin (18 Occurrences)

/k/kin.htm - 12k

Kimah (2 Occurrences)

/k/kimah.htm - 7k

Geruth (1 Occurrence)
... 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). ...
/g/geruth.htm - 7k

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). ...
/g/geruth%20chimham.htm - 6k

Inn (7 Occurrences)
... The nearest approach to such an idea occurs in Jeremiah 41:17 margin, where geruth
kimham is translated "the lodging-place of Chimham," but the text is very ...
/i/inn.htm - 17k

Who was Barzillai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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