2 Samuel 6:19

19 and distributed food among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, to each a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people went back to their homes.

2 Samuel 6:19 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 6:19

And he dealt among all the people
Gave a dole unto them, divided among them:

[even] among the whole multitude of Israel:
and if there were so many as at first, there were thirty thousand of them, ( 2 Samuel 6:1 ) ; and perhaps more, since it follows:

as well to the women as men;
to both the one and the other; and the women, it is very probable, were not among those that went to fetch the ark, but assembled to attend the entrance of it into the city, and were present at the solemnities of its settlement:

to everyone a cake of bread;
or a loaf of bread, of what quantity is not said, no doubt sufficient for anyone person, or more:

and a good piece [of flesh]:
not only that was good in quality, but large in quantity, a very large piece of it; the Jews say F19 the sixth part of a bullock, they dividing it into six parts as we into four quarters; but it is not likely that such a quantity of flesh should be given to each person;

and a flagon [of wine];
but what such a vessel held cannot be said, though at least we may suppose it equal to a bottle of ours, or more; see ( Song of Solomon 2:5 ) ( Hosea 3:1 ) ;

so all the people departed everyone to his house;
to refresh themselves with the provisions David had given them.


FOOTNOTES:

F19 T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 36. 3.

2 Samuel 6:19 In-Context

17 They brought in the ark of the Lord, and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and offerings of well-being before the Lord.
18 When David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the offerings of well-being, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts,
19 and distributed food among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, to each a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people went back to their homes.
20 David returned to bless his household. But Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, "How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants' maids, as any vulgar fellow might shamelessly uncover himself!"
21 David said to Michal, "It was before the Lord, who chose me in place of your father and all his household, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord, that I have danced before the Lord.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Vg: Meaning of Heb uncertain
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.