2 Samuel 19:22-32

22 But David said, "What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should today become an adversary to me? Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?"
23 The king said to Shimei, "You shall not die." And the king gave him his oath.
24 Mephibosheth grandson of Saul came down to meet the king; he had not taken care of his feet, or trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes, from the day the king left until the day he came back in safety.
25 When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, "Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?"
26 He answered, "My lord, O king, my servant deceived me; for your servant said to him, "Saddle a donkey for me, so that I may ride on it and go with the king.' For your servant is lame.
27 He has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you.
28 For all my father's house were doomed to death before my lord the king; but you set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right have I, then, to appeal to the king?"
29 The king said to him, "Why speak any more of your affairs? I have decided: you and Ziba shall divide the land."
30 Mephibosheth said to the king, "Let him take it all, since my lord the king has arrived home safely."
31 Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim; he went on with the king to the Jordan, to escort him over the Jordan.
32 Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. He had provided the king with food while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man.

2 Samuel 19:22-32 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 19

David indulging to too much grief for the death of his son, is rebuked by Joab, and threatened with a revolt of the people from him, if he did not change his conduct, which be accordingly did, 2Sa 19:1-8; upon which the men of Israel were the first that moved for the bringing him back to Jerusalem, and the men of Judah were solicited to join with them in it, which was effected, 2Sa 19:9-15; and at Jordan, Shimei, that had cursed him, met him, and asked his pardon, and was forgiven, 2Sa 19:16-23; and when come to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth excused so well his not going out with him, that he had half his land restored to him, which had been given to his servant, 2Sa 19:24-30; and Barzillai, who had very liberally supplied the king, was allowed to return to his own city, and Chimham his son was taken to court, 2Sa 19:31-40; and a contention arose between the men of Israel and of Judah about the restoration of the king, which issued in an insurrection, as the next chapter shows, 2Sa 19:41-43.

Footnotes 4

  • [a]. Or [Merib-baal]+!: See 4.4 note
  • [b]. Or [Merib-baal]+!: See 4.4 note
  • [c]. Gk Syr Vg: Heb [said, "I will saddle a donkey for myself]
  • [d]. Or [Merib-baal]+!: See 4.4 note
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.