2 Samuel 19:25-35

25 When Mephibosheth arrived from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, "Mephibosheth, you didn't go with me. Why not?"
26 He answered, "As you know, Your Majesty, I am crippled. I told my servant to saddle my donkey so that I could ride along with you, but he betrayed me.
27 He lied about me to Your Majesty, but you are like God's angel, so do what seems right to you.
28 All of my father's family deserved to be put to death by Your Majesty, but you gave me the right to eat at your table. I have no right to ask for any more favors from Your Majesty."
29 The king answered, "You don't have to say anything more. I have decided that you and Ziba will share Saul's property."
30 "Let Ziba have it all," Mephibosheth answered. "It's enough for me that Your Majesty has come home safely."
31 Barzillai, from Gilead, had also come down from Rogelim to escort the king across the Jordan. 1
32 Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years old. He was very rich and had supplied the king with food while he was staying at Mahanaim.
33 The king said to him, "Come with me to Jerusalem, and I will take care of you."
34 But Barzillai answered, "I don't have long to live; why should I go with Your Majesty to Jerusalem?
35 I am already eighty years old, and nothing gives me pleasure any more. I can't taste what I eat and drink, and I can't hear the voices of singers. I would only be a burden to Your Majesty.

2 Samuel 19:25-35 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.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 19.31 2 Samuel 17.27-29.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. [One ancient translation] from; [Hebrew] at.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.