2 Samuel 19:36

36 Thy servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king. And why should the king recompense me with such a reward?

2 Samuel 19:36 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 19:36

Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king,
&c.] That is, go a little way after he was over Jordan with him, and then return to his own city:

and why should the king recompense it with such a reward?
the sense is, why should the king recompense so trifling a thing as I have done, and which was but my duty, with such a reward, as to maintain me in so grand a manner at his court?

2 Samuel 19:36 In-Context

34 And Barzillai said unto the king, "How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?

35 I am this day fourscore years old, and can I discern between good and evil? Can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

36 Thy servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king. And why should the king recompense me with such a reward?

37 Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king, and do to him what shall seem good unto thee."

38 And the king answered, "Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee. And whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee."