2 Samuel 19:40

40 When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Chimham went with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king across.

2 Samuel 19:40 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 19:40

Then the king went on to Gilgal
Which, according to Josephus ^F14, was fifty furlongs from Jordan, six miles and a quarter:

and Chimham went on with him;
after Barzillai had left them, and accompanied the king to Jerusalem:

and all the people of Judah conducted the king;
to Jerusalem; who came to meet him, ( 2 Samuel 19:15 ) ;

and also half the people of Israel;
or a part of them, as the word used signifies, and not always an equal half, so Kimchi observes; even such of Israel as went out with David at first, and the a thousand men of Benjamin that came to meet him, ( 2 Samuel 19:17 ) .

---

FOOTNOTES:

F14 Antiqu. l. 5. c. 1. sect. 4.

2 Samuel 19:40 In-Context

38 The king said, "Okay. Chimham will cross over with me, and I will treat him as I think best. And I will do for you anything you desire from me."

39 So all the people crossed over the Jordan River, and the king stayed behind. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and then Barzillai went back to his home.

40 When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Chimham went with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king across.

41 Then everyone in Israel came and said to the king, "Why did our relatives the people of Judah steal you away, and bring the king and his household across the Jordan River, along with all of his soldiers?"

42 Then all the people of Judah answered the Israelites, "Because the king is our relative! Why are you angry at us about this? Have we taken any of the king's food? Has he given us any gifts?"