2 Samuel 19:40

40 Now the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. And all the people of Judah escorted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

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 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

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

2 Samuel 19:40 In-Context

38 And the king answered, "Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good to you. Now whatever you request of me, I will do for you."

39 Then all the people went over the Jordan. And when the king had crossed over, the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own place.

40 Now the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. And all the people of Judah escorted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

41 Just then all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, "Why have our brethren, the men of Judah, stolen you away and brought the king, his household, and all David's men with him across the Jordan?"

42 So all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, "Because the king is a close relative of ours. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we ever eaten at the king's expense? Or has he given us any gift?"

Footnotes

• [a]. Masoretic Text reads Chimhan.