2 Samuel 19:40

40 The king then crossed over to Gilgal, taking Kimham with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king on his way.

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 “Good,” the king agreed. “Kimham will go with me, and I will help him in any way you would like. And I will do for you anything you want.”

39 So all the people crossed the Jordan with the king. After David had blessed Barzillai and kissed him, Barzillai returned to his own home.

40 The king then crossed over to Gilgal, taking Kimham with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king on his way.

41 But all the men of Israel complained to the king, “The men of Judah stole the king and didn’t give us the honor of helping take you, your household, and all your men across the Jordan.”

42 The men of Judah replied, “The king is one of our own kinsmen. Why should this make you angry? We haven’t eaten any of the king’s food or received any special favors!”