2 Samuel 19:27-37

27 And then he lied to you about me. But my master the king has been like one of God's angels: he knew what was right and did it.

28 Wasn't everyone in my father's house doomed? But you took me in and gave me a place at your table. What more could I ever expect or ask?"

29 "That's enough," said the king. "Say no more. Here's my decision: You and Ziba divide the property between you."

30 Mephibosheth said, "Oh, let him have it all! All I care about is that my master the king is home safe and sound!"

31 Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim. He crossed the Jordan with the king to give him a good send-off.

32 Barzillai was a very old man - eighty years old! He had supplied the king's needs all the while he was in Mahanaim since he was very wealthy.

33 "Join me in Jerusalem," the king said to Barzillai. "Let me take care of you."

34 But Barzillai declined the offer, "How long do you think I'd live if I went with the king to Jerusalem?

35 I'm eighty years old and not much good anymore to anyone. Can't taste food; can't hear music. So why add to the burdens of my master the king?

36 I'll just go a little way across the Jordan with the king. But why would the king need to make a great thing of that?

37 Let me go back and die in my hometown and be buried with my father and mother. But my servant Kimham here; let him go with you in my place. But treat him well!"

2 Samuel 19:27-37 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.