2 Samuel 19:27-37

27 But he lied about me to you. You, my master and king, are like an angel from God. Do what you think is good.

28 You could have killed all my grandfather's family. Instead, you put me with those people who eat at your own table. So I don't have a right to ask anything more from the king!"

29 The king said to him, "Don't say anything more. I have decided that you and Ziba will divide the land."

30 Mephibosheth said to the king, "Let Ziba take all the land now that my master the king has arrived safely home."

31 Barzillai of Gilead came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan River with the king.

32 Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years old. He had taken care of the king when David was staying at Mahanaim, because Barzillai was a very rich man.

33 David said to Barzillai, "Cross the river with me. Come with me to Jerusalem, and I will take care of you."

34 But Barzillai answered the king, "Do you know how old I am? Do you think I can go with you to Jerusalem?

35 I am eighty years old! I am too old to taste what I eat or drink. I am too old to hear the voices of men and women singers. Why should you be bothered with me?

36 I am not worthy of a reward from you, but I will cross the Jordan River with you.

37 Then let me go back so I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and mother. But here is Kimham, your servant. Let him go with you, my master and king. Do with him whatever you want."

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.