2 Samuel 19:31-41

31 Barzillai the Gil`adite came down from Roglim; and he went over the Yarden with the king, to conduct him over the Yarden.

32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even eighty years old: and he had provided the king with sustenance while he lay at Machanayim; for he was a very great man.

33 The king said to Barzillai, Come you over with me, and I will sustain you with me in Yerushalayim.

34 Barzillai said to the king, How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Yerushalayim?

35 I am this day eighty years old: can I discern between good and bad? can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? why then should your servant be yet a burden to my lord the king?

36 Your servant would but just go over the Yarden with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?

37 Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, by the grave of my father and my mother. But behold, your servant Kemoham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to you.

38 The king answered, Kemoham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good to you: and whatever you shall require of me, that will I do for you.

39 All the people went over the Yarden, and the king went over: and the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned to his own place.

40 So the king went over to Gilgal, and Kemoham went over with him: and all the people of Yehudah brought the king over, and also half the people of Yisra'el.

41 Behold, all the men of Yisra'el came to the king, and said to the king, Why have our brothers the men of Yehudah stolen you away, and brought the king, and his household, over the Yarden, and all David's men with him?

2 Samuel 19:31-41 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.