2 Samuel 19

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:31-40

( THE JORDAN .) Old Barzillai. "How long have I to live?" ( 2 Samuel 19:34 ). Barzillai dwelt at Rogelim (his own city, 2 Samuel 19:37 ), in Gilead, where, amidst the rich highland pastures, diligently superintending his flocks and herds, he spent his days in peace. He enjoyed "the blessing of the Old Testament"—prosperity; and was "a very great [wealthy] man." Like Machir ben-Ammiel ( 2 Samuel 9:4 ), he was loyal, hospitable, and generous ( 2 Samuel 17:28 ). One of his sons... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:31-43

The facts are: 1 . Barzillai, having provided sustenance for David while he was at Mahanaim, and accompanying him over Jordan, is entreated to go and live with him at Jerusalem. 2 . Barzillai, having no relish for the kind of life which he thought prevailed at court, pleads age and infirmity and a fear of being an incumbrance to David, as a reason for not complying with his request, but asks that his own son Chimham may be permitted to go. 3 . David consents, promises to do for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:33

And I will feed thee. This is the same verb as that used in 2 Samuel 19:32 , and translated "to provide of sustenance." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:35

The privations of old age. Barzillai graphically depicts these as experienced by himself. All old men have not exactly the same experience; but all who live to a great age must expect a similar diminution of their powers. I. THE PRIVATIONS OF THE AGED . 1 . Enfeebled or annihilated powers. Blunted or extinct senses; dulness or loss of sight, hearing, taste, smelling; feebleness of body and mind. Consequent inability for active employments. Loss of the pleasures which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:37

That I may die in mine own city … by the grave of my father and of my mother. The inserted words, "and be buried," are very matter of fact and commonplace. What Barzillai wished was that, when death overtook him, it should find him in the old abode of his family, where his father and mother had died, and where their tombs were. This regard for the family sepulchre was hereditary among the Israelites, who followed in it the example of their forefather (see Genesis 49:29-31 ). Chimham .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:40

Half the people of Israel. The northern tribes had been the first to debate the question of the king's recall ( 2 Samuel 19:9 ), while the men of Judah hung back. But at the instigation of the high priests and of Amasa, who was actually in command, they determined upon David's restoration, and acted so promptly and so independently of the rest of Israel that, when they reached Gilgal, only the delegates of a few tribes were in time to join them. As we read in 2 Samuel 19:41 of "all the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:41

Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away? Why, that is, have they acted by stealth and without our concurrence? As they were discussing the matter, their decision should have been awaited, and David should not have crossed until formally invited so to do. The half of Israel consisted, probably, of the trans-Jordanic tribes, upon whom those on the west of the river looked contemptuously, and of Shimei and his Benjamites, and a few more in the immediate neighbourhood. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:42

The king is near of kin to us. The pronouns are singular throughout: "He is near of kin to me. Why art thou angry? Have I eaten … I have ten parts … Why didst thou despise me?" and so everywhere. This is much more piquant; but such personification is contrary to the genius of our language. Have I eaten, etc.? Saul had boasted of enriching the Benjamites ( 1 Samuel 22:7 ), but probably the speaker intended only to protest the purity of his motives. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:43

I have ten parts in the king. One tribe disappears, which certainly was not Benjamin; nor was this warlike state thus early awed into obedience to Judah. In 1 Kings 11:31 , 1 Kings 11:35 , again, we have ten tribes given to Jeroboam, and here, also, not only must Benjamin be counted, but be included in the tribes rent from the house of David. The tribe that had disappeared was that of Simeon, partly lost among the desert races south of the Negeb, and partly absorbed by Judah. Its... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 19:5

Had Absalom gained the victory, it is likely that, according to the manner of Oriental despots, he would have sought to secure his throne by killing all possible competitors Judges 9:5; 1 Kings 15:29. read more

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:31-40

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:31-43

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:33

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:35

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:37

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:40

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:41

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:42

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:43

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 19:5

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