And the king said to Barzillai, come thou over with me ,.... Over Jordan; Barzillai came with an intent to accompany the king over Jordan; but the king meant not only to go over Jordan, but when over to go further with him, even to Jerusalem: and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem ; meaning, that he should dwell with him in his palace, and eat at his table, in return for feeding him at Mahanaim. read more
( 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
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
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
2 Samuel 19:31-33. Barzillai came down from Rogelim Rogelim was a place in mount Gilead, and Barzillai came down from thence to do the king honour and see him safe over Jordan. He had provided the king sustenance Barzillai had a very generous heart, which moved him to supply the wants of David and all his family and attendants as long as he stayed at Mahanaim, which was a considerable time. I will feed thee with me Entertain thee at my own table as a singular friend. read more
David returns to Jerusalem (19:9-43)Because the nation was still deeply divided as a result of Absalom’s revolt, David did not return to Jerusalem immediately. He was waiting for the people to give an indication that they wanted him restored as king. Some people of the northern tribes had suggested they invite David back, but the people of Judah, David’s own tribe, had apparently said nothing (9-10).Knowing the rivalry that existed between Judah and the other tribes, David cunningly suggested... read more
David’s return to Jerusalem 19:9-43The only thing the people could do after Absalom had fallen was to return to their former king (2 Samuel 19:11-12). Absalom had found his strongest support among the people of Judah. David did not want the Judahites to conclude that by supporting Absalom they had become his enemies. David extended pardon to them and informed them that he still regarded them as his closest kin. This wise political move helped unite the nation again.". . . David’s reference here... read more
David’s Return to JerusalemDavid’s excessive grief for Absalom is rebuked by Joab. He punishes Joab for Absalom’s death by making Amasa commander of the army. The details of his return to Jerusalem are given, with the strife it caused between the men of Israel and the men of Judah.David has often been accused of ingratitude on account of his treatment of Joab. It has been urged that he would never have been secure with Absalom at liberty, and Joab knew how uncertain was his master’s mind. On... read more
Bringing the King Back 2 Samuel 19:10 The rebellion was over; Absalom was dead; the messengers had not hesitated to bring what they thought would be the good tidings to the king. But how could they be good tidings, remembering the wonderful love which he bore for his son? A plaintive cry went up from him when he realized the fullness of the news, and he wished he had died instead. The joy of victory was turned to mourning; the people heard of the sorrow of the king, and little could they... read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:31-39
David had already graced the triumphs of his restoration with the generous remission of the injuries that had been done to him; we have him here gracing them with a no less generous reward of the kindnesses that had been shown to him. Barzillai, the Gileadite, who had a noble seat at Rogelim, not far from Mahanaim, was the man who, of all the nobility and gentry of that country, had been most kind to David in his distress. If Absalom had prevailed, it is likely he would have suffered for his... read more