2 Samuel 19:40

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:40-43

David came over Jordan attended and assisted only by the men of Judah; but when he had advanced as far as Gilgal, the first stage on this side Jordan, half the people of Israel (that is, of their elders and great men) had come to wait upon him, to kiss his hand, and congratulate him on his return, but found they came too late to witness the solemnity of his first entrance. This put them out of humour, and occasioned a quarrel between them and the men of Judah, which was a damp to the joy of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:40

Then the king went on to Gilgal ,.... Which, according to Josephus F14 Antiqu. l. 5. c. 1. sect. 4. , was fifty furlongs from Jordan, six miles and a quarter: and Chimham went on with him ; after Barzillai had left them, and accompanied the king to Jerusalem: and all the people of Judah conducted the king ; to Jerusalem; who came to meet him, 2 Samuel 19:15 , and also half the people of Israel ; or a part of them, as the word used signifies, and not always an equal half,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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 19:40

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 19:40

2 Samuel 19:40. All the people of Judah That is, the elders and great men of Judah. Also half the people of Israel Whereas the men of Judah came entirely and unanimously to the king, the Israelites, of the other tribes, came in but slowly, and by halves, as being no less guilty of rebellion than the tribe of Judah; but not encouraged to come in by such a gracious message as they were. And this is here mentioned as the occasion both of the contention here following, and of the sedition,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:9-43

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 19:40

all . . . half . A whole-hearted act on the part of Judah: and a half-hearted act on the part of Israel. This explains what follows. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 19:40

40-43. the king went on to Gilgal, . . . and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel—Whether from impatience to move on or from some other cause, David did not wait till all the tribes had arrived to conduct him on his return to the capital. The procession began as soon as Amasa had brought the Judahite escort, and the preference given to this tribe produced a bitter jealousy, which was nearly kindling a civil war fiercer than that which had just ended. A... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 19:9-43

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

Group of Brands