2 samuel 17:27 - When David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
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What does "2 samuel 17:27" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 17:27 is part of the narrative describing David's flight from Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. After David crossed the Jordan River and arrived in Mahanaim, these three men came to his aid. The verse serves to introduce them and identify them:
"When David had come to Mahanaim...": This sets the scene. Mahanaim was a city east of the Jordan River in Gilead. It was strategically chosen as a place of refuge and potential regrouping for David.
"...Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon...": Shobi is identified as the son of Nahash and from Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites. Nahash was previously king of the Ammonites, and David had shown kindness to his family (2 Samuel 10:2). This likely motivated Shobi to help David, even though David had previously fought against the Ammonites. This act could be seen as both gratitude and a potential shift in political alliance, recognizing the legitimacy and power of David's kingship.
"...Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar...": Machir is identified as the son of Ammiel and from Lodebar. In 2 Samuel 9:4-5, Machir is mentioned as the man who cared for Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, when David was seeking to show kindness to Saul's descendants. This earlier connection suggests Machir was a loyal and compassionate person, likely sympathetic to David's plight.
"...and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim...": Barzillai is identified as a Gileadite from Rogelim. Gilead was the region east of the Jordan River. Barzillai is described later as a very wealthy and influential man (2 Samuel 19:32).
Significance:
Support for David: The verse highlights the support David received during a very difficult time. These three men, from different backgrounds and regions, demonstrate a recognition of David's legitimacy and a willingness to help him despite the risks associated with supporting a king in exile.
Diverse Alliances: The verse illustrates the diverse network of relationships David had cultivated. He received help from an Ammonite (Shobi), someone who had previously cared for Jonathan's son (Machir), and a wealthy and respected Gileadite (Barzillai).
Provision and Security: While the verse itself doesn't explicitly state what they provided, it implies they offered resources, food, shelter, and perhaps even troops to support David and his followers. Later verses elaborate on the provisions they supplied.
Loyalty vs. Rebellion: By supporting David, these men implicitly rejected Absalom's rebellion and affirmed their loyalty to the divinely appointed king.
In essence, this verse introduces key figures who played a crucial role in David's eventual return to power. Their support provided the resources and security David needed to regroup and ultimately defeat Absalom's rebellion. They represent the hidden network of loyalty that persisted even when David was at his lowest point.
2 samuel 17:27 - When David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
What does "2 samuel 17:27" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 17:27 is part of the narrative describing David's flight from Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. After David crossed the Jordan River and arrived in Mahanaim, these three men came to his aid. The verse serves to introduce them and identify them:
"When David had come to Mahanaim...": This sets the scene. Mahanaim was a city east of the Jordan River in Gilead. It was strategically chosen as a place of refuge and potential regrouping for David.
"...Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon...": Shobi is identified as the son of Nahash and from Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites. Nahash was previously king of the Ammonites, and David had shown kindness to his family (2 Samuel 10:2). This likely motivated Shobi to help David, even though David had previously fought against the Ammonites. This act could be seen as both gratitude and a potential shift in political alliance, recognizing the legitimacy and power of David's kingship.
"...Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar...": Machir is identified as the son of Ammiel and from Lodebar. In 2 Samuel 9:4-5, Machir is mentioned as the man who cared for Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, when David was seeking to show kindness to Saul's descendants. This earlier connection suggests Machir was a loyal and compassionate person, likely sympathetic to David's plight.
"...and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim...": Barzillai is identified as a Gileadite from Rogelim. Gilead was the region east of the Jordan River. Barzillai is described later as a very wealthy and influential man (2 Samuel 19:32).
Significance:
Support for David: The verse highlights the support David received during a very difficult time. These three men, from different backgrounds and regions, demonstrate a recognition of David's legitimacy and a willingness to help him despite the risks associated with supporting a king in exile.
Diverse Alliances: The verse illustrates the diverse network of relationships David had cultivated. He received help from an Ammonite (Shobi), someone who had previously cared for Jonathan's son (Machir), and a wealthy and respected Gileadite (Barzillai).
Provision and Security: While the verse itself doesn't explicitly state what they provided, it implies they offered resources, food, shelter, and perhaps even troops to support David and his followers. Later verses elaborate on the provisions they supplied.
Loyalty vs. Rebellion: By supporting David, these men implicitly rejected Absalom's rebellion and affirmed their loyalty to the divinely appointed king.
In essence, this verse introduces key figures who played a crucial role in David's eventual return to power. Their support provided the resources and security David needed to regroup and ultimately defeat Absalom's rebellion. They represent the hidden network of loyalty that persisted even when David was at his lowest point.