2 samuel 19:37 - 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 Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to you.”
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What does "2 samuel 19:37" mean?
This verse is spoken by Barzillai, a wealthy and elderly Gileadite who had provided food and support to King David and his army while they were in exile fleeing Absalom's rebellion. David is now returning to Jerusalem in victory and offers to reward Barzillai by having him live in the capital and be supported at the royal court.
Barzillai, being very old (he's said to be 80 years old in the previous verse), politely declines the offer. He recognizes his own mortality and expresses his desire to die peacefully in his hometown, near his family's graves.
Here's a breakdown of the verse:
"Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, by the grave of my father and my mother.": Barzillai is asking David to let him return home. He wants to spend his remaining days in his own city (likely Mahanaim, mentioned in 2 Samuel 17:27) and be buried in the family burial plot. This shows a desire for peace, familiarity, and connection to his ancestors in his final years. It reflects a common sentiment in ancient cultures (and even today) of wanting to die in one's own land and be buried with one's family.
"But behold, your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to you.”: Barzillai then proposes that his son (or perhaps another close relative) Chimham go in his place. He's essentially saying, "I'm too old for court life, but let my young companion Chimham enjoy the benefits and rewards you are offering. Treat him as you see fit." This demonstrates generosity and a desire to ensure that David's kindness and gratitude are not entirely wasted. It also suggests a concern for Chimham's future prosperity.
In essence, the verse reveals:
Barzillai's humility and contentment: He doesn't seek personal gain or grandeur in his old age.
Barzillai's respect for tradition and family: He values dying in his hometown and being buried with his ancestors.
Barzillai's generosity and foresight: He wants to ensure that David's kindness is not unacknowledged and that someone benefits from the King's gratitude. He essentially offers Chimham as a "substitute" to receive the king's favor.
A glimpse into the societal norms of the time: The importance of lineage, family burial grounds, and the relationship between a king and his loyal subjects are highlighted.
The name Chimham appears again later in connection with a settlement area and possible grant of land near Bethlehem, reinforcing the idea that David did indeed reward him in some way (Jeremiah 41:17).
2 samuel 19:37 - 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 Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to you.”
What does "2 samuel 19:37" mean?
This verse is spoken by Barzillai, a wealthy and elderly Gileadite who had provided food and support to King David and his army while they were in exile fleeing Absalom's rebellion. David is now returning to Jerusalem in victory and offers to reward Barzillai by having him live in the capital and be supported at the royal court.
Barzillai, being very old (he's said to be 80 years old in the previous verse), politely declines the offer. He recognizes his own mortality and expresses his desire to die peacefully in his hometown, near his family's graves.
Here's a breakdown of the verse:
"Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, by the grave of my father and my mother.": Barzillai is asking David to let him return home. He wants to spend his remaining days in his own city (likely Mahanaim, mentioned in 2 Samuel 17:27) and be buried in the family burial plot. This shows a desire for peace, familiarity, and connection to his ancestors in his final years. It reflects a common sentiment in ancient cultures (and even today) of wanting to die in one's own land and be buried with one's family.
"But behold, your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to you.”: Barzillai then proposes that his son (or perhaps another close relative) Chimham go in his place. He's essentially saying, "I'm too old for court life, but let my young companion Chimham enjoy the benefits and rewards you are offering. Treat him as you see fit." This demonstrates generosity and a desire to ensure that David's kindness and gratitude are not entirely wasted. It also suggests a concern for Chimham's future prosperity.
In essence, the verse reveals:
Barzillai's humility and contentment: He doesn't seek personal gain or grandeur in his old age.
Barzillai's respect for tradition and family: He values dying in his hometown and being buried with his ancestors.
Barzillai's generosity and foresight: He wants to ensure that David's kindness is not unacknowledged and that someone benefits from the King's gratitude. He essentially offers Chimham as a "substitute" to receive the king's favor.
A glimpse into the societal norms of the time: The importance of lineage, family burial grounds, and the relationship between a king and his loyal subjects are highlighted.
The name Chimham appears again later in connection with a settlement area and possible grant of land near Bethlehem, reinforcing the idea that David did indeed reward him in some way (Jeremiah 41:17).