2 Samuel 19:37 Meaning and Explanation
“Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Barzillai asks to return home to die and be buried with his parents, but offers Chimham to go with the king in his place.
What Does 2 Samuel 19:37 Mean?
Barzillai makes his final request. He asks leave to turn back and die in his own city, buried beside his father and mother. Yet he does not refuse the king's kindness outright; he offers his servant, Chimham, likely his son, to go with David and receive whatever favor the king would have shown to Barzillai himself.
There is peace in a life ready to be laid down among one's own, and grace in passing a blessing to the next generation. Barzillai seeks his rest yet directs the king's goodness toward another. So the faithful, content to finish their course, hand on what they have received. The longing to be gathered to one's fathers reflects a deeper hope, of rest at the end of the road home.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 19:37
What does 2 Samuel 19:37 mean?
Barzillai asks to return home to die and be buried with his parents, but offers Chimham to go with the king in his place.