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1 Kings 2:7

1 Kings 2:7 in Multiple Translations

But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.

But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

But show kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table; for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom thy brother.

But be good to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be guests at your table; for so they came to me when I went in flight from Absalom your brother.

But be kind to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead. Bring them into your royal court, for they helped me when I ran from your brother Absalom.

But shew kindnes vnto the sonnes of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among them that eate at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom thy brother.

'And to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite thou dost do kindness, and they have been among those eating at thy table, for so they drew near unto me in my fleeing from the face of Absalom thy brother.

But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table; for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother.

But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

But shew kindness to the sons of Berzellai the Galaadite, and let them eat at thy table: for they met me when I fled from the face of Absalom thy brother.

“But be kind to the sons of Barzillai, the man from the Gilead region, and be sure that they always have enough food to eat [MTY]. Do that because Barzillai helped me when I was running away from your older brother Absalom.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 2:7

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 2:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/לִ/בְנֵ֨י בַרְזִלַּ֤י הַ/גִּלְעָדִי֙ תַּֽעֲשֶׂה חֶ֔סֶד וְ/הָי֖וּ בְּ/אֹכְלֵ֣י שֻׁלְחָנֶ֑/ךָ כִּי כֵן֙ קָרְב֣וּ אֵלַ֔/י בְּ/בָרְחִ֕/י מִ/פְּנֵ֖י אַבְשָׁל֥וֹם אָחִֽי/ךָ
וְ/לִ/בְנֵ֨י bên H1121 son Conj | Prep | N-mp
בַרְזִלַּ֤י Barzillay H1271 Barzillai N-proper
הַ/גִּלְעָדִי֙ Gilʻâdîy H1569 Gileadite Art | Ngmsa
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
חֶ֔סֶד chêçêd H2617 kindness N-ms
וְ/הָי֖וּ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3cp
בְּ/אֹכְלֵ֣י ʼâkal H398 to eat Prep | V-Qal
שֻׁלְחָנֶ֑/ךָ shulchân H7979 table N-ms | Suff
כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj
כֵן֙ kên H3651 right Adv
קָרְב֣וּ qârab H7126 to present V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֵלַ֔/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
בְּ/בָרְחִ֕/י bârach H1272 to flee Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
אַבְשָׁל֥וֹם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 Absalom N-proper
אָחִֽי/ךָ ʼâch H251 brother N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 2:7

וְ/לִ/בְנֵ֨י bên H1121 "son" Conj | Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בַרְזִלַּ֤י Barzillay H1271 "Barzillai" N-proper
Barzillai means 'my iron' and was the name of three Israelites, including a Gileadite leader who helped David defeat Absalom's rebellion.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.61 § Barzillai = "my iron" 1) a Gileadite leader who helped David defeat Absalom's rebellion 2) a priest, son-in-law to Barzillai the Gileadite 3) an Israelite from Mahalath whose son Adriel married Michal, Saul's daughter
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Barzillai. See also: 2 Samuel 17:27; 2 Samuel 19:40; Nehemiah 7:63.
הַ/גִּלְעָדִי֙ Gilʻâdîy H1569 "Gileadite" Art | Ngmsa
A Gileadite is someone from Gilead, a descendant of the region or the tribe of Manasseh. They are inhabitants of the 'rocky region' of Gilead.
Definition: Someone from Gilead Group of gil.ad (גִּלְעָד "Gilead" H1568) § Gileadite = "rocky region" 1) an inhabitant of Gilead - 2) a branch of the tribe of Manasseh, descended of Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Gileadite. See also: Numbers 26:29; 2 Samuel 17:27; Nehemiah 7:63.
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
חֶ֔סֶד chêçêd H2617 "kindness" N-ms
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
וְ/הָי֖וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/אֹכְלֵ֣י ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Prep | V-Qal
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
שֻׁלְחָנֶ֑/ךָ shulchân H7979 "table" N-ms | Suff
A shulchan refers to a table, often used for meals or sacred purposes, like a king's table. It symbolizes a place of community and sharing.
Definition: 1) table 1a) table 1a1) of king's table, private use, sacred uses
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: table. See also: Exodus 25:23; 1 Kings 13:20; Psalms 23:5.
כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כֵן֙ kên H3651 "right" Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
קָרְב֣וּ qârab H7126 "to present" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
אֵלַ֔/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בְּ/בָרְחִ֕/י bârach H1272 "to flee" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אַבְשָׁל֥וֹם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 "Absalom" N-proper
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
אָחִֽי/ךָ ʼâch H251 "brother" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 2:7

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 17:27–29 When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. They brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, as well as wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”
2 2 Samuel 9:7 “Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”
3 2 Samuel 19:31–40 Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and send him on his way from there. Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim. The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.” But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? Your servant could go with the king only a short distance past the Jordan; why should the king repay me with such a reward? Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.” The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.” So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home. Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham crossed over with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king.
4 2 Samuel 9:10 You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
5 2 Samuel 19:28 For all the house of my grandfather deserves death from my lord the king, yet you have set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right, then, do I have to keep appealing to the king?”
6 2 Samuel 15:13–15 Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.” The king’s servants replied, “Whatever our lord the king decides, we are your servants.”
7 Proverbs 27:10 Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
8 Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them.
9 Luke 22:28–30 You are the ones who have stood by Me in My trials. And I bestow on you a kingdom, just as My Father has bestowed one on Me, so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
10 Revelation 3:20–21 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

1 Kings 2:7 Summary

In 1 Kings 2:7, King David tells Solomon to take care of the sons of Barzillai because they helped him when he was in trouble. This shows us the importance of being kind to those who have been kind to us, just like God is kind to us (as seen in Psalm 103:2-5). We can learn from King David's example by being grateful for the people who help us and showing them love and care, just as Jesus taught us to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31). By doing so, we can deepen our relationships with others and with God, and experience the joy of being part of His family (as seen in Ephesians 2:19).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King David instruct Solomon to show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai?

King David instructed Solomon to show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai because they stood by him when he fled from his brother Absalom, as seen in 1 Kings 2:7 and 2 Samuel 17:27-29. This demonstrates the importance of loyalty and kindness in the Bible, as emphasized in Proverbs 19:17.

What does it mean to 'eat at your table' in this verse?

To 'eat at your table' is a metaphor for being part of the king's inner circle and receiving his provision and protection, much like the apostles were with Jesus in Luke 22:30. In this context, King David is asking Solomon to include the sons of Barzillai in his closest relationships and care for them.

How does this verse relate to the concept of hospitality in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of showing hospitality and kindness to those who have been loyal and supportive, as seen in Hebrews 13:2 and Matthew 25:35. King David's instruction to Solomon demonstrates the value of rewarding and caring for those who have stood by us in times of need.

What can we learn from King David's example in this verse about gratitude and loyalty?

King David's example teaches us the importance of gratitude and loyalty, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Psalm 107:1. By showing loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai, King David demonstrates how we should express appreciation and care for those who have helped us, just as God cares for us in Psalm 23:1-6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can show loving devotion to those who have stood by me in difficult times, just as the sons of Barzillai did for King David?
  2. How can I prioritize gratitude and loyalty in my relationships, as King David did in this verse?
  3. What does it mean for me to 'eat at the table' of the King of kings, and how can I deepen my relationship with Him, as seen in Revelation 19:9?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate hospitality and kindness to those around me, as King David instructed Solomon to do for the sons of Barzillai?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:7

But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite,.... Who perhaps was now dead, and therefore he would have kindness shown to his posterity for his sake: and let them be of those that eat of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 2:7

But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother. Show kindness unto the sons of Barzillai.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7

Quest. Why doth he not require the like kindness to Mephibosheth the son of his dear Jonathan? Answ. Either he and his were now extinct, or by their after-miscarriages had forfeited his favour. For so, i.e. with such kindness either as I cannot express, (as the particle so is elsewhere used,) or as I command thee to show to them. They, i.e. Barzillai and his sons; for though Barzillai only be mentioned, , yet his sons doubtless were instrumental in the business, especially Chimham, ,38.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7

1 Kings 2:7 But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.Ver. 7. For so they came to me.] So as I now desire thee to do to them, as did they to me when I was in distress - viz., they fed and relieved me, for which I hold myself their perpetual debtor. Eaten bread, we say, is soon forgotten; but not with the thankful. Agesilaus, king of Sparta, was always very grateful for any courtesies that he received; and used to say, that it was not only an unjust thing not to be thankful, but if a man did not return greater kindness than he received. How bountifully dealt the Lord Cromwell with Francis Frescobald, the Florentine, who had sometime relieved him in his great necessity, furnishing him with a horse, clothes, and money to bear his charges from Italy to England. Plut. Act. and Mon.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7

(7) Shew kindness.—The charge of favour to the sons of Barzillai (see 2 Samuel 19:37-40) stands out in pleasant contrast. It has been noted that in Jeremiah 41:17 there is a reference to “the habitation of Chimham,” as being “by Bethlehem,” David’s own birthplace; as if David had given him inheritance there, out of what was especially his own.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7

Verse 7. But show kindness unto the sons of Barzillai] 2 Samuel 19:31, &c.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 2:7

7. sons of Barzillai the Gileadite] The deserving conduct of Barzillai, during David’s flight from Absalom, is narrated 2 Samuel 19:31 seqq. The Chimham there mentioned was probably a son of Barzillai, though we are not expressly told so. No other son is anywhere spoken of, but we find that Barzillai had daughters (Ezra 2:61; Nehemiah 7:63) and he probably was father of a large family. Barzillai, at his advanced age, would not come alone to conduct David over Jordan, and though he only commends one person to the king’s attention there may have been several sons in his retinue. of those that eat at thy table] A common mode in Eastern countries of shewing regard. Thus Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, was provided for at David’s table (2 Samuel 9:7; 2 Samuel 9:10-11), and such treatment put the recipient in a position like that of the king’s sons. for so they came to me] i.e. With kind acts and generous supplies of food when I was in great need. Let their reward be of a similar nature.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 2:7

One of the sons of Barzillai here intended was probably Chimham (see the margin reference). Who the others were is not known.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7

7. Barzillai the Gileadite — See marginal references, and notes on 2 Samuel 19:31-39.

Sermons on 1 Kings 2:7

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon The Reproach of Christ by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the transformation that occurs when believers focus on God and His word. He highlights examples of former murderers becoming compassionate,
Joseph Balsan 2 Kings 4:8 - Part 01 by Joseph Balsan In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fulfilling ministry in ordinary, everyday circumstances. He refers to a woman who opened her home to a passing prophet, de
Jack Hyles Chimham by Jack Hyles In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Barzillai and his request to King David. Barzillai asks that his reward be given to his son, showing his selflessness and love for h
Chuck Swindoll Magnificent Mercy by Chuck Swindoll Charles Swindoll preaches on the profound impact of experiencing relief, highlighting how God, as the author of relief, grants us peace, satisfaction, and ease through His mercy. S
C.H. Spurgeon If I Might but Get the Broken Crumbs! by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the lavishness of God's grace, comparing it to the royal feast of Solomon that amazed the Queen of Sheba. He illustrates that while the multitude at God's
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo
F.B. Meyer Thou Shalt Eat Bread at My Table Continually. by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound blessings of God's love through the story of Mephibosheth, who, despite his lameness and perceived worthlessness, is invited to eat at King David

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