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.
Original Language Analysis
וְלִבְנֵ֨י
unto the sons
H1121
וְלִבְנֵ֨י
unto the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה
But shew
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה
But shew
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חֶ֔סֶד
kindness
H2617
חֶ֔סֶד
kindness
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
5 of 16
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
וְהָי֖וּ
H1961
וְהָי֖וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּאֹֽכְלֵ֣י
and let them be of those that eat
H398
בְּאֹֽכְלֵ֣י
and let them be of those that eat
Strong's:
H398
Word #:
7 of 16
to eat (literally or figuratively)
שֻׁלְחָנֶ֑ךָ
at thy table
H7979
שֻׁלְחָנֶ֑ךָ
at thy table
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
8 of 16
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֵן֙
H3651
כֵן֙
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
קָֽרְב֣וּ
for so they came
H7126
קָֽרְב֣וּ
for so they came
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
11 of 16
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
בְּבָרְחִ֕י
to me when I fled
H1272
בְּבָרְחִ֕י
to me when I fled
Strong's:
H1272
Word #:
13 of 16
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
מִפְּנֵ֖י
because
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֖י
because
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
14 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
2 Samuel 9:7And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.2 Samuel 9:10Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.Proverbs 27:10Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.Luke 12:37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.2 Samuel 19:28For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
- What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of david's death and solomon's consolidation of power, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.