2 Samuel 19:40

Authorized King James Version

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Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

Original Language Analysis

וֶיֽעֱבִ֣רוּ conducted H5674
וֶיֽעֱבִ֣רוּ conducted
Strong's: H5674
Word #: 1 of 16
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ Then the king H4428
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ Then the king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 2 of 16
a king
הַגִּלְגָּ֔לָה to Gilgal H1537
הַגִּלְגָּ֔לָה to Gilgal
Strong's: H1537
Word #: 3 of 16
gilgal, the name of three places in palestine
וְכִמְהָ֖ן and Chimham H3643
וְכִמְהָ֖ן and Chimham
Strong's: H3643
Word #: 4 of 16
kimham, an israelite
וֶיֽעֱבִ֣רוּ conducted H5674
וֶיֽעֱבִ֣רוּ conducted
Strong's: H5674
Word #: 5 of 16
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
עִמּ֑וֹ H5973
עִמּ֑וֹ
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 6 of 16
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וְכָל H3605
וְכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 7 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַ֥ם the people H5971
עַ֥ם the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 8 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יְהוּדָה֙ of Judah H3063
יְהוּדָה֙ of Judah
Strong's: H3063
Word #: 9 of 16
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וֶיֽעֱבִ֣רוּ conducted H5674
וֶיֽעֱבִ֣רוּ conducted
Strong's: H5674
Word #: 10 of 16
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 11 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ Then the king H4428
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ Then the king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 12 of 16
a king
וְגַ֕ם H1571
וְגַ֕ם
Strong's: H1571
Word #: 13 of 16
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
חֲצִ֖י and also half H2677
חֲצִ֖י and also half
Strong's: H2677
Word #: 14 of 16
the half or middle
עַ֥ם the people H5971
עַ֥ם the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 15 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 16 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis & Commentary

Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Return, emphasizing restoration, leadership wisdom. David's return to Jerusalem requires political wisdom as he navigates competing factions. His restoration of enemies (Shimei) and reward of supporters demonstrates leadership discernment. Theological themes include wise leadership during restoration, the complexity of post-crisis reconciliation, balancing justice and mercy, and the necessity of moving forward despite ongoing tensions.

Historical Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 19 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding restoration, leadership wisdom provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Questions for Reflection

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