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.
1 KINGS 2:7KJVWhat does 1 Kings 2:7 mean?
1 Kings 2:7 is King David instructing Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite and to let them eat at his royal table, because Barzillai’s family had supported David when he was fleeing from Absalom. David wants Solomon to honor this loyalty by giving Barzillai’s descendants a place of favor and provision.
David is speaking to his son Solomon as he prepares him to take over as king. The situation is David’s final advice before his death, and he is reminding Solomon of those who were loyal during a time of crisis—specifically, when David fled Jerusalem during Absalom’s rebellion. By mentioning eating at the king’s table, David is telling Solomon to give Barzillai’s family ongoing honor and care, not just a one-time reward.
The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 2:7
- חֶסֶד (chesed; “kindness”): This word often means steadfast love or loyal kindness, not just a polite gesture. David is asking for ongoing, faithful treatment of Barzillai’s family.
- שֻׁלְחָן (shulchan; “table”): To “eat at the king’s table” meant being treated as part of the royal household, a sign of high honor and daily provision.
- בָּנִים (banim; “sons”): David is not just referring to Barzillai himself, but to his descendants, showing that the kindness should be lasting and generational.
Why 1 Kings 2:7 matters
- This verse highlights the importance of loyalty and gratitude in leadership, showing that David wants Solomon to remember and reward those who stood by him in difficult times.
- It connects to the broader story of David’s flight from Absalom, reminding the reader of the dangers David faced and the people who helped him survive.
- The instruction to let Barzillai’s sons eat at the king’s table emphasizes that true kindness is not just a feeling but is shown through concrete, ongoing actions.