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.

2 SAMUEL 19:40KJV
Know the Bible

2 Samuel 19:40 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 19:40 mean?

2 Samuel 19:40 describes King David traveling to Gilgal, accompanied by Chimham, with all the people of Judah and half the people of Israel escorting him. This verse shows the support David received from his own tribe, Judah, and from part of the larger nation of Israel as he returned to his throne.

The setting is after Absalom’s rebellion, when David is being restored as king. The verse highlights the loyalty of Judah (David’s tribe) and the partial support from Israel, hinting at underlying tensions between the tribes. Chimham, who travels with David, is likely being honored for his father Barzillai’s kindness to David during his time in exile.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 19:40

  • king (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): This word refers to David, emphasizing his restored royal status as he returns to lead the nation.
  • Gilgal (גִּלְגָּל, Gilgal): Gilgal is a significant location in Israel’s history, often associated with transitions and new beginnings, which fits the context of David’s return.
  • people (עָם, am): The word is used for both Judah and Israel here, drawing attention to the division between the two groups and the partial unity in supporting David.
  • conducted (עָבַר, avar): This verb, meaning “to cross over” or “to accompany,” is used several times in this passage, underlining the act of escorting or accompanying David on his journey, not just physically but in support and allegiance.

Why 2 Samuel 19:40 matters

  • This verse highlights the growing division between Judah and the rest of Israel, which will become more pronounced in the chapters that follow.
  • The mention of Chimham shows David’s gratitude and the way he honors loyalty and kindness, connecting personal relationships to national events.
  • The escort by “all the people of Judah, and also half the people of Israel” sets the stage for the disputes and rivalries that will soon surface, helping readers understand the political and social dynamics at play.

Where else these words appear

“Chimham” Hebrew H3643 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 19:37 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.
  • 2 Samuel 19:38 And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.
  • Jeremiah 41:17 And they departed, and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt,

“Gilgal” Hebrew H1537 · used in 39 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:30 Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?
  • Joshua 14:6 Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.
  • 1 Samuel 15:12 And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.

“half” Hebrew H2677 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
  • Joshua 13:31 And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:31 And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.