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 show loving devotionThe phrase "loving devotion" is translated from the Hebrew word "chesed," which encompasses a deep sense of loyalty, kindness, and steadfast love. In the context of the Old Testament, "chesed" often refers to the covenantal love that God shows to His people. Here, David is instructing Solomon to extend this same covenantal loyalty and kindness to the sons of Barzillai. This reflects the biblical principle of honoring those who have shown faithfulness and support, mirroring God's unwavering love for His covenant people. to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite Barzillai was a wealthy and influential man from Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River. His support for David during Absalom's rebellion is recorded in 2 Samuel 17:27-29, where he provided sustenance and resources to David and his men. The mention of "the sons of Barzillai" indicates a continuation of gratitude and honor to his family line, emphasizing the importance of generational blessings and the honoring of familial legacies in biblical culture. and let them be among those who eat at your table Eating at the king's table was a sign of favor, honor, and close relationship. It symbolized inclusion in the king's inner circle and provided security and provision. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal was a significant act of fellowship and covenant. By inviting the sons of Barzillai to eat at his table, Solomon is not only providing for them materially but also acknowledging their father's loyalty and integrating them into the royal household. because they supported me when I fled from your brother Absalom This phrase recalls the historical context of Absalom's rebellion against David, as detailed in 2 Samuel 15-18. During this tumultuous time, Barzillai's support was crucial for David's survival and eventual restoration to the throne. The mention of "your brother Absalom" serves as a reminder of the familial and political strife that David faced, highlighting the loyalty of Barzillai as a stark contrast to the betrayal of Absalom. This underscores the biblical theme of loyalty and the importance of remembering and rewarding those who stand by us in times of trial. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel who is giving final instructions to his son Solomon before his death. David is known for his heart after God and his complex reign, marked by both triumphs and failures. 2. SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, who is about to become king. Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. 3. Barzillai the GileaditeA wealthy and influential supporter of David during Absalom's rebellion. He provided sustenance and support to David and his men when they were in need. 4. AbsalomDavid's son who led a rebellion against his father, causing David to flee Jerusalem. His revolt is a significant event in David's reign, highlighting themes of betrayal and familial strife. 5. GileadA region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was a place of refuge for David during Absalom's rebellion. Teaching Points Loyalty and GratitudeDavid's instruction to Solomon to show kindness to Barzillai's family highlights the importance of loyalty and gratitude. As Christians, we are called to remember and honor those who have supported us in our times of need. Legacy of KindnessThe legacy of Barzillai's kindness extended beyond his lifetime, impacting his descendants. Our actions today can have lasting effects on future generations. Godly LeadershipDavid's charge to Solomon includes showing loving devotion, a key aspect of godly leadership. Leaders are called to care for those who have been faithful and supportive. Faithfulness in TrialsBarzillai's support during David's difficult time is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and support during trials. As believers, we are encouraged to stand by others in their times of need. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's instruction to Solomon regarding Barzillai's family reflect the biblical principle of honoring those who have shown loyalty and kindness? 2. In what ways can we apply the example of Barzillai's support to our own lives, particularly in supporting others during their times of trial? 3. How does the legacy of Barzillai's kindness challenge us to consider the long-term impact of our actions on future generations? 4. What characteristics of godly leadership can we learn from David's instructions to Solomon, and how can we implement these in our own spheres of influence? 5. How do the themes of loyalty and gratitude in 1 Kings 2:7 connect with other biblical teachings on these virtues, and how can they be practically applied in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 17:27-29This passage describes how Barzillai and others provided for David during his flight from Absalom, demonstrating loyalty and support in a time of need. 2 Samuel 19:31-39Barzillai's interaction with David after the rebellion, where David offers him a place at the royal table, but Barzillai declines due to his old age, instead sending his son Chimham. Proverbs 3:3-4This passage speaks about the importance of loyalty and kindness, virtues exemplified by Barzillai and encouraged by David in his instructions to Solomon. People Abiathar, Abishag, Abner, Absalom, Achish, Adonijah, Amasa, Anathoth, Barzillai, Bathsheba, Benaiah, David, Eli, Gera, Haggith, Jehoiada, Jether, Joab, Maacah, Maachah, Ner, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Anathoth, Bahurim, Gath, Hebron, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kidron, Mahanaim, ShilohTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Assisted, Barzillai, Barzil'lai, Brother, Deal, Drew, Eat, Eating, Face, Fled, Fleeing, Flight, Gilead, Gileadite, Guests, Kindness, Loyally, Loyalty, Met, Nigh, Shew, Sons, Stood, TableDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:7 4438 eating 5573 table 6672 grace, in relationships 8291 kindness 1 Kings 2:1-12 5087 David, reign of Library The Horns of the Altar WE MUST tell you the story. Solomon was to be the king after David, but his elder brother, Adonijah, was preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore, they got together, and tried to steal a march upon dying David, and set up Adonijah. They utterly failed in this; and when Solomn came to the throne Adonijah was afraid for his life, and fled to the horns of the altar at the tabernacle for shelter. Solomn permitted him to find sanctuary there, and forgave … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885"He Ascended into Heaven:" Believe. "He Sitteth at the Right Hand of the Father... 11. "He ascended into heaven:" believe. "He sitteth at the right hand of the Father:" believe. By sitting, understand dwelling: as [in Latin] we say of any person, "In that country he dwelt (sedit) three years." The Scripture also has that expression, that such an one dwelt (sedisse) in a city for such a time. [1791] Not meaning that he sat and never rose up? On this account the dwellings of men are called seats (sedes). [1792] Where people are seated (in this sense), are they always sitting? Is … St. Augustine—On the Creeds Whether Curiosity Can be About Intellective Knowledge? Objection 1: It would seem that curiosity cannot be about intellective knowledge. Because, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. ii, 6), there can be no mean and extremes in things which are essentially good. Now intellective knowledge is essentially good: because man's perfection would seem to consist in his intellect being reduced from potentiality to act, and this is done by the knowledge of truth. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that "the good of the human soul is to be in accordance with reason," … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Angels have Bodies Naturally United to Them? Objection 1: It would seem that angels have bodies naturally united to them. For Origen says (Peri Archon i): "It is God's attribute alone---that is, it belongs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as a property of nature, that He is understood to exist without any material substance and without any companionship of corporeal addition." Bernard likewise says (Hom. vi. super Cant.): "Let us assign incorporeity to God alone even as we do immortality, whose nature alone, neither for its own sake … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Natural Law Can be Changed? Objection 1: It would seem that the natural law can be changed. Because on Ecclus. 17:9, "He gave them instructions, and the law of life," the gloss says: "He wished the law of the letter to be written, in order to correct the law of nature." But that which is corrected is changed. Therefore the natural law can be changed. Objection 2: Further, the slaying of the innocent, adultery, and theft are against the natural law. But we find these things changed by God: as when God commanded Abraham to slay … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Whole Heart LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence … Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39 And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and … Thomas Champness—Broken Bread What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule. Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; … Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Authorship of the Pentateuch. The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, … E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Barzillai BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters … George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. Text: 1 Peter 3, 8-15. 8 Finally, be ye all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: 9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of … Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Kings The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 2:7 NIV1 Kings 2:7 NLT1 Kings 2:7 ESV1 Kings 2:7 NASB1 Kings 2:7 KJV
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