When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. When David came to Mahanaim,David found refuge east of the Jordan after fleeing Jerusalem before Absalom’s advancing forces. Mahanaim, a Levitical city in Gilead, had earlier been associated with Jacob’s encounter with God’s angelic host and later served as Ish-bosheth’s royal center. Its defensible location and established resources made it a fitting place for David to regroup. God preserved His anointed king through a place marked by earlier reminders of His protecting presence. 2Sa 2:8 Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army,… he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Shobi came from Rabbah, the Ammonite capital, and was likely connected to Hanun, whose hostility toward David had led to war. David had previously sought to show kindness to Nahash because of Nahash’s kindness toward him. Shobi’s assistance reveals that David’s conflict was not with every Ammonite and that God could raise support even from a neighboring people formerly allied with David’s enemies. 2Sa 10:2 And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash,… Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, Machir had sheltered Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s disabled son, in Lo-debar, meaning “no pasture,” before David restored him to Saul’s inheritance. The man who had cared for Jonathan’s son now supported Jonathan’s covenant friend. Machir’s loyalty demonstrated that David’s earlier mercy bore fruit during his own hour of need. 2Sa 9:4-5 “Where is he?” replied the king. And Ziba said, “Indeed,… and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. Barzillai was a wealthy and aged Gileadite who supplied David’s household when the king had been driven from his throne. His generosity was not forgotten; David later honored him and extended favor to his family. Through Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai, the Lord provided food, shelter, and faithful companions for David in exile, showing that His purposes for His king would not be overturned by Absalom’s rebellion. 2Sa 19:31-39 Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom during a time of rebellion. 2. Mahanaim A city in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River, which becomes a place of refuge for David. 3. Shobi son of Nahash An Ammonite from Rabbah, who shows loyalty to David despite being from a nation often at odds with Israel. 4. Machir son of Ammiel A resident of Lo-debar, previously known for sheltering Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. 5. Barzillai the Gileadite A wealthy and influential man from Rogelim, who provides for David and his men during their time of need. Teaching Points God's Provision through OthersGod often uses people from unexpected places to provide for His servants. Just as David received help from Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai, we should be open to receiving support from diverse sources. Loyalty in Times of Crisis True loyalty is demonstrated in times of adversity. The support David received from these men during his flight from Absalom is a testament to their steadfastness and courage. The Importance of Community In difficult times, having a supportive community is crucial. David's experience at Mahanaim underscores the value of building and maintaining strong relationships. Generosity and Stewardship Barzillai's generosity serves as a model for using one's resources to support God's work and His people. We are called to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. Cross-Cultural Relationships Shobi's assistance to David highlights the potential for positive relationships across cultural and national boundaries, reminding us of the universal nature of God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the support David received from Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai reflect God's provision in your own life?2. In what ways can you demonstrate loyalty and support to those in leadership or in crisis within your community? 3. Reflect on a time when you received help from an unexpected source. How did this experience shape your understanding of God's provision? 4. How can you use your resources to support others in need, following the example of Barzillai? 5. What steps can you take to build and strengthen cross-cultural relationships in your own life, inspired by Shobi's actions? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 11Provides background on Nahash, the father of Shobi, and his interactions with Israel, highlighting the complex relationships between Israel and the Ammonites. 2 Samuel 9 Describes Machir's previous kindness to Mephibosheth, illustrating his character and willingness to support David. 1 Kings 2:7 Later, David instructs Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai, acknowledging Barzillai's loyalty and support.
People Abiathar, Abigail, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Amasa, Ammiel, Ammonites, Arkite, Barzillai, Dan, David, Hushai, Ithra, Jesse, Jether, Joab, Jonathan, Machir, Nahash, Shobi, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Bahurim, Beersheba, Dan, En-rogel, Gilead, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Lo-debar, Mahanaim, Rabbah, RogelimTopics Ammiel, Am'miel, Ammon, Ammonite, Ammonites, Barzillai, Barzil'lai, Bene-ammon, David, Debar, Gileadite, Lodebar, Lo-debar, Machir, Mahanaim, Mahana'im, Makir, Nahash, Pass, Rabbah, Rogelim, Ro'gelim, Shobi, SonsDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:27-28 4404 food Library "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39And 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 The Nations of the South-East Barzillai Continued. David and Jonathan's Son Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings. Letter xxxvi (Circa A. D. 1131) to the Same Hildebert, who had not yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope. King of Kings and Lord of Lords Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C. Samuel Links 2 Samuel 17:27 NIV2 Samuel 17:27 NLT 2 Samuel 17:27 ESV 2 Samuel 17:27 NASB 2 Samuel 17:27 KJV 2 Samuel 17:27 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |