Bible Strands
2 Samuel 19:33
The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — King David addresses Barzillai at Mahanaim, immediately after Barzillai explains his eighty years and past provision during David’s flight. David issues a direct invitation for Barzillai to relocate to Jerusalem and live under the king’s personal patronage.
The words — The verb עֲבֹר ('avor) literally means "pass over" or "cross over," denoting the physical relocation David proposes. The verb וְ/כִלְכַּלְתִּי (ve/khil.kal.Ti) means "I will supply" or "provide for," marking David’s pledge to sustain Barzillai at court.
The thread — David’s offer of royal provision parallels his earlier patronage of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:11) and anticipates the King’s invitation to inherit the prepared kingdom (Matthew 25:34). The motif of steadfast loyalty through trials also appears in Jesus’ address to his disciples (Luke 22:28).
Why it lands — The text records a concrete proposal of relocation and material sustenance that Barzillai immediately declines based on his remaining lifespan. A reader confronts the boundary of earthly patronage, recognizing that the offer meets physical needs but cannot extend beyond natural mortality.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.
Cross-references
- 2 Samuel 9:11 And Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do all that my lord the king has commanded.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s own sons.
- Matthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
- Luke 22:28 You are the ones who have stood by Me in My trials.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels