2 Samuel 19:37

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Que ton serviteur s'en retourne, et que je meure dans ma ville, près du sépulcre de mon père et de ma mère! Mais voici ton serviteur Kimham, qui passera avec le roi mon seigneur; fais pour lui ce que tu trouveras bon.

What Does This Mean?

This verse is spoken by Barzillai to King David. Barzillai is asking to return to his own city to die and be buried next to his parents. He offers his son Chimham to stay with the king, leaving the decision about Chimham to the king's discretion.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're an old friend of the king. You want to go back home to be with your family, even after you pass away. You ask the king to let your son stay with him, and you trust the king to take good care of your son. That's what Barzillai is doing here with King David.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of 2 Samuel, written around the 6th century BC. The text is part of the historical narrative about King David, which was written to show the kingship and the covenant God made with David's line. The cultural setting reflects the ancient Israelite values of family, loyalty, and respect for elders.

Living It Out Today

In modern life, this verse can remind us of the importance of family and the decisions we make to honor our loved ones. For example, a person might choose to live closer to family for support or to ensure they are cared for as they age.

Topics

• loyalty
• family
• respect
• death
• covenant
• trust

Related Verses

• 1 Kings 2:7
• 1 Kings 1:16
• Genesis 47:29-30
• 2 Samuel 15:27
• 1 Chronicles 2:46

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Barzillai asking to die in his own city?

Barzillai wants to be buried next to his parents, showing his respect for family traditions and his desire to be with them even after death.

What does Barzillai's offer about his son Chimham tell us?

Barzillai's offer shows his loyalty to King David and his trust in the king's judgment, leaving his son's future to David's care.

How does this verse illustrate family values?

The verse illustrates the importance of family by showing Barzillai's desire to be buried with his parents and his concern for his son's future.

What can we learn about trust from this verse?

We can learn that trust involves leaving decisions to those we respect and believe will make the right choices for our loved ones.