1 Kings 2:7
1 Kings 2:7 in Multiple Translations
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 shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.
But show kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table; for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom thy brother.
But be good to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be guests at your table; for so they came to me when I went in flight from Absalom your brother.
But be kind to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead. Bring them into your royal court, for they helped me when I ran from your brother Absalom.
But shew kindnes vnto the sonnes of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among them that eate at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom thy brother.
'And to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite thou dost do kindness, and they have been among those eating at thy table, for so they drew near unto me in my fleeing from the face of Absalom thy brother.
But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table; for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother.
But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.
But shew kindness to the sons of Berzellai the Galaadite, and let them eat at thy table: for they met me when I fled from the face of Absalom thy brother.
“But be kind to the sons of Barzillai, the man from the Gilead region, and be sure that they always have enough food to eat [MTY]. Do that because Barzillai helped me when I was running away from your older brother Absalom.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 2:7
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1 Kings 2:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 2:7
Study Notes — 1 Kings 2:7
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 2:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 2:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 2:7
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 2:7
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7
- Sermons on 1 Kings 2:7
Context — David Instructs Solomon
7But 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.
8Keep an eye on Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim who is with you. He called down bitter curses against me on the day I went to Mahanaim, but when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD: ‘I will never put you to the sword.’ 9Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 17:27–29 | 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. They brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, as well as wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 9:7 | “Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 19:31–40 | Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and send him on his way from there. Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim. The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.” But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? Your servant could go with the king only a short distance past the Jordan; why should the king repay me with such a reward? Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.” The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.” So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home. Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham crossed over with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 9:10 | You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 19:28 | For all the house of my grandfather deserves death from my lord the king, yet you have set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right, then, do I have to keep appealing to the king?” |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 15:13–15 | Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.” The king’s servants replied, “Whatever our lord the king decides, we are your servants.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 27:10 | Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. |
| 8 | Luke 12:37 | Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them. |
| 9 | Luke 22:28–30 | You are the ones who have stood by Me in My trials. And I bestow on you a kingdom, just as My Father has bestowed one on Me, so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. |
| 10 | Revelation 3:20–21 | Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. |
1 Kings 2:7 Summary
In 1 Kings 2:7, King David tells Solomon to take care of the sons of Barzillai because they helped him when he was in trouble. This shows us the importance of being kind to those who have been kind to us, just like God is kind to us (as seen in Psalm 103:2-5). We can learn from King David's example by being grateful for the people who help us and showing them love and care, just as Jesus taught us to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31). By doing so, we can deepen our relationships with others and with God, and experience the joy of being part of His family (as seen in Ephesians 2:19).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David instruct Solomon to show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai?
King David instructed Solomon to show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai because they stood by him when he fled from his brother Absalom, as seen in 1 Kings 2:7 and 2 Samuel 17:27-29. This demonstrates the importance of loyalty and kindness in the Bible, as emphasized in Proverbs 19:17.
What does it mean to 'eat at your table' in this verse?
To 'eat at your table' is a metaphor for being part of the king's inner circle and receiving his provision and protection, much like the apostles were with Jesus in Luke 22:30. In this context, King David is asking Solomon to include the sons of Barzillai in his closest relationships and care for them.
How does this verse relate to the concept of hospitality in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of showing hospitality and kindness to those who have been loyal and supportive, as seen in Hebrews 13:2 and Matthew 25:35. King David's instruction to Solomon demonstrates the value of rewarding and caring for those who have stood by us in times of need.
What can we learn from King David's example in this verse about gratitude and loyalty?
King David's example teaches us the importance of gratitude and loyalty, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Psalm 107:1. By showing loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai, King David demonstrates how we should express appreciation and care for those who have helped us, just as God cares for us in Psalm 23:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show loving devotion to those who have stood by me in difficult times, just as the sons of Barzillai did for King David?
- How can I prioritize gratitude and loyalty in my relationships, as King David did in this verse?
- What does it mean for me to 'eat at the table' of the King of kings, and how can I deepen my relationship with Him, as seen in Revelation 19:9?
- In what ways can I demonstrate hospitality and kindness to those around me, as King David instructed Solomon to do for the sons of Barzillai?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 2:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 2:7
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 2:7
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7
Sermons on 1 Kings 2:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Reproach of Christ by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the transformation that occurs when believers focus on God and His word. He highlights examples of former murderers becoming compassionate, |
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2 Kings 4:8 - Part 01 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fulfilling ministry in ordinary, everyday circumstances. He refers to a woman who opened her home to a passing prophet, de |
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Chimham by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Barzillai and his request to King David. Barzillai asks that his reward be given to his son, showing his selflessness and love for h |
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Magnificent Mercy by Chuck Swindoll | Charles Swindoll preaches on the profound impact of experiencing relief, highlighting how God, as the author of relief, grants us peace, satisfaction, and ease through His mercy. S |
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If I Might but Get the Broken Crumbs! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the lavishness of God's grace, comparing it to the royal feast of Solomon that amazed the Queen of Sheba. He illustrates that while the multitude at God's |
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Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo |
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Thou Shalt Eat Bread at My Table Continually. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound blessings of God's love through the story of Mephibosheth, who, despite his lameness and perceived worthlessness, is invited to eat at King David |






