2 Samuel 19:39

And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(39) All the people.—As “Israel” has been used throughout this narrative for Absalom’s supporters, so “the people” is used for those faithful to David.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

19:31-39 Barzillai thought he had done himself honour in doing the king any service. Thus, when the saints shall be called to inherit the kingdom, they will be amazed at the recompence being so very far beyond the service, Mt 25:37. A good man would not go any where to be burdensome; or, will rather be so to his own house than to another's. It is good for all, but especially becomes old people, to think and speak much of dying. The grave is ready for me, let me go and get ready for it.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The "people" is the term especially applied in this narrative to David's followers 2 Samuel 15:17; 2 Samuel 16:14; 2 Samuel 17:2; 2 Samuel 18:1-2; 2 Samuel 19:2-3. They crossed by the ford, while David and his household, accompanied by Barzillai and Chimham, came over in the ferry.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

37. buried by the grave of my father and of my mother—This is an instance of the strong affection of people in the East towards the places of sepulture appropriated to their families.

Matthew Poole's Commentary

No text from Poole on this verse.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And all the people went over Jordan,.... That were with David:

and when the king was come over; over Jordan, had got to the other side of it, whither Barzillai accompanied him:

the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; took his leave of him with a kiss, as friends were wont to do at parting, thanked him for all his favours, wished him well, and prayed to God to bless him with all blessings temporal and spiritual:

and he returned to his own place: his own city Rogelim, having crossed over again the river Jordan.

Geneva Study Bible

And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

39. all the people] David’s followers, who are repeatedly termed the people in this narrative.

kissed Barzillai, and blessed him] A farewell salute. Cp. Genesis 31:55.

2 Samuel 19:39

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

Thus all the people went over the Jordan; and when the king had crossed over, he kissed Barzillai (to take leave of him: vid., Ruth 1:9); and he (Barzillai) blessed him, and turned to his place (returned home). Barzillai only escorted the king over the Jordan, and the conversation (2 Samuel 19:31-38) probably took place as they were crossing.