II Samuel 19:35
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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?
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
David Reinstated in His Kingdom - 2 Samuel 19:1-39 In his passionate and sinful sorrow on account of Absalom's death David not only forgot altogether what it was his duty to do, in order to recover the affections of the people, so that Joab was obliged to remind him of this duty which was binding upon him as king (Sa2 19:1-8); but he even allowed himself to be carried away into the most inconsiderate measures (Sa2 19:9-14), and into acts of imprudence and injustice (Sa2 19:16-23, Sa2 19:24-30), which could not contribute to the strengthening of his throne, however much the affection with which he wished to reward the old man Barzillai for his faithful services (Sa2 19:31-40) might show that the king was anxious to promote the welfare of his subjects.
Open source ↗We left David's army in triumph and yet David himself in tears: now here we have, I. His return to himself, by the persuasion of Joab (Sa2 19:1-8). II. His return to his kingdom from his present banishment. 1. The men of Israel were forward of themselves to bring him back (Sa2 19:9, Sa2 19:10). 2. The men of Judah were dealt with by David's agents to do it (Sa2 19:11-14) and did it (Sa2 19:15). III. At the king's coming over Jordan, Shimei's treason is pardoned (Sa2 19:16-23), Mephibosheth's failure is excused (Sa2 19:24-30), and Barzillai's kindness is thankfully owned, and recompensed to his son (Sa2 19:31-39). IV. The men of Israel quarrelled with the men of Judah, for not calling them to the ceremony of the king's restoration, which occasioned a new rebellion, an account of which we have in the next chapter (Sa2 19:40-43).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me.
in addition to their 7,337 menservants and maidservants, as well as their 200 male and female singers.
The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty if we are strong— yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes its food?
in addition to their 7,337 menservants and maidservants, as well as their 245 male and female singers.
“No, my son,” the king replied, “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing.
and I accumulated for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered to myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—many concubines.