Chimham

Background and Context

The account of Chimham is situated within 2 Samuel 19, a chapter detailing the restoration of King David’s authority over Israel. Following the death of Absalom and the suppression of the revolt, David prepared to cross the Jordan River to reclaim his throne in Jerusalem. Among those who met him was Barzillai the Gileadite, a very wealthy man of eighty years who had provided David and his troops with food and supplies while they stayed at Mahanaim.

David, wishing to reward Barzillai for his extreme loyalty and hospitality, invited the elderly man to live in Jerusalem under royal patronage. However, Barzillai declined, citing his advanced age, his inability to enjoy the luxuries of the court, and his desire to die in his own city near the tomb of his parents.

The Introduction of Chimham

Rather than accepting the reward himself, Barzillai proposed a substitute. According to the narrative:

"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." — 2 Samuel 19:37

King David accepted this arrangement immediately, promising not only to take Chimham with him but to do for him whatever Barzillai desired. The text presents Chimham as the beneficiary of the covenant of kindness established between David and Barzillai. By taking Chimham into his service, David fulfilled his social and political obligation to the Gileadite family that had saved his life during the rebellion.

The Journey to Gilgal

The biblical record concludes Chimham's direct narrative role by noting his passage across the Jordan. In 2 Samuel 19:40, the text states that as the king went on to Gilgal, "Chimham crossed over with him." This crossing was a moment of high political drama, as the king was escorted by the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel.

Chimham’s presence in this procession marks his formal entry into the royal circle. While the biblical text provides no further details regarding his specific duties or subsequent life in the United Monarchy, his inclusion in the record serves to underscore David’s character as a king who remembers and repays kindness. The figure of Chimham stands as a living testament to the alliance between the crown and the trans-Jordanian supporters who remained faithful when the rest of the kingdom faltered.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Chimham’s primary relationship in the text is with Barzillai the Gileadite. While many commentators traditionally assume Chimham was Barzillai’s son due to the context of inheritance and the mention of Barzillai's parents in the same breath, the text technically identifies him only as a "servant" (or follower) in the immediate dialogue. His relationship to King David is that of a protected ward and servant, receiving the honors and benefits that the elderly Barzillai could no longer physically appreciate. His status in the court would have been one of significant privilege, given the king's personal vow to Barzillai.