2 Samuel 17 27

What is 2 Samuel 17:27 about? Read the meaning and summary with full commentary explained, historical context, verse insights, word analysis, and cross-references.

2 Samuel chapter 17 - The War Of Two Advisors
2 Samuel 17 articulates the critical turning point of the rebellion where the conflicting counsels of Ahithophel and Hushai determine David's survival. By appealing to Absalom's vanity, Hushai successfully delays the attack, allowing David's forces to cross the Jordan and regroup. The chapter concludes with the tragic suicide of Ahithophel, whose rejected plan marks the beginning of the end for Absalom's coup.

2 Samuel 17:27

ESV: When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim,

KJV: And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

NIV: When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim

NKJV: Now it happened, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the people of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim,

NLT: When David arrived at Mahanaim, he was warmly greeted by Shobi son of Nahash, who came from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and by Makir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and by Barzillai of Gilead from Rogelim.

Meaning

The verse introduces three specific individuals – Shobi, the son of Nahash, from Rabbah of the Ammonites; Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar; and Barzillai, the Gileadite, from Rogelim – who brought vital provisions to King David in Mahanaim. This occurred while David was fleeing Absalom's rebellion, signifying the compassionate and timely aid offered to the exiled king during his most vulnerable period.

Cross References

Verse	Text	Reference
Ps 37:25	I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken...	God provides for His faithful, even in distress.
Phil 4:19	But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.	Divine provision for needs of believers.
1 Kgs 17:6	And the ravens brought him bread and flesh...	God's unusual means of providing sustenance (Elijah).
2 Kgs 4:8-10	...a great woman constrained him to eat bread...made him a little chamber...	Example of hospitality and provision for a man of God.
Gen 32:2	And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.	Mahanaim as a place of divine encounter and protection.
2 Sam 2:8	But Abner the son of Ner...took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;	Mahanaim as a strategic base, previously for Ish-bosheth.
2 Sam 19:32	Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old...for he was a very great man.	Barzillai's wealth and status aiding David.
1 Kgs 2:7	But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table:	David's command to Solomon to remember Barzillai's loyalty.
2 Sam 9:4-5	...Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan...is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.	Machir's previous role as a caregiver, consistent compassion.
1 Sam 11:1	Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabesh-Gilead...	Background of Nahash, king of Ammon.
2 Sam 10:2	Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me.	Previous kindness from Nahash, potentially explaining Shobi's aid.
2 Sam 15:14	And David said unto all his servants that were with him, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape...	David's initial decision to flee Absalom.
2 Sam 16:14	And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.	David's immediate needs while fleeing, before Mahanaim.
2 Sam 19:15	So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king...	David's crossing back over the Jordan later.
Prov 17:17	A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.	Principle of faithful friendship in times of trouble.
Eccl 4:9-10	Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow...	The benefit of mutual support.
Rom 12:13	Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.	Christian call to share and be hospitable.
Heb 13:2	Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.	The importance of hospitality.
Matt 25:35	For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:	Christ's teaching on caring for those in need.
Rom 8:28	And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God...	God's ability to use all circumstances for good.
Gen 50:20	But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good...	God's overriding plan despite human ill intent.
Prov 21:1	The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.	God's sovereign control over hearts and events.

Context

2 Samuel chapter 17 portrays David at his lowest ebb, having fled Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. His plight is dire, his kingship challenged, and his life endangered. Earlier in the chapter, Absalom had followed the destructive counsel of Hushai (divinely orchestrated to thwart Ahithophel's superior advice) to pursue David quickly. David, receiving this intelligence, expeditiously crosses the Jordan River into the region of Gilead. Verse 27 marks a critical turning point as David reaches Mahanaim, a place of strategic significance, where, weary and in great need, he receives unexpected and crucial material support. This aid transitions David from a state of mere survival to being equipped to potentially mount a defense, illustrating God's providential care in rallying loyal individuals to His anointed.

Word analysis

And it came to pass (וַיְהִי, vayhi): A common Hebrew transitional phrase, often introducing a significant event or new phase in the narrative. It emphasizes the commencement of a new development, signaling divine providence in the unfolding events.
when David was come to Mahanaim (מַחֲנַיִם, Maḥanaim): Mahanaim means "two camps" or "two hosts." This town, located east of the Jordan River in Gilead, holds biblical significance, stemming from Jacob's encounter with angels (Gen 32:2). It later became Ish-bosheth's capital (2 Sam 2:8-12), serving as a place of refuge. For David, it became a haven and a rallying point during his exile, indicating a divinely chosen safe place.
that Shobi the son of Nahash (שׁוֹבִי בֶּן־נָחָשׁ, Shovi ben Nachash):
- Shobi: This is a surprising source of aid.
- Nahash: This name typically refers to the Ammonite king who had harassed Israel (1 Sam 11) and later showed some kindness to David (2 Sam 10:2). Shobi's action may stem from the previously established covenant relationship or David's act of kindness towards the Ammonite royal house, showing how unexpected alliances can form through God's influence. It counters the general hostility Israel faced from Ammon.
- of Rabbah of the children of Ammon: Rabbah was the capital city of Ammon (modern-day Amman), identifying Shobi as a non-Israelite, a foreign prince. His aid underscores the widespread concern for David and the potential for God to use unexpected sources.
and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lo-debar (מָכִיר בֶּן־עַמִּיאֵל מִלֹּא־דְבָר, Makhir ben Ammi'el mi-Lo Devar):
- Machir: This Machir is previously noted for providing shelter and care for Mephibosheth, Jonathan's disabled son, whom David had sought to restore (2 Sam 9:4-5). His current assistance to David aligns perfectly with his character of compassion and loyalty to the house of Saul/David.
- Lo-debar: This place name means "without pasture" or "no word," suggesting a barren or desolate region. That Machir came from such a place, yet extended such rich provision, highlights his personal character and generosity.
and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim (בַּרְזִלַּי הַגִּלְעָדִי מֵרֹגְלִים, Barzillay ha-Gile'adi me-Rogelim):
- Barzillai: His name, "my iron," suggests strength and fortitude. He is portrayed as a wealthy, influential, and very aged man (2 Sam 19:32), who demonstrated extraordinary loyalty. His aid was not simply compassion but also a significant commitment of resources.
- the Gileadite: Indicating his origin from the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan, known for its rugged independence.
- Rogelim: A town likely near Mahanaim, reinforcing Barzillai's local prominence and ability to provide substantial support immediately.

Commentary

This verse stands as a profound testament to divine providence and human faithfulness during a king's profound distress. It shifts the narrative from David's precarious flight and narrow escapes to a demonstration of God's steadfast care for His anointed. The listing of the three men by name and detailed origin emphasizes the specific and intentional nature of this support. Shobi, an Ammonite prince, an unlikely ally due to historical enmity, showcases that loyalty and compassion can transcend national and tribal boundaries. Machir's assistance reinforces his established character as a caretaker of the vulnerable, connecting David's present need to the kindness he previously extended to Jonathan's lineage. Barzillai, a man of significant wealth and stature, embodies a strong and devoted Israelite ally, pouring out his resources without hesitation. Together, they represent diverse origins yet a singular commitment to supporting the legitimate king. Their acts of provision were not merely practical aid; they were a profound expression of loyalty and hesed (loyal love/covenant faithfulness), demonstrating that even in times of seeming abandonment, God raises helpers from unexpected quarters to sustain His purposes and protect His people. This support was crucial, enabling David to regroup, recover, and eventually return to power, symbolizing how divine care often works through the generous hearts and hands of loyal individuals.

Bonus section

The combined act of these three individuals provides a glimpse into the diverse loyalties and support David could still command, even when ostensibly defeated. Their readiness to provide significant aid (mentioned in the following verse, 2 Sam 17:28-29) speaks volumes about David's character and his kingdom's underlying stability. The fact that the first named individual is an Ammonite son of Nahash (who earlier oppressed Israel) is particularly noteworthy, suggesting that some former enemies could become surprising benefactors due to previous kindness shown by David (2 Sam 10:2). This highlights a theme of "reaping what you sow," and God's capacity to orchestrate support from unforeseen sources. Mahanaim itself becomes a symbolically rich location, where Jacob once encountered God's angels, and David now finds providential relief.

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