Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.
Please let me, your servant, go back home so I can die in my own city and be buried next to my father and mother. But here is my servant Chimham, let him go with you, my lord the king, and do whatever seems right to you for him.
The speaker is asking to return home to die among family while offering his servant to continue serving the king in his place.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 2 Samuel, this verse takes place as King David is returning to Jerusalem after the rebellion of his son Absalom, during which David had fled and relied on the support of loyal allies. Barzillai, an elderly man from Gilead who had provided food and aid to David and his followers during their exile, is now being honored by David with an invitation to join him in the capital. However, Barzillai declines, expressing his desire to spend his final days in his hometown and be buried with his family, while recommending his servant Chimham to take his place.
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