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
This is Barzillai, an elderly man who had helped King David during Absalom's rebellion, speaking to David as the king returns to Jerusalem. Barzillai was around 80 years old and had provided food and supplies to David's army during their time of need. David wanted to reward Barzillai by bringing him to the royal court, but Barzillai felt too old for such honors.
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