Who was Kimham?

Kimham (Hebrew: כִּימְהָם, Kimhām, possibly meaning “longing,” “pining,” or “yearning”) was the son of Barzillai the Gileadite, a wealthy and elderly supporter of King David during his time of crisis. Kimham is mentioned briefly but significantly in 2 Samuel 19:37-40 as the beneficiary of King David‘s gratitude toward Barzillai.

When David was returning to Jerusalem after the rebellion of his son Absalom, Barzillai came down from Rogelim to escort the king across the Jordan River. Due to his old age, Barzillai declined David’s offer to live in the royal court. Instead, he requested that his son Kimham go in his place. David agreed, promising to provide for Kimham and to do for him whatever Barzillai desired.

“But your servant Kimham will cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever you wish.” — 2 Samuel 19:37, NIV

Thus, Kimham became a recipient of royal favor, representing the next generation of loyalty and reward in David’s restored kingdom.

Biblical References

• 2 Samuel 19:31-40 – Kimham is mentioned by name as the son of Barzillai and the recipient of David’s hospitality.

• 1 Kings 2:7 – David, nearing death, instructs Solomon to continue showing kindness to the sons of Barzillai, likely including Kimham.

• Jeremiah 41:17 – There is possible mention of a place called Geruth Kimham (possibly “the lodging place of Kimham”) near Bethlehem, which may have been a portion of land gifted by David to Kimham.

What Happened in the Bible?

After Absalom‘s defeat, David began his journey back to reclaim his throne. Along the way, he was met by Barzillai, who had earlier supported David in Mahanaim (2 Samuel 17:27–29). Though David offered Barzillai a place of honor in Jerusalem, the old man declined due to his advanced age and limited ability to enjoy such benefits. Instead, he offered his son Kimham as a substitute.

David accepted this and brought Kimham with him, promising to care for him. This act symbolizes the passing of blessing and reward to the next generation for the faithfulness of the father.

Later, in Jeremiah 41:17, when Johanan and the remnant of the people sought refuge near Bethlehem, they stayed “near Geruth Kimham,” which may suggest that David gave Kimham an estate or a lodging place near his own ancestral home of Bethlehem—a mark of high honor.

Theological Significance and Meaning for Today

Kimham’s story, though brief, illustrates several vital theological truths:

1. Covenant Loyalty Rewarded

David’s act of generosity toward Kimham flows directly from the loyalty Barzillai showed during a time of crisis. This mirrors the biblical principle that faithfulness is noticed and rewarded by God‘s appointed leaders—and ultimately, by God Himself (Hebrews 6:10).

2. Intergenerational Blessing

Barzillai’s relationship with David led to blessing for Kimham. This reflects the biblical pattern that righteousness can have generational benefits (Psalm 112:2), and that legacy matters in God’s economy.

3. The King’s Hospitality

David’s invitation for Kimham to dwell in his court pictures the grace of a king extending favor to the unworthy on account of another’s merit. For believers today, it echoes the gospel: we are received by the King—Jesus Christ—not because of our own worthiness, but because of His covenant and grace.

Broader Biblical Themes

The Grace of Substitution

Barzillai’s proposal to send Kimham in his place brings to mind the concept of substitution—a major theme in Scripture. Just as Kimham received royal benefits through another’s favor, Christians receive the blessings of salvation because Jesus stood in our place.

The Kingdom Principle of Hospitality

David’s reception of Kimham in Jerusalem represents a broader biblical principle of hospitality, especially shown to the faithful and those in need. It reflects the hospitality of God toward sinners (Romans 15:7).

Legacy and Influence

Barzillai chose to pass up the opportunity for personal comfort in favor of investing in his son’s future. His decision teaches a lesson about kingdom-minded legacy—living not just for oneself, but for the spiritual benefit of others (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

How Kimham Points to Jesus

Though Kimham himself is not a messianic figure, his story points forward to Christ in subtle but meaningful ways:

• Substitution and Grace: Kimham received blessing because of his father’s merit—this prefigures the gospel, where believers are accepted by God because of Christ’s righteousness.

• Royal Welcome: David’s open invitation to Kimham foreshadows the way King Jesus welcomes those brought to Him (John 6:37), including us who come by faith.

• Bethlehem Connection: The probable mention of Kimham’s lodging place near Bethlehem (Jeremiah 41:17) provides a poetic link—Bethlehem is where Christ would be born, and where many humble stories find their culmination in the incarnation of the King of Kings.

Cross References

• 2 Samuel 17:27-29 – Barzillai supports David in exile.

• 2 Samuel 19:31-40 – Barzillai introduces Kimham to David.

• 1 Kings 2:7 – David’s final charge includes kindness to Barzillai’s household.

• Psalm 112:2 – “Their children will be mighty in the land.”

• John 14:2-3 – Christ prepares a place for His own, like David for Kimham.

• Romans 5:17 – Through the righteousness of one, many receive grace.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the story of Kimham challenge you to think about the legacy you are leaving for the next generation?

2. What does David’s kindness to Kimham teach us about honoring others in practical, godly ways?

3. How have you experienced blessings in life due to the faithfulness of others (e.g., parents, spiritual mentors)?

4. In what ways does Kimham’s royal reception point your heart toward the welcome we receive in Christ?

5. Are you living in such a way that your life leads others closer to the King, as Barzillai did for Kimham?

Kimham may not be a well-known figure in Scripture, but his brief appearance offers a rich glimpse into the character of a faithful God, a gracious king, and the blessings that flow across generations. His story reminds us that in God’s kingdom, no act of faithfulness goes unnoticed—and that the grace extended to one generation can bless the next.