King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:28 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:28 in the King James Version says “Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentil...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, basons: or, cups”

2 Samuel 17:28 · KJV

Context

26

So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.

27

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,

28

Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, basons: or, cups

29

And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

Read 2 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,

This verse contributes to the narrative of Competing Counsel, emphasizing divine providence over human wisdom. The contrast between Ahithophel's shrewd counsel and Hushai's divinely-blessed alternative demonstrates God's providential control over human wisdom. The text explicitly states "the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel" (v. 14), emphasizing divine sovereignty. Ahithophel's suicide demonstrates despair when human wisdom fails. Theological themes include God's sovereignty over human planning, divine protection of His anointed, and the inadequacy of worldly wisdom apart from God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 17 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding divine providence over human wisdom provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of divine providence over human wisdom?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
מִשְׁכָּ֤ב1 of 11

“beds”

H4904

a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

וְסַפּוֹת֙2 of 11

“and basons”

H5592

a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)

וּכְלִ֣י3 of 11

“vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

יוֹצֵ֔ר4 of 11

“and earthen”

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

וְחִטִּ֥ים5 of 11

“and wheat”

H2406

wheat, whether the grain or the plant

וּשְׂעֹרִ֖ים6 of 11

“and barley”

H8184

barley (as villose)

וְקֶ֣מַח7 of 11

“and flour”

H7058

flour

וְקָלִֽי׃8 of 11

“and parched”

H7039

roasted ears of grain

וּפ֥וֹל9 of 11

“corn and beans”

H6321

a bean (as plump)

וַֽעֲדָשִׁ֖ים10 of 11

“and lentiles”

H5742

a lentil

וְקָלִֽי׃11 of 11

“and parched”

H7039

roasted ears of grain

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 17:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 17:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 25:182 Samuel 16:1-2Isaiah 32:8Obadiah 1:3

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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