2 Samuel 17:29 “Honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows’ milk, for David and his people to eat. For they said, ‘The people have become exhausted and hungry and thirsty in the wilderness.'”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes the food and supplies that were provided for David and his men by Shobi, Makir, and Barzillai when they were fleeing from Absalom. These provisions—honey, curds, sheep, and cheese—were brought to David and his followers because they were exhausted, hungry, and thirsty from their time in the wilderness. This generous act of kindness was essential in helping sustain David’s people during this difficult time. The verse emphasizes not only the practical provision of food but also the care and thoughtfulness shown by these men toward David and his followers.
Historical Context
At this point in the story, David is fleeing from his son Absalom, who has led a rebellion against him. David and his loyal supporters have left Jerusalem and are now in the wilderness, a place of hardship and danger. The wilderness is often depicted in the Bible as a place of testing and trial, and David’s situation here is no different. He and his men are weary from their journey and need both physical nourishment and support. Shobi, Makir, and Barzillai, who had already provided bedding and other necessities, now bring more substantial food to keep David and his men going. Their gifts are crucial in meeting the immediate needs of the weary group.
Theological Implications
This verse illustrates the way God provides for His people in times of need. Even when David was in a desperate situation, running from his own son and without the resources of his kingdom, God raised up people to care for him and his men. Theologically, it shows God’s ability to provide both physical and spiritual nourishment, even in the wilderness. It also reflects the importance of generosity and kindness in the Christian life—God often meets the needs of His people through the actions of others who are willing to share their resources. It also emphasizes the biblical principle that God sees and understands our needs, whether physical or spiritual, and He is faithful to provide for them.
Literary Analysis
The verse lists specific food items: honey, curds, sheep, and cheese. These items are rich and nourishing, symbolizing more than just survival but also care and abundance. The description of the people being “exhausted and hungry and thirsty in the wilderness” paints a vivid picture of the desperate situation David and his followers were facing. The contrast between their physical exhaustion and the provision they receive adds a dramatic element to the narrative, emphasizing the importance of the support given by Shobi, Makir, and Barzillai. The food provided is not merely a practical necessity but a demonstration of compassion and loyalty.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 23:1-2 – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.” Just as God provided for David in the wilderness, Psalm 23 reflects the idea that God is always providing for His people, giving them rest and nourishment.
- Isaiah 40:29-31 – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak… Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” This echoes the way God gave strength to David and his men during their time of exhaustion.
- Matthew 25:35 – “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.” The kindness of Shobi, Makir, and Barzillai toward David is an example of the care and compassion that Jesus encourages His followers to show toward others.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that God is aware of our needs, both physical and spiritual, and He is faithful to provide. Whether we are facing times of physical exhaustion or spiritual dryness, we can trust that God will supply what we need, often through the generosity and kindness of others. It also challenges believers to be attentive to the needs of those around them and to act as instruments of God’s provision. Just as David and his men were sustained by the gifts of others, Christians are called to share what they have and help those who are weary, hungry, and in need of support.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse highlights God’s loving care for His people, even in the most difficult of circumstances. David and his men were in the wilderness, far from home and safety, yet God provided for them through the generosity of others. God’s love is not only spiritual but practical—He cares about the daily needs of His people. The provision of food and rest for David’s men is a reflection of God’s love, showing that He cares deeply for His people’s well-being. It also demonstrates that God’s love often works through the kindness of others, calling His people to reflect His love in their actions toward one another.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in the way it illustrates the concept of provision and compassion. Just as David’s men were physically fed in the wilderness, Jesus feeds us spiritually. In John 6:35, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Jesus offers the ultimate provision, satisfying not just our physical needs but the deeper hunger of our souls. Additionally, the act of giving food to David and his men reflects the kind of selfless service that Jesus exemplified during His ministry, as He cared for both the physical and spiritual needs of those around Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever experienced a time when God provided for your needs through the generosity of others? How did that deepen your trust in His care?
- How can you be more aware of the needs of those around you and be ready to help, just as Shobi, Makir, and Barzillai helped David in his time of distress?