Who Was Chimham?
Chimham appears in Scripture as the son of Barzillai the Gileadite, a wealthy man from Gilead who became an unexpected blessing to King David. When David fled Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion—one of the most painful seasons of his reign—he found himself in desperate need. Second Samuel 17:27-29 tells us that Barzillai, along with Shobi and Machir, brought provisions to David and his people: "beds, and basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentils, and parched pulse, and honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat."
While Barzillai himself was an elderly man—eighty years old when David offered him a reward for his kindness—it was his son Chimham who became especially significant. In 2 Samuel 19:37-40, we see Barzillai's gracious response to David's offer of provision and honor. Rather than accepting these gifts for himself, Barzillai requested that David show kindness to his son instead. This humble, generous gesture reveals much about the character of both father and son.
Chimham's name appears again in connection with a place called "the habitation of Chimham, which is beside Bethlehem" (Jeremiah 41:17). This geographical reference suggests that Chimham received significant land or inheritance as a result of David's promise, establishing a lasting memorial to his family's faithfulness.
A Model of Filial Devotion and Faithfulness
What makes Chimham's story particularly touching is the context of generational faithfulness. Barzillai's sacrifice on David's behalf—providing food, shelter, and comfort during the king's exile—was an act of extraordinary kindness. Yet Barzillai, in his advanced age, chose not to cling to the rewards David offered. Instead, he directed the blessing toward his son, demonstrating wisdom about stewardship and legacy.
Chimham represents the next generation inheriting not just material blessing but the spiritual legacy of faithfulness and loyalty. His father's example of serving God's anointed king became a foundation for Chimham's own life. There is something deeply beautiful about a son receiving blessing because his father chose to serve faithfully and humbly.
Living with Faithful Generosity Today
Chimham's story challenges us to consider what legacy we're building through our own faithfulness and generosity. Like Barzillai, we may be called to serve and support others—perhaps our spiritual leaders, our communities, or those in genuine need. The question isn't whether we'll receive immediate recognition, but whether we're willing to serve faithfully regardless.
For those of us who are parents and grandparents, Chimham's story also reminds us that one of the greatest inheritances we can leave our children is a legacy of faithfulness to God and generosity toward others. When we model humble service, our children learn that true blessing comes from following Christ's example of loving sacrifice.
"And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king? 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." (2 Samuel 19:34-37)