Original Word: שִׁיבָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: shiybah
Pronunciation: shee-BAH
Phonetic Spelling: (shee-baw')
KJV: whilelay
NASB: stayed
Word Origin: [from H3427 (יָשַׁב - inhabitants)]

1. residence

residence

From yashab; residence -- while...lay.

see HEBREW yashab

Word Origin
from yashab
Definition
a sojourn
NASB Translation
stayed (1).

I. [שִׁיבָה] noun feminine sojourn (= יְשִׁיבָה ֗֗֗ according to Thes) — only בְּשִׁיבָתוֺ 2 Samuel 19:83 during his sojourn; but read בְּשִׁבָתּוֺ see יָשַׁב Qal 2. — II. שִׁיבָךְ see below שׁוב.

Shibah (Strong’s Hebrew 7871)

Biblical context

The term occurs once, in 2 Samuel 19:32, within the account of David’s return to Jerusalem after Absalom’s revolt. “Barzillai was a very old man—eighty years old—and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim”. Shibah is used of the king’s “stay,” marking a defined period in which David paused, gathered strength, and awaited restoration.

Historical background

Mahanaim lay east of the Jordan, a Levitical refuge (Joshua 21:38) linked with Jacob’s vision of angels (Genesis 32:1-2). During Absalom’s uprising it became David’s temporary headquarters (2 Samuel 17:24). The same town afforded him rest, counsel, and a staging ground for the decisive victory at the forest of Ephraim (2 Samuel 18:6-8). Shibah thus names a strategic pause between crisis and triumph.

Theological themes

1. Providence in transition

Shibah highlights the Lord’s provision in liminal moments. Before the promised return, the anointed king rests under God’s protection, supplied through faithful servants such as Barzillai.

2. Covenant loyalty

Barzillai’s generosity toward David during the king’s shibah exemplifies ḥesed—steadfast love toward the Lord’s chosen. His service echoes the mandate to bless those whom God has blessed (Genesis 12:3).

3. Restoration after discipline

David’s stay precedes his vindication, foreshadowing the biblical pattern in which God’s people are often held in a place of waiting prior to renewal (e.g., Israel in the wilderness, Elijah at the brook Cherith).

Lessons for ministry

• Hospitality sustains leadership. Congregations today mirror Barzillai’s role when they materially and prayerfully support those God has set over them (Philippians 4:16-18).
• Seasoned believers remain vital. Though “eighty years old,” Barzillai’s resources and counsel proved indispensable, rebutting any notion that age limits usefulness in the kingdom.
• Strategic rest is not idleness. Shibah portrays a purposeful pause—time to regroup, receive, and prepare for further obedience.

Christological resonance

David’s temporary residence east of the Jordan anticipates the Messiah’s earthly sojourn. Jesus withdrew to the wilderness (Luke 4:1-2) and to solitary places (Mark 1:35) before decisive ministry moments. Likewise, the risen Christ now awaits the Father’s appointed hour to return and reign openly (Hebrews 10:12-13). Shibah thus hints at the redemptive rhythm of pause and consummation.

Practical application

• Embrace seasons of waiting as divine appointments rather than deterrents.
• Cultivate generosity that underwrites gospel advance.
• Esteem the elderly, recognizing their experience and resources as God-given assets to the body of Christ.

Related concepts

Waiting on the Lord (Psalm 27:14); dwelling in safety (Psalm 4:8); temporary shelters in Scripture (Exodus 33:7; Acts 28:30). Shibah connects thematically with teshubah (“return,” Hosea 14:2) and menuchah (“rest,” Psalm 95:11), each underscoring God’s intent to grant His people secure habitation while fulfilling His purposes.

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