Kimham was the son of Barzillai the Gileadite, a wealthy man who had supported King David during his flight from Absalom. When Barzillai declined David's invitation to come to Jerusalem due to his advanced age, he sent his son Kimham in his place. David took care of Kimham and treated him with great kindness.
Barzillai from Gilead was among those who brought supplies to David and his people as they fled from Absalom. This act of kindness laid the foundation for David's gratitude toward Barzillai's family.
27When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim
29honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd. They set it before David and the people with him to eat, for they said, "The people have grown hungry, weary, and thirsty in the wilderness."
After Absalom's rebellion was crushed, David wanted to reward Barzillai by inviting him to come to Jerusalem and be supported there. Barzillai declined due to his advanced age.
36I am eighty years old today. Can I still tell good from bad? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voices of men and women singing? Why should your servant be one more burden to my lord the king?
38Please let your servant turn back, so that I may die in my own town, near the grave of my father and mother. But here is your servant Kimham; let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever seems good to you."
On his deathbed, David instructed Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai and let them eat at the king's table, in gratitude for how Barzillai had helped him while he fled from Absalom.
7But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.
The prophet Jeremiah mentions a lodging (Gerut Kimham) near Bethlehem that bore Kimham's name, suggesting that David had given Kimham land holdings in this area.