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?
Can I discern between good and evil? - does not refer to moral good and evil, but solely to the varying means and enjoyments of life. His declining to go to court, his recommendation of his son, his convoy across the Jordan, and his parting scene with the king, are interesting incidents. What mark of royal favour was bestowed on Chimham has not been recorded; but it is probable that David gave a great part of his personal patrimony in Beth-lehem to Chimham and his heirs in perpetuity (Jeremiah 41:17).
The voice of singing men singing women? Bands of professional musicians form a prominent appendage to the courts of Oriental princes.