2 Samuel 19:31-39
31 Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim; and he went on to the Jordan with the king to escort him over the Jordan.
32 Barzillai was very old: eighty years old; and he had provided the king food while he stayed in Mahanaim, for he was a very great man.
33 So the king said to Barzillai, “You cross over with me, and I will provide you food in Jerusalem with me.”
34 But Barzillai said to the king, “How long do I still have to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
35 I am now eighty years old. Can I distinguish between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I still hear the voice of men and women singing? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?
36 Your servant would merely cross over the Jordan with the king. So why should the king compensate me with this reward?
37 Please let your servant return, so that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. However, here is your servant Chimham; let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”
38 And the king answered, “Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your sight; and whatever you require of me, I will do for you.”
39 All the people crossed over the Jordan and the king crossed too. The king then kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place.
Parting with Barzillai
Barzillai the Gileadite
The drama unfolding around David is truly a microcosm of life. It features a wide range of people from selfish and cunning individuals to those of noble character. Barzillai, who appears in today’s passage, is a prime example of a man with noble character. (1) When David fled to Mahanaim, Barzillai the Gileadite brought food along with Shobi the Ammonite and Machir to welcome David and his company. (2) Even after that, he continued to provide for David and his men. He was a wealthy man, but he used his wealth wisely. (3) According to the custom of the time, a host would accompany a departing guest for the first part of their journey. Barzillai followed this custom and came to escort David as far as the Jordan River.
David’s suggestion
(1) To this Barzillai, David offered a sincere invitation, asking him to come to Jerusalem so that he could care for him in his old age as an expression of gratitude. (2) However, Barzillai declined the offer. He said that he was already old and had passed the age of enjoying life. A luxurious life in the royal court was no longer suitable for him, and he did not want to become a burden to the king. His desire was simply to spend the remainder of his life in his hometown and be buried in the tomb of his ancestors. That was Barzillai’s response. (3) However, regarding Chimham (his son), Barzillai entrusted his future to David. (4) After crossing the Jordan River, David kissed Barzillai, blessed him, and continued on to Jerusalem. Barzillai also returned to his own town, Rogelim. Within Barzillai dwells a character that Christians should learn from. (1) He was a man prepared for death. He said, “so that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother.” The apostle Paul writes: “In the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” (2 Tim. 4:8). (2) He received more from David than what he had given. The same will happen to us when we stand before the Lord Jesus (Matt. 25:37). Christian life truly is full of blessings.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, I am moved by the greatness of Your reward. Please guide my earthly life to the very end. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.