Day 157 – 2 Samuel 19:31-39
Scripture Review
2 Samuel 19:31-39
"And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan."
(2 Samuel 19:31)
Barzillai is called "the Gileadite," meaning he was from Gilead, the region east of Jordan where David had found refuge during Absalom's rebellion. Rogelim was his home area. The word "conduct" means to escort, guide, or accompany. Barzillai is not coming to ask David for anything. He is coming to honor the king and help bring him back across Jordan.
"Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man."
(2 Samuel 19:32)
Barzillai was eighty years old. He had provided David with "sustenance" while David stayed at Mahanaim. Sustenance means food, supplies, and what was needed to live. When David and his people were hungry, weary, and thirsty in the wilderness, Barzillai used what he had to strengthen them.The Bible says he was "a very great man." That may refer to his wealth, influence, and standing, but true greatness is shown in what he did with what God had given him.
"And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem."
(2 Samuel 19:33)
David wants Barzillai to come to Jerusalem and eat with him. He fed David in exile, so David now offers to feed him in Jerusalem.
"And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?"
(2 Samuel 19:34)
Barzillai answers with humility and reality. He knows he is nearer the end of his journey than the beginning. Jerusalem would be an honor, but it would not fit his season of life. He knows that not every open door is meant to be walked through. Some honors are good, but they are not always fitting. A heart after God knows that finishing well sometimes means knowing what to receive and what to release.
"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?"
(2 Samuel 19:35)
Barzillai explains that he is eighty years old and that his senses and abilities are not what they once were. He says he can no longer fully taste food or drink. He can no longer enjoy the voices of singing men and women like he once might have. The pleasures of court life would be wasted on him. Then he asks why he should be a "burden" to the king. He does not want David's kindness to become David's trouble. This is one of the things that worries me about getting older. Someone is going to have to look after me. I would not want to be a burden on my family. I get pleasure in serving others.
"Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?"
(2 Samuel 19:36)
Barzillai says he will go a little way over Jordan with the king. That is enough for him. He wants to honor David, but he does not need to turn that honor into personal advancement. He is saying, "Why should the king repay me with such a great reward?" He did not help David so he could later profit from David. He did not serve in the wilderness to secure a palace in Jerusalem. He counted it an honor simply to have helped 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; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee."
(2 Samuel 19:37)
Barzillai asks to return home. He is thinking about the end of his life soberly. Then he points David to Chimham. Chimham appears to be Barzillai's son or near family member. Barzillai says, "let him go over with my lord the king." This is so good. Barzillai refuses honor for himself, but he does not block blessing from the next generation. There comes a time when faithfulness means stepping back and helping someone younger step forward.
"And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee."
(2 Samuel 19:38)
David accepts Barzillai's request. Chimham will go with him. David promises to do for Chimham what seems good to Barzillai. David also leaves the door of kindness open to Barzillai. His service in David's trouble has created a bond that David intends to honor.
"And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place."
(2 Samuel 19:39)
The kiss shows affection, honor, and gratitude. The blessing shows David's desire for good upon him. Barzillai then returns to his own place. That ending is quiet, but it is honorable. Barzillai does not go to Jerusalem. He does not live out his days in the palace. He goes home blessed by the king. Many people try to do all they can do before they leave this world. Kicking the bucket is now accompanied by a bucket list. Barzillai could have easily chased those bucket list items. But the blessing from the king is far better. I want to die blessed by the Lord and be found serving him.