Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Barzillai Rewarded

◄ David: King of Israel: Barzillai Rewarded ►

Topical Encyclopedia

David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his leadership, psalms, and deep relationship with God. Among the many episodes in his life, the account of Barzillai the Gileadite stands out as a testament to loyalty and the king's gratitude.

Context and Background

During the rebellion of Absalom, David's son, King David was forced to flee Jerusalem to escape the threat to his throne. As he crossed the Jordan River, he encountered various individuals who either supported or opposed him. Among his supporters was Barzillai, a wealthy and aged Gileadite from Rogelim. Barzillai, along with others, provided sustenance and support to David and his men during this tumultuous period (2 Samuel 17:27-29).

Barzillai's Support

Barzillai's assistance was crucial during David's time of need. The Bible records that Barzillai brought beds, basins, earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese for David and his people. This act of kindness and generosity was not only a practical help but also a significant morale booster for the king and his followers.

David's Return and Offer to Barzillai

After Absalom's defeat and David's restoration to the throne, the king sought to reward those who had been loyal to him. As David prepared to return to Jerusalem, he invited Barzillai to come with him and live at the royal court, offering to provide for him there. This invitation was a mark of honor and gratitude from the king to his benefactor.

Barzillai's Response

Barzillai, however, declined the king's generous offer. At eighty years old, he expressed a desire to remain in his own land, close to his family and the familiar surroundings of his home. He humbly acknowledged his age and the limitations it brought, saying, "How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?" (2 Samuel 19:34). Instead, Barzillai requested that his servant Chimham be allowed to go in his place, to which David agreed.

David's Reward to Barzillai

David honored Barzillai's request and took Chimham with him, promising to do for him whatever Barzillai desired. This act of rewarding Barzillai through his servant reflects the king's respect for Barzillai's wishes and his commitment to repaying loyalty and kindness. The narrative suggests that Chimham was well-received and possibly given land near Bethlehem, as inferred from later references to "the habitation of Chimham" (Jeremiah 41:17).

Significance

The account of Barzillai and David highlights several key themes in the biblical narrative: loyalty, gratitude, and the importance of honoring commitments. Barzillai's support during David's time of crisis exemplifies the biblical virtue of steadfastness, while David's response underscores the value of recognizing and rewarding those who stand by us in difficult times. This episode serves as a reminder of the enduring bonds of friendship and the moral duty to acknowledge and repay acts of kindness.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 19:31-40
And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.
Nave's Topical Index