How does Barzillai's humility in 2 Samuel 19:36 inspire our daily service? Setting the Scene Barzillai, an eighty-year-old Gileadite, had supplied David during Absalom’s rebellion. When David was restored and invited Barzillai to live at court, the aged supporter replied, “Your servant will cross over the Jordan with the king for a short distance; why should the king repay me with such a reward?” (2 Samuel 19:36). That single line reveals a heart posture God still honors. Barzillai’s Humble Spirit in One Verse • He identifies himself only as “your servant,” not as a wealthy benefactor. • He minimizes the favor: “for a short distance.” • He questions the right to reward: “Why should the king repay me?” • He places David’s honor above his own comfort. Key Traits We Can Imitate 1. Self-forgetfulness • Barzillai measures his service, not himself (cf. Luke 17:10). 2. Satisfaction in duty alone • He counts the privilege of helping God’s anointed king as its own reward (cf. Matthew 6:1-4). 3. Submission to rightful authority • He lets David decide, yet expects nothing (cf. Romans 13:7). 4. Temporal realism • “A short distance” reminds us our earthly service is brief (cf. Psalm 90:12). Practical Ways to Serve with Barzillai-like Humility • Volunteer unseen—prepare chairs, clean floors, deliver meals, expecting no spotlight. • Speak of yourself as a servant, not as a savior of any ministry. • When thanked, redirect praise: “I’m grateful I could help.” • Give material support quietly; let the blessing outrun the acknowledgment. • Decline perks that eclipse the joy of mere obedience. • Remember age or status never exempts us from humble contribution. Encouragement from the Rest of Scripture • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). • “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). • “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5). A Closing Challenge Barzillai’s brief escort across the Jordan whispers to every believer today: serve simply, expect nothing, and trust the King to remember. The same God who recorded this elderly man’s modest words records every humble act we offer in Christ’s name. |
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