How does David's farewell to Barzillai reflect Christ's teachings on gratitude? A Moment at the Jordan “Then all the people crossed the Jordan, and the king crossed too. After the king had kissed Barzillai and blessed him, Barzillai returned home.” (2 Samuel 19:39) • Barzillai had supplied David’s household during Absalom’s rebellion (19:32). • David, restored to the throne, invites the elderly benefactor to live at court (19:33). • Barzillai declines, content with simple joys, but agrees that his son Chimham may go instead (19:34-38). • Verse 39 captures the farewell: a kiss of affection, a blessing of gratitude, and Barzillai’s peaceful return. David’s Gratitude on Display • Public recognition – Before the gathered nation David honors Barzillai’s faithfulness. • Personal affection – “kissed Barzillai” shows warmth beyond formal thanks. • Spoken blessing – David calls on God’s favor for Barzillai, acknowledging the LORD as the true Rewarder. • Tangible offer – An invitation to share royal privileges in Jerusalem (v. 33) underscores genuine appreciation. Echoes of Christ’s Teaching 1. Valuing the One Who Serves • Jesus: “Whoever gives you a cup of water in My name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41) • David mirrors this principle, assuring reward for even “cups of sustenance” given in exile. 2. Remembering Kindness, Not Forgetting It • Jesus healed ten lepers, yet only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17:11-19). • David avoids the nine-leper mistake; he turns back across the Jordan, so to speak, to say thank-you. 3. Blessing the Benefactor • Jesus blessed those who ministered to Him: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:40) • David blesses Barzillai, recognizing that service rendered to the king is service acknowledged by God. 4. Humble Reception of Service • Jesus allowed Mary to anoint His feet (John 12:3), receiving love while pointing all glory to the Father. • David receives Barzillai’s provisions, yet directs the honor heavenward through his blessing. Lessons for Our Walk • Notice every act of kindness; express thanks quickly and publicly. • Pair words with actions—offers, gifts, opportunities that match the gratitude we profess. • Speak blessings that point givers to God, the ultimate Source of reward. • Like Barzillai, serve quietly; like David, honor openly. A Closing Thought David’s farewell kisses the heart of Christ’s teaching: gratitude that remembers, honors, blesses, and offers fellowship. Such thankfulness still marks followers of the true King today. |
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