What can we learn about humility from Barzillai's response to King David? Setting the Scene David is returning to Jerusalem after Absalom’s revolt. Barzillai, an eighty-year-old Gileadite who had supplied David during exile, meets the king at the Jordan. David warmly invites him to come live at court and enjoy royal provision (2 Samuel 19:33). Barzillai’s Humble Response (2 Samuel 19:35) “I am now eighty years old,” Barzillai replied. “Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voices of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?” What Humility Looks Like in Barzillai • Self-awareness: He recognizes his limits—age, senses, capacity. • Others-first mindset: He refuses to burden David’s resources or attention. • Contentment: Satisfied with life at home, he asks only for safe passage. • Generational vision: He promotes Chimham (likely his son) to receive the honor instead (v. 37–38), seeking blessing for others rather than himself. • Silence on past sacrifices: No boasting about how much he gave; his service was unto the Lord, not for recognition. Lessons for Us Today • True humility measures opportunities by usefulness to God’s kingdom, not personal comfort. • Age, status, or past service never exempt believers from putting others first. • Declining a prestigious offer can be as God-honoring as accepting it when motives are weighed. • Humility partners with generosity: Barzillai had given freely, yet expected nothing in return. Humility Reinforced Throughout Scripture • Proverbs 18:12 — “Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” • Micah 6:8 — “He has shown you… what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” • James 4:6 — “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” • Philippians 2:3-4 — “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • 1 Peter 5:5 — “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” Practical Takeaways • Ask, “Will this choice bless others or merely elevate me?” • Serve quietly; let God and others speak of your faithfulness if they choose. • Cultivate contentment; possessions or positions do not define worth. • Invest in the next generation; passing honor along can be a higher calling than keeping it. • Stay usable at every life stage—humility keeps the heart soft for God’s purposes. A Last Glimpse of Barzillai He escorts the king across the Jordan, receives a thankful kiss and blessing (v. 39), and returns home. Scripture records no more deeds, yet his brief words echo through history, reminding believers that greatness in God’s eyes is measured by humble, selfless devotion. |
    |