What can we learn from Barzillai's request about humility and contentment? Setting the Scene After David’s victory over Absalom, the king is heading back to Jerusalem. Barzillai the Gileadite—an 80-year-old landowner who had supplied David during the exile—accompanies him to the Jordan. David offers royal hospitality; Barzillai politely declines. Barzillai’s Simple Request (2 Samuel 19:37) “Please let Your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is Your servant Chimham—let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever is good in your sight.” Lessons in Humility • No sense of entitlement – Barzillai had given generously, yet never demands a reward. – Luke 17:10 reminds, “So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” • Clear self-assessment – He knows his limits: “I am now eighty years old… Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?” (v. 35). – Romans 12:3: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think with sober judgment.” • Deflection of honor – He points David toward Chimham instead of himself, modeling 1 Peter 5:5: “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another.” Lessons in Contentment • Satisfied with God’s past provision – Barzillai’s wealth did not master him; it served God’s purposes and now he is content to go home. – Philippians 4:11-12: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” • Choosing simplicity over prestige – Palace life offered luxury, yet Barzillai prefers familiar fields, family graves, and peace. – Proverbs 15:16: “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.” • Eternal perspective – He is preparing to “die in my own city,” mindful of life’s brevity (Psalm 90:12). – Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” A Legacy That Outlives Him • Blessing the next generation—Chimham receives the opportunity. • God honors Barzillai later: Jeremiah 41:17 mentions “Geruth Chimham,” evidence the king kept his word. Living It Out Today • Hold gifts loosely; let them flow to God’s purposes. • Resist the spotlight; pass it to others whenever possible. • Measure life not by new adventures but by faithful completion of the race God assigns. As 1 Timothy 6:6-8 concludes, “Godliness with contentment is great gain… If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.” |
    |