I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? I am now eighty years old.Barzillai of Rogelim in Gilead had faithfully supplied David and his followers at Mahanaim during Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 17:27–29). Though a very wealthy man, he viewed his advanced age realistically. Eighty years marked a full and honored life, exceeding the normal span described in Psalm 90:10 and giving him perspective shaped by the reigns of Saul and David. Exo 7:7 Moses was eighty years old and Aaron was eighty-three… Can I discern what is good and what is not? Age had weakened Barzillai’s ability to evaluate and enjoy the advantages of royal life. His honest self-assessment reflects the frailty described in Ecclesiastes 12:1–5, while his humility kept him from accepting honors that would not truly benefit him. 1Ki 3:9 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart… Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? David’s court could provide abundant food and celebration, but Barzillai no longer expected such pleasures to satisfy him. Material abundance could not restore declining strength or senses. Job 34:3 For the ear tests words as the mouth tastes food. Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Music and singers belonged to the joy and splendor of a royal household. Barzillai recognized that he could no longer participate fully in such pleasures and chose contentment over privilege. Ecc 12:4 when the doors to the street are shut and the sound…… Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? Barzillai had served David generously in David’s need, yet he would not use that service to seek personal reward. He desired to return home and die near the tomb of his father and mother, while asking David to show kindness to Chimham. David later instructed Solomon to continue honoring Barzillai’s sons for their loyalty (1 Kings 2:7). 2Co 11:9 And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden… Persons / Places / Events 1. Barzillai the GileaditeAn elderly and wealthy man who supported King David during Absalom's rebellion. He is speaking to David in this verse. 2. King David The king of Israel, returning to Jerusalem after the defeat of Absalom. He offers to take Barzillai with him to Jerusalem. 3. Gilead The region where Barzillai lived, located east of the Jordan River. 4. Absalom's Rebellion A significant event where David's son, Absalom, attempted to overthrow his father, leading to a civil war in Israel. 5. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel, where David is returning to reign as king. Teaching Points The Wisdom of AgeBarzillai's words remind us of the wisdom that often comes with age, as well as the humility to recognize one's limitations. We should value and seek the counsel of the elderly in our communities. Serving Without Burden Barzillai's concern about being a burden reflects a selfless attitude. In our service to others, we should strive to be helpful and considerate, not burdensome. Gratitude and Loyalty David's offer to Barzillai shows gratitude for his loyalty. We should remember to express gratitude to those who support us, especially in difficult times. The Reality of Aging Barzillai's acknowledgment of his physical limitations is a reminder of the natural process of aging. It encourages us to prepare spiritually and emotionally for the later stages of life. Legacy and Influence Barzillai's legacy continued through David's kindness to his family. Our actions today can have a lasting impact on future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Barzillai's response to King David reflect humility and self-awareness, and how can we apply this attitude in our own lives?2. In what ways can we honor and support the elderly in our communities, as David did with Barzillai? 3. How does Barzillai's account encourage us to think about our own legacy and the impact we have on others? 4. What can we learn from Barzillai about serving others without becoming a burden, and how can this principle be applied in our daily interactions? 5. How do the challenges of aging, as expressed by Barzillai, encourage us to rely on God's strength and wisdom throughout our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Ecclesiastes 12:1-7This passage reflects on the challenges and limitations of old age, similar to Barzillai's acknowledgment of his own limitations. 1 Kings 2:7 David instructs Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai, highlighting the lasting impact of Barzillai's loyalty. Psalm 71:9 A prayer for God's presence and strength in old age, resonating with Barzillai's recognition of his frailty. Proverbs 16:31 Speaks of gray hair as a crown of glory, suggesting respect and honor for the elderly, as seen in David's treatment of Barzillai.
People Abiathar, Abishai, Absalom, Amasa, Barzillai, Benjamin, Benjamites, Chimham, David, Gera, Israelites, Joab, Joseph, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zadok, Zeruiah, ZibaPlaces Bahurim, Gilgal, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Mahanaim, RogelimTopics Able, Added, Anymore, Bad, Burden, Difference, Discern, Distinguish, Drink, Drinks, Eat, Eating, Eats, Eighty, Evil, Fourscore, Hearken, Listen, Meat, Pleasant, Pleasure, Servant, Singers, Singing, Singing-men, Singing-women, Song, Songstresses, Taste, To-day, Trouble, Voice, Voices, Wherefore, Women, YetDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 19:35 5033 knowledge, of good and evil Library National Sorrows and National LessonsOn the illness or the Prince of Wales. Chapel Royal, St James's, December 17th, 1871. 2 Sam. xix. 14. "He bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man." No circumstances can be more different, thank God, than those under which the heart of the men of Judah was bowed when their king commander appealed to them, and those which have, in the last few days, bowed the heart of this nation as the heart of one man. But the feeling called out in each case was the same--Loyalty, … Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons Barzillai Samuel Links 2 Samuel 19:35 NIV2 Samuel 19:35 NLT 2 Samuel 19:35 ESV 2 Samuel 19:35 NASB 2 Samuel 19:35 KJV 2 Samuel 19:35 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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