Barzil'lai is a notable figure in the Old Testament, recognized for his loyalty and support to King David during a critical period in the monarch's life. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings.

Background and Name Meaning

Barzil'lai, whose name means "man of iron," was a wealthy Gileadite from Rogelim, a region east of the Jordan River. His wealth and influence are evident in his ability to provide substantial aid to King David and his followers.

Support to King David

Barzil'lai's most significant biblical account occurs during Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. As David fled Jerusalem to escape Absalom's uprising, Barzil'lai demonstrated remarkable loyalty and generosity. In 2 Samuel 17:27-29 , it is recorded:

"When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim brought beds, basins, and pottery items. They also brought wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, 'The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.'"

This act of kindness and support was crucial for David and his men, providing them with much-needed sustenance and comfort during a time of distress.

Encounter with David

After Absalom's defeat, as David prepared to return to Jerusalem, Barzil'lai met him at the Jordan River. In 2 Samuel 19:31-39 , Barzil'lai is described as an elderly man, eighty years old, who had provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim. David, in gratitude, offered to take Barzil'lai back to Jerusalem and care for him there. However, Barzil'lai declined the offer, citing his advanced age and desire to die in his own city near the tomb of his father and mother. Instead, he suggested that his servant Chimham go with David, which the king accepted.

Legacy and Descendants

Barzil'lai's legacy continued through his descendants. In 1 Kings 2:7 , David, on his deathbed, instructed Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzil'lai, allowing them to eat at the king's table, as a reward for their father's loyalty. This gesture underscores the lasting impact of Barzil'lai's faithfulness to David.

Additionally, Barzil'lai's family is mentioned in the post-exilic period. In Ezra 2:61 and Nehemiah 7:63, some priests are noted to have married into the family of Barzil'lai, adopting his name. This indicates the continued prominence and respect for Barzil'lai's lineage within Israel.

Barzil'lai's account is a testament to the virtues of loyalty, generosity, and the importance of supporting God's anointed leaders. His actions during a tumultuous time in Israel's history exemplify the strength and integrity suggested by his name.Barzil'lai (10 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 17:27
And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 19:31
And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim; and he passed on to Jordan with the king, to bring him on the way over the Jordan.
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2 Samuel 19:32
Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old; and he had provided the king with sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.
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2 Samuel 19:33
And the king said unto Barzillai: 'Come thou over with me, and I will sustain thee with me in Jerusalem.'
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2 Samuel 19:34
And Barzillai said unto the king: 'How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
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2 Samuel 19:39
And all the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over; and the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.
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2 Samuel 21:8
But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite;
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1 Kings 2:7
But show kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table; for so they drew nigh unto me when I fled from Absalom thy brother.
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Ezra 2:61
And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name.
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Nehemiah 7:63
And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name.
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Barzil'lai (10 Occurrences)
Barzil'lai. Barzillai, Barzil'lai. Basaloth . Multi-Version Concordance
Barzil'lai (10 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 17:27 And it came ...
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Barzillai (10 Occurrences)

/b/barzillai.htm - 12k

Basaloth

/b/basaloth.htm - 6k

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