Topical Encyclopedia Barzillai the Gileadite is a notable figure in the Old Testament, particularly recognized for his exemplary hospitality towards King David during a time of great need. His account is primarily found in 2 Samuel 17:27-29 and 2 Samuel 19:31-39. Barzillai's actions provide a profound example of generosity and support, reflecting the biblical virtue of hospitality.Background and Context Barzillai was a wealthy and influential man from Rogelim in Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River. His name, Barzillai, means "man of iron," which may reflect his strong character and steadfastness. During the rebellion of Absalom, David's son, King David was forced to flee Jerusalem. It was during this period of exile that Barzillai's hospitality became evident. Acts of Hospitality When David and his followers were in Mahanaim, Barzillai, along with other supporters like Shobi and Machir, provided essential provisions for the king and his people. The Bible records in 2 Samuel 17:27-29 : "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.'" Barzillai's generosity was not limited to mere sustenance; it was a lifeline for David and his men during a critical moment. His willingness to share his resources without hesitation exemplifies the biblical principle of caring for those in distress. Barzillai's Encounter with David After Absalom's defeat, David prepared to return to Jerusalem. Barzillai, despite his advanced age, accompanied the king to the Jordan River to bid him farewell. David, in gratitude for Barzillai's kindness, offered to take him to Jerusalem and provide for him there. However, Barzillai, recognizing his own limitations due to age, declined the offer. Instead, he requested that his servant Chimham be allowed to go in his place. This exchange is recorded in 2 Samuel 19:31-39 : "Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and send him on his way from there. Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim. The king said to Barzillai, 'Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.' But Barzillai replied, 'How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of male and female singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? Your servant will cross over the Jordan with the king for a short distance, but why should the king reward me in this way? 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. Do for him what seems good to you.' The king replied, 'Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever seems good to you, and anything you desire from me I will do for you.'" Legacy and Significance Barzillai's account is a testament to the power of hospitality and the impact it can have on the lives of others. His actions not only provided physical sustenance but also offered emotional and moral support to a beleaguered king. Barzillai's willingness to serve without seeking personal gain highlights the selflessness that is central to true hospitality. In the broader biblical narrative, Barzillai's hospitality is a reflection of God's own provision and care for His people. It serves as a model for believers, encouraging them to extend kindness and support to those in need, trusting that such acts of generosity are pleasing to God and contribute to the well-being of His kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 19:32Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39 A Description of Heart-Purity Resources What does it mean that “as a man thinks, so is he” in Proverbs 23:7? | GotQuestions.orgAre there angels among us? | GotQuestions.org Who was Diotrephes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Hospitality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies Hospitality: Required in Ministers Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus Related Terms |
    |