David-A Time to Help-Barzillai

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 19

From David's Journal

There was such a kind man named Barzillai who lived in Rogelim. God had blessed him with great riches. But not every rich person wants to share their money with those in need.

photo courtesy of visualbibleimages.com

He provided the people who joined me in the escape from Abasalom's threat the supplies we needed. During the entire time we camped in Mahanaim he gave us more than what we could want.

After the battle, and we stood by the shore of the Jordan River, I turned to Barzillai and looked into his old eyes. He was eighty years old and travelled all the way from Rogelim to see us to the shore. "Please, Barzillai, come with me. I will provide for you while you live in Jerusalem with me."

His lips curled up in a tender and wise smile. "My lord, how long do I have to live? Should I go up to Jerusalem with you when I am an old man of eighty years? Will I be of any use to you by knowing right and wrong when I can hardly see, or taste, or hear the voice of singing men or women?

He shook his head and put a knobby finger on my arm. "No I don't want to be a burden to you.I will go a short ways with you across the Jordan but return to my home. I don't deserve a reward. If you please, let me return back home that I may die in my own city, near the grave of my father and mother."

He turned to a man standing next to him and invited the man to step closer to the king. "Here is my servant, Chimham. Please let him cross over the river with you, my king, and give him or do for him what seems good to you."

Again Barzillai chose to be kind to someone. I nodded. "Chimham may cross over with me, and I will do for him what I would have done for you. Whatever you ask, I will give."

The whole army and many others who came with me crossed the River Jordan together. On the western shore I turned to Barzillai and blessed him and sent him back to his home as he asked. 

Oh that we all could be as kind as Barzillai, a man of God.

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 16

Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.

 O my soul, you have said to the Lord,
“You are my Lord,
My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
 As for the saints who are on the earth,
“They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”

 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god;
Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,
Nor take up their names on my lips.

 O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.

 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
 I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.
 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

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1. What kind of person was Barzillai?
2. What did he do for David and all those who escaped with him?
3. When David was ready to cross the River Jordan what did he want to give Barzillai?
4. Why did Barzillai say no thank you?
5. Who did Barzillai ask David to give the gift to?
6. Did David agree?