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(The view expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
2 Samuel 19:31–39, “And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan. Now 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. And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem. And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king? Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward? Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee. And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee. And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.”
Barzillai was a prosperous and well known man on the eastern side of the Jordan River. He fed and housed king David and his men when they crossed the river from his own resources. David wanted to reward Barzillai for his support and loyalty so he invited Barzillai to come back to Jerusalem with him. It was a great honour for any man to be invited to belong to the king’s inner circle. However, Barzillai was 89 years old. He was too old to enjoy this great honour and preferred to stay in his own home where he was comfortable. He asked the king to take another man called Chimham in his place. Chimham was young enough to enjoy the privileged and make the most of the king’s offer. Barzillai went a short way towards Jerusalem with the king and, when he was tired. He went back to his own home so that he could be in his own home.
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