Even in old age, Barzillai remains a faithful friend, acknowledging his limitations and deflecting the honor to others.
Barzillai the Gileadite utters a humble reflection of his advanced age in 2 Samuel 19:35. His words are directed toward King David, who ruled Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC, and had been in exile across the Jordan River after fleeing from his son Absalom’s rebellion. Barzillai’s home region, Gilead, lies east of the Jordan, a fertile and mountainous terrain providing a natural frontier for Israel. In this setting, Barzillai responds to David’s invitation to move to Jerusalem, revealing both the honor and the burden he feels in accompanying the king.
He says, “I am now eighty years old. Can I distinguish between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I hear anymore the voice of singing men and women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?” (2 Samuel 19:35). Barzillai highlights his limitations: his diminished senses and ability to partake in life’s basic pleasures indicate the very real challenges that come with old age. In his mind, joining David’s court would not be a benefit but an extra responsibility for the king to bear. Barzillai thus models a selfless approach, prioritizing what is most helpful for David rather than seeking personal gain.
This perspective on aging can be connected to the broader scriptural theme that true honor and rest are found in trusting God, including in our latter years (see passages like Psalm 92:14 version). Barzillai’s humility also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that our lives, regardless of age or status, can trust in God’s provision (Matthew 6:33). He understands that his role has shifted and that serving God’s anointed king—rather than chasing personal recognition—remains his heartfelt goal.
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2 Samuel 19:35 meaning
Barzillai the Gileadite utters a humble reflection of his advanced age in 2 Samuel 19:35. His words are directed toward King David, who ruled Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC, and had been in exile across the Jordan River after fleeing from his son Absalom’s rebellion. Barzillai’s home region, Gilead, lies east of the Jordan, a fertile and mountainous terrain providing a natural frontier for Israel. In this setting, Barzillai responds to David’s invitation to move to Jerusalem, revealing both the honor and the burden he feels in accompanying the king.
He says, “I am now eighty years old. Can I distinguish between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I hear anymore the voice of singing men and women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?” (2 Samuel 19:35). Barzillai highlights his limitations: his diminished senses and ability to partake in life’s basic pleasures indicate the very real challenges that come with old age. In his mind, joining David’s court would not be a benefit but an extra responsibility for the king to bear. Barzillai thus models a selfless approach, prioritizing what is most helpful for David rather than seeking personal gain.
This perspective on aging can be connected to the broader scriptural theme that true honor and rest are found in trusting God, including in our latter years (see passages like Psalm 92:14 version). Barzillai’s humility also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that our lives, regardless of age or status, can trust in God’s provision (Matthew 6:33). He understands that his role has shifted and that serving God’s anointed king—rather than chasing personal recognition—remains his heartfelt goal.