Yhdistynyt kuningaskuntaServantWise manc. 1000 B.C.E.
Barzillai was a wealthy and influential man from Gilead who showed great loyalty to King David during Absalom's rebellion. He provided food and supplies for David and his men while they were fleeing, and his faithfulness was highly valued by the king.
When David fled from Absalom and arrived at Mahanaim, Barzillai, along with other loyal men, brought beds, food, and necessary supplies to the king and his weary followers.
27When 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
29honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd. They set it before David and the people with him to eat, for they said, "The people have grown hungry, weary, and thirsty in the wilderness."
The 80-year-old Barzillai humbly declined David's offer, explaining that he was too old to enjoy the pleasures of the court, and asked to die in his own city near the grave of his parents.
36I am eighty years old today. Can I still tell good from bad? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voices of men and women singing? Why should your servant be one more burden to my lord the king?
38Please let your servant turn back, so that I may die in my own town, near the grave of my father and mother. But here is your servant Kimham; let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever seems good to you."
On his deathbed, David instructed his son Solomon to show kindness to Barzillai's sons and let them eat at the king's table, as a reward for their help during his flight from Absalom.
7But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.