There is a short passage in 2 Samuel 19 about the blessing that David showed to an older man named Barzillai. The King had just survived the attempt of Absalom to usurp his throne. Men who had betrayed David had come to him to prostrate themselves in the hope that David would spare their lives. David’s mercy and kindness on this occasion is laudable. Shimei the son of Gera, and Mephibosheth the son of Saul were among those pardoned by the King. David said, “Shall any man be put to death today in Israel? For do I know know that today I am king over Israel?” (2 Samuel 19:22).
Barzillai the Gileadite was “a very aged man, eighty years old” (32). He was rich, and had helped the king with supplies during a stay in Mahanaim. David wished to repay Barzillai by bringing the man back to Jerusalem with him. Consider Barzillai’s response:
“I am today eighty years old. Can I discern between the good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear any longer the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be a further burden to my lord the king? Your servant will go a little way across the Jordan with the king. And why should the king repay me with such a reward? Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, near the grave of my father and mother” (2 Samuel 19:35-37).
Instead, Barzillai asked for consideration to be given to his servant Chimham, which request David honored. But, David also said, “Now whatever you request of me, I will do for you” (38). Then the king kissed and blessed Barzillai before he returned to his own city.
There are two things of note in this passage. The first is the awareness of Barzillai. He knew that he was old, with compromised health. His awareness was compromised, “Can I discern between the good and bad?” His taste , “Can you servant taste what I eat or what I drink?” His hearing, “Can I hear any longer the voice of singing men and singing women?” He was aware he would be a burden to his king if he were to go to Jerusalem.
Our application? Self-awareness, whether by the old or the young is very helpful. All of us tend to become a bit myopic, concerned most with our own desires and needs. It can be we lack the awareness of how our actions impact others. At every age, we must learn to be selfless, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4 ). It is impressive that a rich man (Barzillai) put his servant’s (Chimham’s) welfare before his own.
Our second application concerns our treatment of those who are older. The Bible clearly calls for us to obey and honor our parents (Ephesians 6:2). Jesus included in such “honor” caring for them when they are aged (Matthew 15:3-9). Peter also indicated that respect should be shown for all who are older, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” (1 Peter 5:5). Consider that as some grow old, they become needy. They are like children, in that they are unable to care for themselves. But, they are not children, and should be treated with great respect and consideration, even if it be their minds that begin to falter. “You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:32 ).
