II Samuel 19:31-39 · Bible study
2 Samuel 19:31-39 Commentary: Barzillai's Loyalty and Contentment
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explore Barzillai's selfless escort of David across the Jordan, his humility in declining reward, and the legacy he passed to his son Chimham.
Research Summary
- Meaning: An elderly supporter of David declines a courtly reward and instead passes the honour to his son, demonstrating loyalty, self-awareness, and generous legacy.
- Key words: “conduct him over the Jordan” (v.31), Barzillai’s purpose is escort, not reward; “sustenance” (v.32), he provided food in David’s exile; “burden” (v.35), his concern not to be a liability.
- Main debate: Little debate; most readers treat Barzillai as a model of selfless friendship. Some question whether he downplays his own worth too much, but the narrative tone remains admiring.
- Theological theme: Faithful service does not seek reward but receives it anyway, often through the next generation. God’s kindness is shown through human loyalty.
- Best use: Preaching on contentment, generational legacy, and the grace of stepping aside; small-group study on aging, honour, and leaving a blessing.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
31Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and send him on his way from there.
32Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim.
33The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.”
34But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?
35I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?
36Your servant could go with the king only a short distance past the Jordan; why should the king repay me with such a reward?
37Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”
38The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.”
39So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.
WEB World English Bible 2000
31Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim; and he went over the Jordan with the king to conduct him over the Jordan.
32Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even eighty years old. He had provided the king with sustenance while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very great man.
33The king said to Barzillai, “Come over with me, and I will sustain you with me in Jerusalem.”
34Barzillai said to the king, “How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
35I am eighty years old, today. Can I discern between good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear the voice of singing men and singing women any more? Why then should your servant be a burden to my lord the king?
36Your servant will just go over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king repay me with such a reward?
37Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, by the grave of my father and my mother. But behold, your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to you.”
38The king answered, “Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good to you. Whatever you request of me, that I will do for you.”
39All the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over. Then the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him; and he returned to his own place.
KJV King James Version 1769
31And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.
32Now 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.
33And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.
34And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
35I 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?
36Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?
37Let 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.
38And 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.
39And 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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
31And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim; and he went over the Jordan with the king, to conduct him over the Jordan.
32Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king with sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.
33And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will sustain thee with me in Jerusalem.
34And Barzillai said unto the king, How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
35I am this day fourscore years old: can I discern between good and bad? 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?
36Thy servant would but just go over the Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?
37Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, by the grave of my father and 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.
38And 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.
39And all the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over: and the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
31And Barzillai the Gileadite hath gone down from Rogelim, and passeth over the Jordan with the king, to send him away over the Jordan;
32and Barzillai is very aged, a son of eighty years, and he hath sustained the king in his abiding in Mahanaim, for he is a very great man;
33and the king saith unto Barzillai, `Pass thou over with me, and I have sustained thee with me in Jerusalem.'
34And Barzillai saith unto the king, `How many are the days of the years of my life, that I go up with the king to Jerusalem?
35A son of eighty years I am to-day; do I know between good and evil? doth thy servant taste that which I am eating, and that which I drink? do I hearken any more to the voice of singers and songstresses? and why is thy servant any more for a burden unto my lord the king?
36As a little thing, thy servant doth pass over the Jordan with the king, and why doth the king recompense me this recompense?
37Let, I pray thee, thy servant turn back again, and I die in mine own city, near the burying-place of my father and of my mother, --and lo, thy servant Chimham, let him pass over with my lord the king, and do thou to him that which is good in thine eyes.'
38And the king saith, `With me doth Chimham go over, and I do to him that which is good in thine eyes, yea, all that thou dost fix on me I do to thee.'
39And all the people pass over the Jordan, and the king hath passed over, and the king giveth a kiss to Barzillai, and blesseth him, and he turneth back to his place.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
31And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over the Jordan with the king, to conduct him over the Jordan.
32And Barzillai was very aged, eighty years old; and it was he that had maintained the king while he abode at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.
33And the king said to Barzillai, Pass thou over with me, and I will maintain thee with me in Jerusalem.
34And Barzillai said to the king, How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
35I am this day eighty years old: can I discern between good and bad? can thy servant taste what I eat and what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? and why should thy servant be yet a burden to my lord the king?
36Thy servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king; and why should the king recompense it to me with this reward?
37Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, 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 seems good to thee.
38And the king said, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which seems good to thee; and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.
39And all the people went over the Jordan; and the king went over; and the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned to his own place.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
31Berzellai also the Galaadite coming down from Rogelim, brought the king over the Jordan, being ready also to wait on him beyond the river.
32Now Berzellai the Galaadite was of a great age, that is to say, fourscore years old, and he provided the king with sustenance when he abode in the camp: for he was a man exceeding rich.
33And the king said to Berzellai: Come with me that thou mayest rest secure with me in Jerusalem.
34And Berzellai said to the king: How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
35I am this day fourscore years old, are my senses quick to discern sweet and bitter? or can meat or drink delight thy servant? or can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? why should thy servant be a burden to my lord, the king?
36I thy servant will go on a little way from the Jordan with thee: I need not this recompense.
37But I beseech thee let thy servant return, and die in my own city, and be buried by the sepulchre of my father, and of my mother. But there is thy servant Chamaam, let him go with thee, my lord, the king, and do to him whatsoever seemeth good to thee.
38Then the king said to him: Let Chamaam go over with me, and I will do for him whatsoever shall please thee, and all that thou shalt ask of me, thou shalt obtain.
39And when all the people and the king had passed over the Jordan, the king kissed Berzellai, and blessed him: and he returned to his own place.
Verse in Context
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators uniformly esteem Barzillai's act as a model of loyal, selfless friendship. Matthew Henry calls his support of David during Absalom's rebellion "kindness" and notes that David's offer to sustain him in Jerusalem was a noble attempt to repay it. Adam Clarke emphasizes Barzillai's sincerity, his provision of sustenance at Mahanaim, when David's situation was all but desperate, proves his attachment was genuine. The Cambridge Bible and Keil & Delitzsch agree that Barzillai came down from Rogelim solely to escort the king across the Jordan, not to seek personal gain. His refusal to accept David's invitation is read not as ingratitude but as humble realism about his age and declining senses. Barnes and the Geneva Bible note that Chimham, almost certainly Barzillai's son, received the honor his father declined, and that the farewell kiss and blessing (v.39) mark a dignified conclusion to a relationship marked by generosity on both sides.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Barzillai the Gileadite escorted King David back across the Jordan after Absalom's rebellion, declined a personal reward due to his age, and instead commended his son Chimham to the king's care, receiving a farewell kiss and blessing before returning home.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Barzillai's motivation | He came to escort David across the Jordan out of loyalty and respect, seeking no personal benefit. | Some emphasize his past generosity and see this as a natural extension; others focus on his desire to say a respectful farewell before returning home. The narrative honors both motives. |
| Chimham's identity | Chimham is the person Barzillai commends to David's care, and he accompanies David to Gilgal (v.40). | Most commentators (Clarke, Barnes, Keil & Delitzsch) identify him as Barzillai's son, based on 1 Kings 2:7. A minority view holds he could be a grandson or another relative, but the consensus supports the son interpretation. |
| Barzillai's refusal of David's offer | His refusal is genuine and based on his age and declining senses; it is not false humility or a test of David's sincerity. | Some see a gentle rebuke of court life (sensory pleasures mean little to him). Others read it as practical realism, he would be a burden. Both readings are evident in the text. |
| The 'good and evil' question (v.35) | Barzillai is expressing a limitation, whether of moral discernment or physical senses. | Gill sees it as a decline in intellectual powers; the Cambridge Bible and Matthew Henry treat it as a reference to dulled taste and hearing. The Hebrew phrase is ambiguous, allowing both interpretations without contradiction. |
Historical & Cultural Context
This scene takes place near the Jordan River, shortly after the death of Absalom. David is returning to Jerusalem and to his throne, a moment of restored kingship after a bitter civil war. The Jordan crossing carried deep symbolic weight. For David, it meant leaving exile and reclaiming his capital. For the tribes of Israel, it marked a fresh start after political fracture.
Barzillai the Gileadite is introduced earlier at II Samuel 17:27-29 as one of three men who brought provisions to David at Mahanaim when he fled from Absalom. Mahanaim was east of the Jordan, in Gilead, a region known for its wealthy landowners. Barzillai is described as "a very great man", meaning wealthy and influential. He had used that wealth to sustain David and his army during a desperate time.
Old age in ancient Israel carried a mixed reputation. The psalmist sets the span of life at seventy years, or eighty if one has strength (Psalm 90:10). Eighty was considered extreme old age. Barzillai's description of his limitations, loss of taste, hearing, and the ability to enjoy music, reflects the sensory decline that would have made life at a bustling royal court unattractive. Vocal music was a standard part of Eastern court banquets, as Adam Clarke and the Cambridge Bible note, and Barzillai acknowledges he can no longer appreciate it.
His request to return to his own city to die "by the grave of my father and of my mother" reflects the powerful attraction of the family burial site in Israelite culture. Similar sentiments appear in Judges 8:32, 2 Samuel 2:32, and 2 Samuel 17:23. Death was a gathering to one's ancestors, and Barzillai wants to end his days on home ground.
Chimham, whom Barzillai commends to David, is widely understood by commentators (Clarke, Barnes, Keil & Delitzsch) to be his son. I Kings 2:7 records David's dying command to Solomon to "show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite" because of their loyalty. Jeremiah 41:17 mentions "the habitation of Chimham" near Bethlehem, possibly a land grant from David, concrete evidence that Barzillai's legacy endured for generations.
Textual Notes
The consulted commentaries note no significant textual variants for this passage. The most notable issue is the expression “conduct him over the Jordan” in verse 31, where the Hebrew et-hayyarden is a spatial object (some versions read “the piece in the Jordan”). The Keri and Qere in the Masoretic text differ slightly on the spelling of Chimham (or Chamaam in the Vulgate), but the identity of the person is not in doubt. None of these variants affect the theological sense of the narrative.
Reception History
This account of Barzillai has been treasured across Christian traditions as an example of faithful friendship without expectation of return. Early Jewish writings, including Josephus, praised Barzillai's generosity toward David during his exile. The medieval church saw in Barzillai a type of the righteous elder who, having done his service, peacefully hands the future to the next generation. Reformers like Calvin used the passage to teach contentment and the proper use of wealth, Barzillai gave freely while he could, and when his season ended, he stepped aside without complaint. The mention of Chimham's habitation near Bethlehem (Jeremiah 41:17) has been used in sermons on legacy: the land grant that David gave to Barzillai's son became a place of shelter for fugitives centuries later. Across all eras, the kiss and blessing of verse 39 have been read as a model for gracious farewells between those who have shared hardship and loyalty.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Loyalty that crosses boundaries. Barzillai left his comfortable home in Rogelim to escort David across the Jordan. He had already proven his loyalty by providing for David during exile (2 Sam 17:27-29). Now, when David is restored, Barzillai does not seek reward but offers honour by accompanying the king. His loyalty is not transactional; it is a commitment to a person, not a position.
- Contentment in limitation. Barzillai knows his age and its losses. He has no illusions about his ability to enjoy court life. He refuses David's offer not out of pride or false modesty, but out of honest self-awareness. "Why should your servant be a burden to my lord the king?" he asks. His refusal is an act of love, he will not take what he cannot properly receive.
- Generosity across generations. Barzillai does not send David away empty-handed. He gives his son Chimham to serve the king. In doing so, he passes on both his legacy and his blessing. David accepts the gift and promises to care for Chimham. The episode at Jeremiah 41:17 shows that Chimham's name was still associated with land near Bethlehem generations later. Faithfulness bears fruit long after the faithful one is gone.
Five-point outline
- Arrival: Barzillai comes from Rogelim to escort the king (v.31).
- Recognition: David remembers Barzillai's past provision and offers him a place in Jerusalem (v.32-33).
- Refusal: Barzillai declines, listing the honest losses of old age, taste, hearing, discernment (v.34-35).
- Request: He asks only to return home and die among his ancestors, then offers Chimham in his place (v.36-37).
- Restoration: David accepts, kisses and blesses Barzillai, and the old man returns home (v.38-39).
Illustration hooks
- The story of an elderly person who refuses a prestigious retirement offer because they know their real needs are simpler: a garden, a rocking chair, time with grandchildren. Barzillai already has what matters, home, family, and the peace of a well-spent life.
- A parent who steps aside so the next generation can take a visible role, handing over the keys of a family business or the pulpit of a church. Barzillai uses his last move to lift up his son.
Questions your congregation is asking
- How do I know when to accept a new opportunity and when to gracefully decline it?
- What does it look like to support others in a way that does not expect repayment?
- How can I bless the people coming after me, even when my own season of active service is ending?
Leading a Discussion
This passage shows us a man who has learned how to give generously and step aside gracefully. Barzillai's whole approach to David, from provision in crisis to escort at the restored king's return, is marked by humility and genuine affection. As you read II Samuel 19:31-39 together, let his example shape how you think about loyalty, old age, and leaving a legacy.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think Barzillai made the journey from Rogelim to the Jordan? What does his presence tell you about his character?
- David offers to sustain Barzillai in Jerusalem, a generous gesture. Why does Barzillai turn it down? Is his refusal insulting or wise?
- Barzillai asks, “Can I discern between good and bad?” In your view, is he talking about moral judgment, sensory perception, or something else? How do the commentaries enrich your reading?
- What do Barzillai’s references to taste, hearing, and singing reveal about life in the royal court, and about his own self-knowledge?
- Barzillai asks to return home to die by the graves of his parents. What does this tell you about family, place, and death in ancient Israel? How does that connect to your own hopes at the end of life?
- Barzillai brings Chimham forward as his replacement. How does this act function as both a blessing and a commission? What older people have blessed you in a similar way?
- The king kisses Barzillai and blesses him before they part. How does this farewell scene reflect the relationship between loyalty and love? Where do you see that dynamic in your church community?
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| II Samuel 17:27 | When David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, |
| II Samuel 17:29 | honey, butter, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and for the people who were with him to eat; for they said, “The people are hungry, weary, and thirsty in the wilderness.” |
| I Kings 2:7 | But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table; for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother. |
| Ezra 2:61 | Of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Hakkoz, and the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name. |
| Nehemiah 7:63 | Of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name. |
| Genesis 5:27 | All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty-nine years, then he died. |
| Genesis 9:29 | All the days of Noah were nine hundred fifty years, and then he died. |
| Genesis 25:7 | These are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred seventy-five years. |
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
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What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke focuses on the physical realities of Barzillai's old age—dulled hearing and lost appetite—as a vivid contrast to the pleasures of court life. He draws attention to the vocal music performed by male and female singers at Eastern banquets, a custom still familiar in his day. He also identifies Chimham as Barzillai's son and treats David's kiss and blessing as a prophetic benediction.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes notes that Chimham accepted David's offer and settled near Bethlehem, where his house still bore that name at the time of the captivity. He also observes that the term "people" in this narrative refers specifically to David's followers, who crossed the ford while David and his household crossed by ferry.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentary highlights specific cultural and linguistic details, noting that "provided of sustenance" uses an obsolete preposition. It explains that royal banquets included musicians, that the strong desire for family burial was a notable custom, and suggests Chimham, Barzillai’s son, may have received land near Bethlehem from David.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
Barzillai declines David's generous offer to live in Jerusalem because his advanced age, eighty years, prevents him from enjoying food, drink or song. He wants to return home to die and be buried with his parents, so he sends his son Chimham in his place to serve the king.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights Barzillai's humility and self-awareness in refusing David's offer. Despite having generously supported the king, the eighty-year-old considered himself too old for court life, unable to enjoy its pleasures or be useful, and would only be a burden. He gently declined the reward, asking only to return home and die in his own city, while offering his son Chimham to serve the king instead.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch highlight Barzillai's striking self-awareness: at eighty, he knows he can no longer enjoy the king's feasts or music, so he declines David's offer and asks to return home to die. His only request is that the kindness shown to him pass to his son Chimham.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry observes that David, having forgiven those who wronged him, now turns to reward those who helped him. Barzillai stands out not for accepting the king's offer but for declining it with humility, content to end his days at home rather than become a burden in Jerusalem, yet still providing his son to serve the king.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley highlights that the speaker, old and worn, can no longer enjoy court pleasures because his senses are dulled. He considers himself useless and a burden, so his only wish is to return to his own city and die peacefully in the place prepared for him, like going to his nest.