Barzillai was an elderly and wealthy man who lived in the town of Rogelim during the time of King David. He is mentioned in 2 Samuel 17 and 2 Samuel 19 in the Old Testament. Here is a summary of what the Bible reveals about Barzillai:
Barzillai provided food and supplies for David
When David was fleeing from his son Absalom who had rebelled against him, Barzillai brought food, beds, bowls, pots and other supplies for David and his men at Mahanaim (2 Samuel 17:27-29). This generous act reveals Barzillai’s loyalty and kindness towards David in his difficult time of need.
Barzillai was very old at the time he helped David
The Bible notes that Barzillai was “a very aged man” when he assisted David (2 Samuel 19:32). So he was elderly, but still sought to serve and support the king in his old age.
David invited Barzillai to stay with him in Jerusalem
After Absalom’s defeat and death, David returned to Jerusalem. As he was passing back through the Jordan valley, David invited Barzillai to come live with him in Jerusalem so he could take care of him in his old age (2 Samuel 19:33). However, Barzillai declined the offer.
Barzillai preferred to stay near home and eventually die in his own city
Barzillai politely declined David’s invitation, saying he was too old to enjoy life in Jerusalem. At his advanced age, he did not desire fancy food, entertainment and socializing. Rather, Barzillai preferred to stay near home in Rogelim and die among his own people (2 Samuel 19:34-37).
David blessed Barzillai and took care of his son Chimham
David respected Barzillai’s decision and blessed him for his kindness. He told Barzillai he hoped God would honor him in return. David also took Barzillai’s son Chimham under his care to look after him at his court in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19:38-40).
Key traits and character qualities of Barzillai
Based on these passages, we can discern some key character traits about Barzillai:
- Generous – He gave food and supplies to aid David in his time of distress
- Hospitable – He welcomed David’s men into his home and town
- Loyal – He supported King David even when David was dethroned for a time
- Humble – He turned down David’s offer to care for him in Jerusalem
- Content – He was satisfied with staying in his home town until death
- Wise – He knew what was best for himself at his old age
- Fatherly – He arranged for his son Chimham’s future care
Lessons and spiritual applications from Barzillai’s life
Though brief, Barzillai’s story provides some valuable lessons and highlights godly qualities for believers to emulate:
- Be generous, loyal and hospitable even in difficult times
- Use our resources to serve others, as Barzillai used his wealth
- Age should not prevent us from doing good and serving God as he enables us
- Be humble and content with simplicity rather than desiring recognition or reward
- Seeking God’s will is more important than personal comfort or ambition
- Making future provisions for family and the next generation is wise
In summary, Barzillai provides a shining example of faithfulness, godly character and generosity even in old age. His life illustrates how believers should use their resources to bless others and serve God’s purposes in this world until He calls us home.
Other men named Barzillai in the Old Testament
There are two other men named Barzillai mentioned in the Old Testament besides the one who helped King David:
1. Barzillai the Meholathite
Barzillai was the father of Adriel, who married King Saul’s daughter Michal (2 Samuel 21:8). Unfortunately, Saul later gave Michal to David as a wife instead.
2. Barzillai the Gileadite
Barzillai the Gileadite was the father of a son who married a daughter of the priest Eliashib (Ezra 2:61). His descendants were considered priests despite an uncertain genealogy.
The importance of remembering our forefathers in the faith
The story of Barzillai, though brief, reminds us of the importance of remembering the “cloud of witnesses” that have gone before us (Hebrews 12:1). Their examples of faithfulness to God, generosity, loyalty and godly living continue to inspire the Church throughout the generations. As Hebrews 13:7 (ESV) says:
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
We honor figures like Barzillai when we recount their stories and apply the lessons from their lives. Though the details may be sparse, we can still extract nuggets of biblical wisdom from their Spirit-inspired accounts in Scripture that point us to Christ.
Barzillai’s wealthy background
Though Barzillai’s family background is unknown, he was clearly a very wealthy man based on his ability to provide so abundantly for David and his troops. As a resident of Rogelim near the Jordan River, he likely gained wealth from agriculture and land holdings, as well as caravan trade along the major east-west transportation routes.
Barzillai had enough sheep, cattle and provisions stored up to feed hundreds of David’s men fleeing from Absalom. He also gave them bedding and utensils for daily living. This reveals he had an estate big enough to house and support these soldiers.
Unlike many wealthy men, Barzillai used his riches generously and for godly purposes by supporting the godly King David in his time of adversity. His generosity was motivated by his devotion to David as God’s chosen king.
The location of Rogelim, Barzillai’s hometown
The only biblical clues about Barzillai’s hometown Rogelim are that it was near the Jordan River in the land of Gilead. Based on this information, scholars speculate two possible locations:
- Near the Jabbok River just south of the Sea of Galilee
- About 12 miles south of the Sea of Galilee on a hilltop
Either site would have enabled Barzillai to supply David’s troops as they fled from Jerusalem east across the Jordan River. Rogelim’s hilltop elevation also made it easier to spot David’s approaching men.
The exact coordinates of ancient Rogelim remain a mystery. But it seems to have been an ideal spot for a wealthy man like Barzillai to reside near the king’s highway for trade while also overseeing large agricultural estates.
The meaning of Barzillai’s name
In the Hebrew language, the name Barzillai means “man of iron” or “son of iron.” It comes from the words “barzel” meaning iron and “ben” meaning son of.
This strong, metallic name seems fitting for a stalwart man of wealth and resources like Barzillai. Despite his aged condition, he vigorously supplied David and sustained him when the kingdom was under threat. Barzillai truly acted as “a man of iron” in his loyal service to King David.
The name also connects Barzillai to qualities like strength, resilience, righteousness and firmness for God. He was dedicated in his support for King David, God’s chosen leader. Barzillai lived up to the meaning of his name in difficult times.
Theories about Barzillai’s motivation for helping David
Why did Barzillai go to such great effort to help King David in his hour of need? Some theories suggest:
- Loyalty to God’s chosen king – David was the Lord’s anointed leader
- Hatred of Absalom’s rebellion – Barzillai wanted the true king restored
- Favor for David’s past military victories – David defended Israel against enemies
- Future reward expectations – Barzillai hoped to be compensated
The text itself does not specify Barzillai’s motivations. But since he refused David’s offer of compensation in his old age, reward was likely not his main motive. Rather, piety and loyalty seem to have driven his support for David in line with God’s will.
Chimham – Barzillai’s son who accompanied David
Chimham was the son of Barzillai the Gileadite who accompanied David to Jerusalem after Absalom’s defeat (2 Samuel 19:37-40). David promised to care for Chimham at his court on behalf of Barzillai.
Later, the prophet Jeremiah mentions Chimham in a prophecy about God’s judgment on Egypt (Jeremiah 41:17). Jewish refugees in Egypt appealed to Johanan to spare them in the name of Chimham.
From this reference, we learn that Chimham likely settled in Egypt for a period of time and built an estate or caravanserai called “Geruth Chimham” near Bethlehem. The site hosted Jewish pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem.
Though details are limited, Chimham seems to have become a prominent man like his father Barzillai. He likely gained favor and wealth through the blessing of King David in Jerusalem.
The hidden riches of obscure biblical characters
Barzillai’s brief storyline offers lessons about finding value in each person presented in Scripture:
- God purposefully includes minor characters in His Word.
- Seemingly insignificant details can yield depth of meaning on closer inspection.
- Faithfulness in small things matters to God.
- Minor characters exemplify qualities to emulate.
- Their lives testify to God’s workings through ordinary people.
Like finding hidden treasure in a field (Matthew 13:44), probing the lives of little-known biblical figures uncovers riches of righteousness that enlighten and inspire. As God’s divine authorship guided the human writers, we can trust that no detail was included accidentally in Scripture.
Barzillai foreshadows those who served Christ
In some respects, Barzillai’s life foreshadows those who served Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry:
- Joseph of Arimathea gave his own tomb for Christ’s burial (Luke 23:50-53)
- Nicodemus and women supporters gave costly spices for His proper burial (John 19:39-40)
- Women like Joanna helped support Christ’s work from their means (Luke 8:1-3)
- Zacchaeus and many others gave up wealth to follow Jesus (Luke 19:1-10)
- Barnabas sold property to meet needs of the early church (Acts 4:36-37)
Like Barzillai, these faithful followers used their resources to serve God’s purposes. In big and small ways, they sacrificed and gave generously to sustain Jesus’ ministry and the embryonic church.
Barzillai’s lasting legacy
For generations to come, Barzillai’s legacy remained:
- His help for King David is forever recorded in the Bible.
- His name is attached to the great miraculous crossing of the Jordan (1 Kings 2:7).
- He is honored among the biblical saints who demonstrated true godliness.
- His example of loyalty, service and generosity continues to inspire believers.
- His life story points people to Christ as the ultimate generous Servant and King.
By a few simple acts of kindness, Barzillai gained eternal significance. His lasting legacy encourages us to use our time, talents and treasures for that which advances God’s kingdom.
Someday like Barzillai, we too hope to hear our Savior say: “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:23 ESV).