Thy seruant will goe a little way ouer Iordane with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward? 2 Samuel 19:36 (KJV)
In this verse we see an interaction between King David and the elderly Gileadite Barzillai. The background is the aftermath of Absalom’s rebellion. After Absalom’s defeat and death, David prepared to return to Jerusalem as the rightful king. Barzillai, a wealthy and aged man, had shown great kindness to David during his exile, providing food and shelter for the king and his followers while they fled from Absalom. As David crossed the Jordan and prepared to re‑enter his kingdom, he offered Barzillai a place in Jerusalem and a reward for his loyalty.
Barzillai’s reply—“Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense me with such a reward?”—highlights several key themes. First, his loyalty is expressed without expectation of gain; he serves out of devotion, not for personal advantage. Second, his humility is evident as he declines the king’s generous offer, acknowledging his old age and desire to remain in his own land. Third, his gratitude and generosity are displayed in the way he cared for David’s household during a time of great need. Although the verse does not mention God directly, the surrounding narrative shows that Barzillai’s provision was part of God’s providential care for David, demonstrating how ordinary people can become instruments of divine faithfulness.
From this passage we can draw practical lessons. True loyalty should be motivated by love and self‑lessness rather than the hope of reward. Humility and gratitude are virtues that deepen our relationships and reflect the character of Christ. Finally, the story reminds us that God often works through simple acts of kindness; our generosity, however modest, can play a role in God’s larger purposes. Embracing these principles can transform our conduct, strengthen our faith, and honor the timeless wisdom found in Barzillai’s heartfelt words.
