“And 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.”
Context:This verse is part of the narrative describing the return of King David to Jerusalem after his son Absalom’s rebellion. Barzillai, a wealthy and generous man from Gilead, had provided support to David and his men during their time of exile. Now that David was victorious and returning to his throne, Barzillai accompanied him as he crossed the Jordan River.
Loyalty and Generosity:Barzillai’s actions highlight the importance of loyalty and generosity. Despite his advanced age, he had provided essential supplies and provisions to David and his followers when they were in need. This act of kindness demonstrated his loyalty to the king. In our own lives, we should strive to be loyal to those we care about and show generosity toward others, especially in their times of need.
Gratitude and Blessings:Upon David’s return to Jerusalem, he expressed his gratitude toward Barzillai by kissing him and bestowing a blessing upon him. David recognised Barzillai’s selfless support and wanted to show his appreciation. As followers of Christ, we should also cultivate a spirit of gratitude and express it to those who have been a blessing in our lives. We can demonstrate our gratitude through kind words, acts of service, and prayer.
Humility and Contentment:Barzillai chose to return to his own place rather than remain with David in Jerusalem. This decision reflects his humility and contentment. Despite being offered a prestigious position and the opportunity to be close to the king, Barzillai recognised the importance of his home and responsibilities. He was content with serving his own people and contributing to their well-being. This teaches us the value of humility, contentment, and prioritising our God-given roles and responsibilities.
Faithfulness and Legacy:Barzillai’s support for David left a lasting legacy. His act of kindness was remembered and celebrated, even after his passing. Later in the same chapter (2 Samuel 19:31-40), we read how Barzillai recommended Chimham, his son, to accompany David to Jerusalem and receive the king’s favour. This demonstrates the long-lasting impact of our faithfulness and generosity. It encourages us to consider how our actions today can have a lasting impact on future generations.
Application:From this verse, we can learn the importance of loyalty, generosity, gratitude, humility, contentment, and faithfulness. We should strive to be loyal and generous to others, express gratitude when appropriate, cultivate humility and contentment, and consider the legacy we are leaving behind. Through our actions, we can make a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute to God’s kingdom on Earth.
Remember, studying the Bible in its entirety, including the surrounding context and the counsel of other believers, is important to gain a comprehensive understanding of God’s Word.
