32 Now Barzillai was very old , being eighty years old ; and he had sustained the king while he stayed at Mahanaim , for he was a very great man . 33 The king said to Barzillai , "You cross over with me and I will sustain you in Jerusalem with me." 34 But Barzillai said to the king , " How long have I yet to live , that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem ? 35 "I am now eighty years old . Can I distinguish between good and bad ? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink ? Or can I hear anymore the voice of singing men and women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king ? 36 "Your servant would merely cross over the Jordan with the king . Why should the king compensate me with this reward ? 37 "Please let your servant return , that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother . However, here is your servant Chimham , let him cross over with my lord the king , and do for him what is good in your sight ." 38 The king answered , "Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your sight ; and whatever e you require of me, I will do for you." 39 All the people crossed over the Jordan and the king crossed too. The king then kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:32-39
Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:31-39
(Read 2 Samuel 19:31-39)
Barzillai thought he had done himself honour in doing the king any service. Thus, when the saints shall be called to inherit the kingdom, they will be amazed at the recompence being so very far beyond the service, Matthew 25:37. A good man would not go any where to be burdensome; or, will rather be so to his own house than to another's. It is good for all, but especially becomes old people, to think and speak much of dying. The grave is ready for me, let me go and get ready for it.