Hospitality goes a long way. We learn the benefits of caring for those in difficult times through a man named Barzillai. Although a few men in the Bible go by this name, one seems more prominent than the others. The man named Barzillai who appears in 2 Samuel 17 and 2 Samuel 19.
This man from Gilead cared for David when he fled from his son Absalom. And David takes care of Barzillai for future generations to come. Today, we’ll uncover the person of Barzillai, what he did for David, and how he saw that generosity returned to him.
What Did Barzillai Do in the Bible?
Barzillai, whose name means “iron,” steps onto the scene during a rebellion.
For those who don’t know anything about Absalom, King David had several wayward sons. They’d done all sorts of terrible crimes—from committing rape to plotting to overthrow David. Absalom fell into the latter category.
Absalom leads a rebellion against King David that forces David into hiding for some time. Although David had experienced this before with King Saul, we can imagine the betrayal he felt at the hands of his own son.
David wanders for quite some time, away from Abasalom’s watchful gaze, and lands in Manhanaim—located beyond the Jordan River.
We don’t get many details about the location, but we know it resides in the mountainous region of Gilead.
When David lands in Manhanaim, several people take care of him. They go by the names Shobi, Makir, and Barzillai. In a previous chapter, as David wanders, people even go as far as to curse him, but not these three men.
They see David and instantly care for his needs.
Some of their provisions include a bed, pottery dishes and vessels, different types of flour, beans, honey, and cheese, amongst several other things.
They met the physical needs of David. They also mention that David and his men must’ve been exhausted from wandering in the wilderness.
The passage doesn’t dwell too much on these men, but the fact it lists them by name says something. David would remember their kindness forever.
David stays with them until one of David’s men kills Absalom. When this happens, it’s safe enough for David to return to his land.
He invites the men who cared for him to join him. He offers to take care of Barzillai at the palace. Barzillai declines. Why? Because of his age.
How Old Was Barzillai?
When David returns to Jerusalem, Barzillai is 80 years old. And although by today’s standards, that could mean he had several years left—by ancient standards, he was at death’s door. Still, the man who talks about his waning sight (about how all his senses are deadening) takes time to care for David.
He could have easily said, “Let one of the younger people handle it. I’ve done my time in the caring-for-people department and am now enjoying my well-earned retirement.”
He tells David he cannot join him in Jerusalem because of his age, as he wants to be buried with his ancestors. However, he sends his servant to join David across the Jordan River.
The servant goes by the name Kimham and is likely the son of Barzillai. In sending him along to David, he’s essentially saying, “You can’t take care of me at this point, but I’ll send my son in my stead. Take care of and treat him well, as I have treated you well.”
We’d naturally think this is the stopping point for the story.
But we see Barzillai’s name pop up again later in Scripture.
David is instructing his son Solomon—when David is on his deathbed. He tells him to care for Barzillai’s descendants (1 Kings 2). As Barzillai cared for David, he would forever repay Barzillai’s hospitality.
When I think of this story, I think of the story of Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was the only living relative of Saul at the time. David took care of him on account of Saul’s son, Jonathan. Jonathan had shown David great kindness, so David paid it forward.
In the same way, Barzillai cared for David, and David implored his son to keep repaying Barzillai’s family for their kindness. We don’t know for how long this tradition stays in place. After all, the kingdom split after Solomon’s reign. It’s unclear if Solomon’s kin keep up the acts of hospitality.
But we can rest assured that, at the very least, Barzillai’s descendants reaped the benefits of his gracious acts for decades.
We don’t see any further mentions of Barzillai in Scripture beyond other people with the same name.
But, this man named Barzillai in 2 Samuel has a great deal to teach us.
What Can We Learn from Barzillai?
In a world so focused on instant gratification, I’ve witnessed all generations not do kind things. People often avoid doing kind or hospitable acts because there is no immediate payment. It takes our time, resources, and energy to care for someone during their most difficult moments, and we can often give up if there isn’t an immediate reward.
When we experience these moments of selfishness, it may be best to look to the person of Barzillai. He has a great deal to teach us about kindness.
1. Hospitality has no expiration date.
Hospitality is for all ages. Barzillai stepped up to the challenge at the ripe age of 80.
In our world today, we’re often encouraged to throw things into the next generation once we get beyond a certain age. Although our bodies can only handle so much exertion past a certain age, this does not exempt us from caring for others. As author Jim N. Watkins says, “If you’re not dead, you’re not done.” We have a mission on earth to continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need of good news.
2. We need to meet physical needs before we meet spiritual needs.
Meeting spiritual needs is important. We do need to share the gospel and preach the good news of Jesus.
However, we cannot do so if those hurting don’t have their physical needs met first.
After all, Jesus says, “If your children ask for bread, which of you would give them a stone?”
Sometimes, we like to jump the gun and jump straight into the repent-and-be-saved messages. But as we see with the example of David and Barzillai, sometimes getting to someone’s heart begins with making sure they have a bed. Food. Shelter.
In a culture that likes to cut corners, we can often like to do the same when it comes to caring for others.
3. We need to be future-generation-minded.
Sometimes, we will not reap the benefits of our actions, but our children will.
Our world encourages us to seek temporary happiness and not think about the consequences it’ll have on our kids. While we shouldn’t actively try to live miserable lives just so that our children can have a good future, I’ve noticed an increasing, alarming acedia toward younger generations.
We have convinced ourselves that Jesus is coming back soon, so it doesn’t matter what happens to them.
When, in fact, no one knows the hour of our Lord’s return. Perhaps it will be a year from now, perhaps one hundred years.
But I imagine we don’t want our Lord to find us “sleeping on the job.” We would have no excuse for him if we told him we didn’t follow his commands to care for the poor, needy, and hungry because we just wanted him to return.
The gospel is actionable. Like Barzillai, we need to be hospitable witnesses for Christ. After all, we have no idea what planting kind actions can do for our children's future.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/pcess609
Hope Bolinger is an acquisitions editor at End Game Press, book editor for hire, and the author of almost 30 books. More than 1500 of her works have been featured in various publications. Check out her books at hopebolinger.com for clean books in most genres, great for adults and kids. Check out her editing profile at Reedsy.com to find out about hiring her for your next book project.
This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity:
How Did the Apostle Paul Die?
Who are the Nicolaitans in Revelation?
Who Was Deborah in the Bible?
Who Was Moses in the Bible?
King Solomon's Story in the Bible
Who Was Lot's Wife in the Bible?
Who Was Jezebel in the Bible?
Who Was the Prodigal Son?
