1. Barzilaiy the Giladi is offered reward by Dovid but declined the offer:
- Barzilaiy the Giladi had descended from the city of Roglim to escort the king past the Jordan River. Barzilaiy was very old at 80 years of age, and he sustained the king with food when the king was living in Machanayim, as Barzilaiy was a very great man [and very wealthy[1]].
- Dovid’s offer: The king then said to Barzilaiy, “Travel back with me to Jerusalem and I will sustain you while you are there.”
- Barzilaiy declines the offer: However, Barzilaiy refused the offer by saying to the king, “How many years are left of my life that I should ascend with the king to Jerusalem? I am today 80 years of age and do not know the difference between good and bad regarding the foods that I taste and the beverages that I drink. I likewise find no pleasure anymore in hearing song and musical instruments and therefore why should I become a burden to my master the king. I have barely crossed the Jordan River together with you, and therefore am undeserving of such kindness of this magnitude from the king. Please let your servant return to his city and die there so he can be buried together with the graves of his father and mother. Let your servant [my son[2]] Kimham travel with you my master the king back to Jerusalem and you can do with him as is good in your eyes.”
- Barzilaiy parts from Dovid after he crossed the Jordan: The king accepted his offer and agreed to have Kimham return with him to Jerusalem, and the king promised, “I will do for him all that is good in your eyes, and whatever you choose upon me I shall do for you.” The entire nation crossed the Jordan River together with the king. [Prior to parting with] Barzilaiy, the king kissed him and blessed him, and he returned to his place.
[1] Rashi 19:33
[2] Rashi 19:38
Related Articles
📄 Daily Tanach – Ovadiah Chapter 1: Judgment on Edom and the Final Triumph of God’s Kingdom
Post Views: 28 The Divine Summons Against Edom (Ovadiah 1–2) The book opens with a prophetic vision revealed to Ovadiah. God announces that the nations have been summoned against Edom for war. Though Edom once considered itself powerful and secure, God declares that He has made it small and despised
📄 Daily Tanach – Amos Chapter 9: Inescapable Judgment and Eternal Restoration
Post Views: 35 The Final Vision: Judgment Without Escape (Amos 9:1–4) Amos concludes his prophecies with a powerful vision of God standing beside the altar and commanding its destruction. The imagery signals that no place—even sacred spaces—can provide refuge. God declares that none of the sinners will escape: not by
📄 Daily Tanach – Amos Chapter 8: The Final End, Economic Corruption, and Spiritual Famine
Post Views: 42 The Vision of the Basket of Summer Fruit (Amos 8:1–3) Amos is shown a vision of a basket of late (summer) figs. When asked what he sees, Amos responds plainly, and God reveals the meaning: the end has come for Israel. Just as summer fruit marks the
📄 Daily Tanach – Amos Chapter 7: Visions of Judgment and the Clash with False Authority
Post Views: 44 The Vision of the Locusts and God’s Mercy (Amos 7:1–3) Amos is shown a vision in which God forms locusts at a critical moment—after the king’s mowings, when the later growth is essential for survival. As the locusts finish consuming the land, Amos intercedes on Israel’s behalf,
📄 Daily Tanach –Amos Chapter 6: Complacency, Arrogance, and Inevitable Exile
Post Views: 55 Condemnation of Complacent Confidence (Amos 6:1) The chapter opens with a declaration of woe against those who feel secure and at ease in Zion and Samaria. These leaders see themselves as preeminent among the nations, assuming that their status and power guarantee safety. Their confidence leads to
📄 Daily Tanach –Amos Chapter 5: A Lament, a Call to Repentance, and the Rejection of Hollow Worship
Post Views: 47 A Lament Over Fallen Israel (Amos 5:1–3) Amos begins with a funeral lament for the house of Israel. He speaks of Israel as a fallen virgin who will not rise again, abandoned on her land with no one to lift her up. The devastation will be massive:
Leave A Comment?
You must be logged in to post a comment.