Barzillai was an influential Gileadite. His name may mean “made of iron.”
Gileadite could refer to a territory, a trible and possibly a city in the region to the east of the Jordan. The region was a highland that rises from the valley of the Jordan. These hills and valleys were well watered, making it a well-forested one, facilitating the growth of grapes and olives. The “balm of Gilead” was proverbial – Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11. As a city, Gilead is mentioned as a city of evildoers Hosea 6:8, although Hosea was writing in a time much later than that of Barzillai. Gileadites were also known as a tribe or family coming from the territory of Gad in Gilead.
Along with two others, Shobi and Machi, Barzillai brought generous supplies of food and equipment for David and his men at Mahanaim during the rebellion of David’s son, Absalom.
After Absalom’s defeat, Barzillai provided an escort for David beyond the ford of the Jordan. In gratitude for Barzillai’s friendship and support, David invited him to become a member of the royal court. Barzillai was a man of advanced years and felt he should not accept the invitation. He proposed that his son Chimham be accepted in his place.
Barzillai’s merit and deeds may have been even more significant than the biblical story seems to indicate. This could be inferred from the David’s final instructions to his son, Solmon, before his death. David told Solomon to deal loyally with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite and “let them be among those who eat at your table; for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from your brother Absalom.”
The story of Barzillai shows a man who could be loyal even at a time when it was not certain David would prevail. He fed David and his army simply because he knew they were hungry. Nor did he ask for anything because of his deed. Despite David’s sometimes limited moral behavior, he responded with a pure gratitude that he passed on to his son.
What kind of people like Barzillai have you known?
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