2 Samuel 19:31-40

Easy-to-Read Version

David Asks Barzillai to Come With Him

³¹ Barzillai of Gilead came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan River with King David and send him on his way home. ³² Barzillai was a very old man, 80 years old. He had given the king food and other things when David was staying at Mahanaim. Barzillai could do this because he was a very rich man. ³³ David said to Barzillai, “Come across the river with me. I will take care of you if you will live in Jerusalem with me.”

³⁴ But Barzillai said to the king, “Do you know how old I am? Do you think I can go with you to Jerusalem? ³⁵ I am 80 years old! I am too old to tell what is bad or good. I cannot taste what I eat or drink or hear the voices of men and women singers. Why should you want to be bothered with me? ³⁶ I don’t need any of the things that you want to give me. I will cross the Jordan River with you. ³⁷ Then please let me go back so that I can die in my own town and be buried in the grave of my father and mother. But here is Kimham; take him back with you as a servant, my lord and king. Do whatever you want with him.”

³⁸ The king answered, “Kimham will go back with me. I will be kind to him for you. I will do anything for you.”

David Goes Back Home

³⁹ The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him. Barzillai went back home, and the king and all the people went across the river.

⁴⁰ The king crossed the Jordan River to Gilgal. Kimham went with him. All the people of Judah and half the people of Israel led David across the river.