2 Samuel 19:31-39

International Standard Version

David’s Mercy for Barzillai

³¹ Barzillai the Gileadite also had come down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan River with the king and to see him on his way from there. ³² Now Barzillai was a very old man at the age of 80 years. A very wealthy man, Barzillai^[a] had provided for king David during his sojourn in Mahanaim.^{[b] 33} So the king invited Barzillai, “Cross the Jordan River^[c] with me, live with me in Jerusalem, and I’ll provide for you there.”^[d]

³⁴ “How many more years do I have to live,” Barzillai replied to the king, “that I should move to Jerusalem with the king? ³⁵ I’m now 80 years old! I can hardly tell the difference between what tastes^[e] good or bad! I can’t tell what I eat or drink! I can’t hear the voice of men and women when they sing! So why should your servant be an added burden to your majesty the king? ³⁶ Your servant will cross the Jordan River^[f] with the king for a short distance, but why should the king offer me this reward? ³⁷ Please let your servant return so I can die in my own home town near the grave of my father and mother. Meanwhile, here is your servant Chimham!^[g] Let him accompany your majesty the king. Please do for him whatever seems best to you.”

³⁸ So the king answered, “Chimham will accompany me, and I’ll do for him whatever seems best to you! I’ll do anything for you that you want!” ³⁹ Then all the people crossed the Jordan River,^[h] followed by the king. The king embraced^[i] Barzillai, blessed him, and then Barzillai^[j] returned to his home.^[k]