2 Samuel 19:31-39

Modern English Version

³¹ Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim in order to see the king across the Jordan. ³² Barzillai was very old, eighty years old. But he sustained the king during his stay in Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man. ³³ The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me and I will sustain you with me in Jerusalem.”

³⁴ Barzillai said to the king, “How many days are left in my life that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? ³⁵ I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is pleasant from what is harmful? Can your servant taste what I eat and what I drink? Can I still hear the voices of men and women who sing? Why, then, should your servant be a burden to my lord the king? ³⁶ Your servant is merely crossing over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king repay me with this reward? ³⁷ Now allow your servant to return, that I may die in my own city with the grave of my father and my mother. But here is your servant Kimham. He will cross over with my lord the king. Do for him what seems best to you.”

³⁸ The king said, “Kimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems best to you. Whatever you require of me, I will do for you.”

³⁹ All of the people crossed over the Jordan. And when the king had crossed over, the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him and he returned to his own place.