2 Samuel 19:31-39

New International Reader's Version

³¹ Barzillai had also come down to go across the Jordan River with the king. He wanted to send the king on his way from there. Barzillai was from Rogelim in the land of Gilead. ³² He was very old. He was 80 years old. He had given the king everything he needed while the king was staying in Mahanaim. That’s because Barzillai was very wealthy. ³³ The king said to Barzillai, “Come across the river with me. Stay with me in Jerusalem. I’ll take good care of you.”

³⁴ But Barzillai said to the king, “I won’t live for many more years. So why should I go up to Jerusalem with you? ³⁵ I’m already 80 years old. I can hardly tell the difference between what is enjoyable and what isn’t. I can hardly taste what I eat and drink. I can’t even hear the voices of male and female singers anymore. So why should I add my problems to yours? ³⁶ I’ll go across the Jordan River with you for a little way. Why should you reward me by taking care of me? ³⁷ Let me go back home. Then I can die in my own town. I can be buried there in the tomb of my father and mother. But let Kimham take my place. Let him go across the river with you. Do for him whatever you wish.”

³⁸ The king said, “Kimham will go across with me. I’ll do for him whatever you wish. And I’ll do for you anything you wish.”

³⁹ So all the people went across the Jordan River. Then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and said goodbye to him. And Barzillai went back home.