Overview
The Bible addresses barzillai across 12 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Samuel. Closely related themes include Contentment, Old Age, Armies of Israel, the and Communion With God. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David.
Key Bible verses about barzillai
Old Testament
2 Samuel
And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, basons: or, cups
And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.
Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.
And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.
And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? How: Heb. How many days are the years of my life
I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?
Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.
And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee. require: Heb. choose
And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.
People in the Bible and barzillai
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying barzillai for yourself
- Begin with 2 Samuel 17:27, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of David and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Contentment, Old Age, Armies of Israel, the and Communion With God.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about barzillai?
The Bible addresses barzillai across 12 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Samuel. Closely related themes include Contentment, Old Age, Armies of Israel, the and Communion With God. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David.
How many Bible verses are about barzillai?
The Bible references barzillai in 12 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention barzillai?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 2 Samuel 17:27: “And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,”
Which people in the Bible are associated with barzillai?
David.
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