Old Testament: 2Sa 19.31–33

To read the Bible in a year, read Second Samuel 19–20 on April 28, In the year of our Lord Christ 2023

By Don Ruhl 

Absalom failed to kill his father David and failed to take over the kingdom of Israel, partly because David had many people who helped him, including a man by the name of Barzillai: 

And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and went across the Jordan with the king, to escort him across the Jordan. Now Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. And he had provided the king with supplies while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man. And the king said to Barzillai, “Come across with me, and I will provide for you while you are with me in Jerusalem.”

– 2 Samuel 19.31–33 

Note some wonderful things about this man: 

• He escorted David back to the Jordan, although Barzillai was 80 years old 
• He helped David when he needed it, although Absalom could have killed him for helping David 
• He was very rich, but he did not use his riches only for himself but helped others 

No wonder David wanted this man to come back to Jerusalem, since Jerusalem was probably the place to live at the time, and Barzillai would have all that he needed and more. 

If you are old, do not give up doing good things for others. 

If someone old has helped you, find a way to bless him. 

Questions: 

• Where is Rogelim? 
• Have you heard old people say in regard to youth, that if only they knew then what they know now? 
• If you have heard someone say that, ask what they know now that they wish they had known when they were young. 

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