Bazillai

BARZILLAI

          We read very little about Barzillai in the Bible. Yet, the love and care shown by him to King David and his team when they fled from Jerusalem is regarded as one of the most hospitable acts recorded in the Bible. He is being introduced to us as a Senior Citizen of 80 years. The age did not deter him from helping right people even under difficult situations. We read his story in chapters 17 & 19 of II Samuel. He is a little known person. However, we learn great lessons from him.

          When Absalom caused a split among the followers of King David and proclaimed himself as the King of Judea, David and his followers fled from Jerusalem fearing Absaloms’ assault. They ran towards a town called Mahanaim, close to the forests. Absalom followed them and camped in the land of Gilead. At Mahanaim, three persons, viz. Shobi, Machir and Barzillai met David and his team with food items and certain essential things. (II Sam. 17/27-30) Similarly, when David returned from Mahanaim after defeating Absalom a few weeks later, Barzilla met David again (11 Samuel 19/31-39). In short, Barzillai met David on two occasions. Barzillai displayed extraordinary level of hospitality, love and affection towards David, which simply surprises every one. A careful study of the scriptures reveals as to how Barzillai was different from others. I would like to mention a few points.

Point-1:- When David and his men are fleeing from Jerusalem and arrived at Mahanaim, Barzilla and his 2 friends brought food items and essential things. This, they did suo-motto without any request from David or his supporters, but just realizing the need of the hour. The Bible says that they knew “that David and his men would be hungry, thirsty and tired in the wilderness” (11 sam 17/29). The true hospitality / love for others lies in helping the needy even though they do not ask for such help. Normally, we are not inclined to help others without formal requests. Is not Barzillai and his friends different from others?

Point-2:- Barzilla and his friends brought 14 items of essential things for David and his men. These people are fleeing their country fearing their lives. For them, a simple food to sustain them would be sufficient. But they were provided with sumptuous meal. That apart, Barzillai brought “bedding” also for David and his company. (11 Samuel 17/28.29). Provision of such a kind of comfort for fleeing men is unheard of in the history. Every need was taken care of. Not for a day or two. Not for David & VIPs alone, but to everyone who accompanied David and this was made available till they stayed in wilderness. Can we see such a person nowadays?

          The war broke out between David’s men and Absaloms’ army. Absalom was killed. Now David returns to Jerusalem triumphantly. Lot of people met him enroute. Barzillai also came and met him. But his friends did not turn up. A lively conversation takes place between Barzillai and David. (11 Sam 19/33-35) King David requests Barzillai to come with him and spend the rest of his life with him in the palace. This is an excellent offer which no one would like to decline. Barzillai replies to David in a different way that stands as an eloquent proof to his extraordinary qualities.

Point-3:- First, he says that he does not want to be a burden to the King at this late stage of his life.  He was prepared to help the king at the advanced age of 80, but, when the king wanted to repay the goodness, he declines to accept the same. This shows that he helped David without expecting anything in return. His intention was that David should not suffer any inconveniences while trying to repay him.

Point-4:- He helped David and his men in a big way without minding the possible attack from Absalom. He maintained them all the days of their stay in wilderness. Yet, he humbled himself saying he did very little (11 Samuel 19/36). We claim and expect lot of honour on doing trivial helps to others. But Barzillai never bothered about any kind of recognition.

Point-5:- He was content with the existing style of living in his home town with his children (11 Samuel 19/37)

Point-6:- Finally, he offered David to take his son Chimham along with him who would be of much help to him. (11 Samuel 19/37). The scripture portion reads as follows, “Here is my son Chimham, who will serve you, take him with you”. He knows that he would be a burden to the kind at this age. But he feels that his son would be of a great help to the king at Jerusalam. He wanted that serving of the God annoited king should be continued in one way or other. He does not bother about his son's absence from him. Do we have such priorities in our lives?

          Barzillai’s qualities simply thrill every one. A little known old man showed admiring qualities. Do we have such a hospitable nature? Have we shown similar courtesies to others? I close this topic, with these questions.

Joseph Stephen

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