2 Samuel 19:32

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now Barzillai {H1271} was a very {H3966} aged {H2204} man, even fourscore {H8084} years {H8141} old {H1121}: and he had provided the king {H4428} of sustenance {H3557} while he lay {H7871} at Mahanaim {H4266}; for he was a very {H3966} great {H1419} man {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years old; he had provided for the king's needs when he was staying at Machanayim; for he was a wealthy man.

Berean Standard Bible

Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim.

American Standard Version

Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king with sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 19:32 introduces Barzillai, a venerable Gileadite, highlighting his advanced age of eighty years and his pivotal role in sustaining King David during the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion when David sought refuge in Mahanaim. The verse underscores Barzillai's immense personal stature and influence, portraying him as a man of great wealth and standing whose unwavering loyalty and generous provision were critical to David's survival and eventual restoration to the throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a crucial juncture in King David's life, marking his triumphant return to Jerusalem following the decisive defeat of Absalom's rebellion (as detailed in [2 Samuel 18](/2_samuel/18 "2 Samuel 18 - The Defeat of Absalom")). David is at the Jordan River, poised to cross back into Judah, and various factions and loyalists are converging to greet him and escort him. Barzillai's appearance here is a direct consequence of his earlier, selfless actions when David was a fugitive. The narrative in [2 Samuel 17:24-29](/2_samuel/17-24 "2 Samuel 17:24-29 - David's Flight to Mahanaim and Provision") describes David's flight to Mahanaim in Gilead, where Barzillai, along with others, provided essential provisions, demonstrating profound loyalty when David was most vulnerable. Verse 32 serves as a concise summary and commendation of Barzillai's character and past deeds, setting the stage for David's personal interaction with him and his offer of royal favor in the subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 19:33-39](/2_samuel/19-33 "2 Samuel 19:33-39 - David's Offer to Barzillai")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign was often marked by internal strife and external threats, and Absalom's rebellion represented a profound crisis for the kingdom. In ancient Near Eastern societies, loyalty to the king was paramount, but also highly fluid, especially during times of civil war. Providing "sustenance" (food, shelter, supplies) to a fleeing monarch and his loyalists was not merely an act of charity but a significant political and military gesture, often fraught with danger. Mahanaim, located east of the Jordan in Gilead, served as a strategic refuge for David, offering a degree of safety from Absalom's forces in Jerusalem. Barzillai, as a "great man" from this region, likely held considerable land, wealth, and tribal influence, making his support invaluable. His advanced age (eighty years) would have commanded respect and implied a lifetime of accumulated wisdom and standing within his community, further amplifying the weight of his commitment to David.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several enduring themes within the broader narrative of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "The Book of 2 Samuel"). Foremost is the theme of **Loyalty and Faithfulness**, exemplified by Barzillai's unwavering support for David during his darkest hour, contrasting sharply with the treachery of Absalom and many others who abandoned the king. His actions underscore the biblical value of steadfast devotion, even when it comes at personal risk. Secondly, the theme of **Generosity and Provision** is central, as Barzillai used his considerable resources to meet David's dire needs. This highlights the importance of using one's blessings to serve others, particularly those in distress, echoing the principles of hospitality and care for the vulnerable found throughout Scripture (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Generosity to the Needy")). Lastly, the verse touches upon the **Esteem and Influence of Age and Character**. Barzillai's description as "a very great man" and his advanced age signify not only his material wealth but also his moral authority and respected position within Israelite society, demonstrating that true greatness is often measured by one's character and contributions to the well-being of others.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fourscore (Hebrew, _shmonim'_):** This term literally means "eighty." In biblical narratives, advanced age often signifies wisdom, experience, and a life well-lived, implying a person of settled character and considerable standing. At eighty, Barzillai would have been a patriarch, a respected elder whose judgment and actions carried significant weight. His age underscores the depth of his commitment and the steadfastness of his character, as he was not a young man seeking future favor but one whose life was largely behind him, acting out of principle.
* **sustenance (Hebrew, מִחְיָה, _michyah'_):** More than just "food," _michyah_ refers to the provisions necessary for life, including food, drink, bedding, and other essential supplies. As detailed in [2 Samuel 17:27-29](/2_samuel/17-27 "2 Samuel 17:27-29 - Barzillai's Provisions for David"), Barzillai, along with others, brought "beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, and honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine." This was a comprehensive, life-sustaining provision for a large, weary, and vulnerable company, highlighting the practical and critical nature of Barzillai's support.
* **very great man (Hebrew, אִישׁ גָּדוֹל מְאֹד, _ish gadol me'od'_):** This phrase denotes not merely wealth, but significant social standing, influence, and respect. It implies that Barzillai was a prominent figure in Gilead, a leader in his community, perhaps with considerable landholdings and servants. His "greatness" was recognized by others, lending immense credibility and impact to his decision to support David. His support was not just a personal act but a public declaration of allegiance from a powerful regional figure, which would have been a significant morale boost for David and his followers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now Barzillai was a very aged man, [even] fourscore years old:"** This opening clause immediately establishes Barzillai's venerable status. His age of eighty years signifies a lifetime of experience, wisdom, and likely, a well-established reputation. In a culture that revered elders, this detail immediately positions Barzillai as a figure of respect and authority, making his subsequent actions all the more impactful. It suggests a man whose decisions are rooted in deep conviction rather than fleeting opportunism.
* **"and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim;"** This clause highlights Barzillai's crucial act of loyalty and generosity. "Provided the king of sustenance" refers to the extensive material support he gave David and his company when they were in dire straits, fleeing Absalom's rebellion and taking refuge in Mahanaim. This was not a small gesture but a significant investment of resources, demonstrating profound commitment during David's most vulnerable period. The timing ("while he lay at Mahanaim") underscores that this aid was given when David was an exiled, desperate king, not when he was powerful and secure.
* **"for he [was] a very great man."** This concluding clause offers the reason or explanation for Barzillai's capacity to provide such extensive aid. His "greatness" denotes considerable wealth, social standing, and influence within his region of Gilead. This was not merely a personal act of kindness but a substantial commitment from a powerful individual, whose support would have carried significant weight and provided a vital lifeline to David's struggling forces. His greatness enabled his generosity and made his loyalty all the more meaningful.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey Barzillai's character and significance. **Characterization** is primary, as the verse succinctly paints a portrait of Barzillai through direct description: "very aged," "fourscore years old," and "a very great man." These epithets immediately establish his venerable status, wisdom, and influential standing. The mention of his past action—providing sustenance—serves as an example of his **demonstrated character**, showing rather than just telling his loyalty and generosity. Furthermore, the verse uses **Conciseness** to pack a wealth of information into a single statement, efficiently summarizing Barzillai's identity and his pivotal contribution to David's survival. The phrase "for he [was] a very great man" acts as a form of **Justification** or **Explanation**, providing the underlying reason for his ability to offer such substantial aid, thereby reinforcing his importance in the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Barzillai's actions in 2 Samuel 19:32 resonate with profound theological themes, particularly concerning divine providence, human faithfulness, and the nature of true leadership. His selfless provision for David, a king in exile and distress, exemplifies the biblical call to hospitality and generosity, especially towards those in need or positions of vulnerability. It demonstrates how God often works through the willing hearts and resources of His people to sustain His chosen instruments, even amidst chaos and rebellion. Barzillai's unwavering loyalty, despite the risks involved in supporting a fleeing king, serves as a powerful testament to covenant faithfulness, mirroring the steadfastness God desires from His people. His "greatness" is not merely material but moral, reflecting a stewardship of resources for the good of God's anointed, underscoring that true influence is best exercised in service and compassion.

* [Proverbs 3:27-28](/proverbs/3-27 "Do Not Withhold Good")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Practice Hospitality")
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35 "Serving the Least of These")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Barzillai's story in 2 Samuel 19:32 offers a timeless blueprint for how believers can embody Christ-like character in their daily lives. His willingness to provide critical "sustenance" to a king in distress, without seeking personal gain, challenges us to consider how we use our own resources—be it time, talent, or treasure—to support others, especially those facing adversity or carrying heavy burdens. In a world often driven by self-interest, Barzillai's selfless loyalty stands as a beacon, reminding us of the profound impact of steadfast commitment to friends, family, and leaders, particularly when they are most vulnerable. Furthermore, his advanced age and respected status highlight the value of wisdom, experience, and the significant contributions that elders can make to society and the church. We are called to honor and learn from those who have walked a long path of faithfulness, just as David sought to honor Barzillai. Ultimately, Barzillai's life encourages us to live with open hands and generous hearts, trusting that our acts of provision and loyalty are not only seen by man but are also honored by God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I, like Barzillai, use my resources (time, talent, treasure) to provide "sustenance" to those in need around me, especially during their times of distress?**
* **How does Barzillai's unwavering loyalty to David challenge my own commitment to those I am called to support, whether in my family, church, or community?**
* **What does Barzillai's "greatness" teach us about true influence and legacy, beyond mere wealth or status?**
* **How can we better honor and integrate the wisdom and experience of "aged" individuals within our communities and churches today?**

### FAQ

**Who was Barzillai and why is he important in the narrative of King David?**

Answer: Barzillai was a wealthy and influential Gileadite from Rogelim, east of the Jordan River. He is important because he demonstrated extraordinary loyalty and generosity to King David during one of the most perilous periods of his reign: Absalom's rebellion. When David was forced to flee Jerusalem and took refuge in Mahanaim, Barzillai, along with others, provided crucial and extensive provisions—food, bedding, and other necessities—for David and his weary company ([2 Samuel 17:27-29](/2_samuel/17-27 "2 Samuel 17:27-29 - Barzillai's Provisions")). His actions were vital for David's survival and underscore his unwavering support for the king, even when many others had turned against him. This verse ([2 Samuel 19:32](/2_samuel/19-32 "2 Samuel 19:32 - Barzillai's Character and Provision")) highlights his advanced age and his "greatness," which refers to his significant social standing and wealth, making his support even more impactful.

**What does "fourscore years old" mean in the context of this verse?**

Answer: "Fourscore years old" is an archaic English expression meaning eighty years old. In biblical times, reaching such an advanced age was a sign of God's blessing and often indicated a person of considerable experience, wisdom, and established character. Barzillai's age emphasizes his venerable status and suggests that his actions were not impulsive but stemmed from a lifetime of principled living and deep-seated loyalty. It also highlights the physical toll of travel and the king's offer for him to come to Jerusalem, which he declines due to his age ([2 Samuel 19:34-35](/2_samuel/19-34 "2 Samuel 19:34-35 - Barzillai Declines David's Offer")).

**How did Barzillai "provide sustenance" to King David, and what was the significance of this act?**

Answer: Barzillai provided comprehensive "sustenance" for David and his followers, which included not just food and water, but also essential household items like beds, basins, and earthen vessels, along with various grains, legumes, honey, butter, sheep, and cheese ([2 Samuel 17:27-29](/2_samuel/17-27 "2 Samuel 17:27-29 - Barzillai's Extensive Provisions")). The significance of this act was immense. David's company was exhausted, hungry, and vulnerable, having fled Jerusalem in haste. Barzillai's provision was a critical lifeline, demonstrating profound compassion, strategic support, and unwavering loyalty during a time of national crisis. It was a selfless act of hospitality and generosity that ensured the survival and well-being of the legitimate king and his loyalists, playing a crucial role in the eventual restoration of David's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Barzillai's selfless provision for King David, a sovereign in distress, serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the ultimate provision offered by Jesus Christ, our eternal King. Just as Barzillai, a "very great man," used his wealth and influence to sustain David when he was vulnerable and fleeing, so too does Christ, the [Son of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), provide all-encompassing sustenance for humanity, which was lost and alienated from God. Barzillai's act of supplying physical necessities for a temporary king points to Christ's divine work of providing eternal spiritual nourishment—He is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water"), sustaining us not just for a journey, but for eternity. His loyalty to David, even unto personal risk, reflects the unparalleled faithfulness of Christ, who, though [He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches"), ultimately laying down His life to redeem us ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedtion")). In Barzillai, we see a human echo of the divine generosity and unfailing love that culminates in God's ultimate provision for us through the sacrificial work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who takes away the sin of the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 25:2

¶ And [there was] a man in Maon, whose possessions [were] in Carmel; and the man [was] very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.

Proverbs 16:31

¶ The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.

Job 1:3

His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

Deuteronomy 34:7

And Moses [was] an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.

Genesis 9:29

And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died.

Genesis 47:28

And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years.

Genesis 25:7

And these [are] the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years.