2 Samuel 19:37 – “Let your servant return, that I may die in my own town near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever you wish.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Barzillai continues his humble response to King David’s offer of royal hospitality in Jerusalem. Barzillai, being advanced in age, expresses his desire to return to his hometown so he can live out his final days near his ancestors’ graves. Instead of accepting the king’s offer for himself, Barzillai suggests that his servant Kimham accompany David in his place. By presenting Kimham to David, Barzillai shows his gratitude and loyalty while declining the personal reward. He entrusts Kimham to David’s care, confident that the king will honor and provide for him.
Historical Context
Barzillai was an elderly, wealthy man who had supported David during the time of Absalom’s rebellion. When David was in exile, Barzillai provided food and supplies for the king and his men (2 Samuel 17:27-29). After Absalom’s defeat, David invited Barzillai to come live in Jerusalem as a way of showing gratitude. However, Barzillai, understanding that he was nearing the end of his life, respectfully declined the invitation. He preferred to stay in his own town, where he could be near his family’s burial place. In his place, he offered Kimham, a younger servant, to benefit from David’s generosity and serve the king.
Theological Implications
Barzillai’s response speaks to the themes of humility, legacy, and service. Rather than seeking further honor or rewards for himself, Barzillai shows contentment with the life he has lived. He prioritizes the legacy of his family and the continuity of service through Kimham. Barzillai’s actions reflect a mindset of stewardship, where he is not focused on personal gain but on passing blessings to the next generation. Theologically, this highlights the idea of humility in serving others and the importance of preparing the next generation for leadership and service.
Barzillai’s decision to return home rather than seeking more wealth or comfort in the royal city points to the biblical principle of being content with one’s portion and focusing on what truly matters in the final stages of life—faithfulness to God, family, and legacy.
Literary Analysis
This verse shows Barzillai’s wisdom and foresight. His request to return to his hometown and be buried near his parents highlights his deep connection to his heritage. The mention of his family’s tomb symbolizes Barzillai’s acceptance of his mortality and his desire to remain rooted in his lineage. By offering Kimham to David, Barzillai ensures that his loyalty to the king continues through his servant. The contrast between Barzillai’s humble decline and his generous recommendation of Kimham speaks to Barzillai’s selflessness. His decision is not just about himself but about providing for the future and ensuring that those who serve him also have opportunities to prosper.
Biblical Cross-References
Barzillai’s humility and forward-thinking approach is similar to Moses’ decision to prepare Joshua for leadership before Moses’ death. In Deuteronomy 31:7-8, Moses passes the mantle of leadership to Joshua, recognizing that the future of the people requires someone younger to carry on the work. Similarly, Barzillai’s recommendation of Kimham reflects the biblical model of preparing the next generation to continue serving. Another relevant passage is 2 Timothy 2:2, where Paul instructs Timothy to entrust the gospel to faithful people who can teach others. Barzillai’s offer of Kimham aligns with this principle of investing in faithful servants to carry on the work.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Barzillai’s actions remind us of the importance of humility and the need to invest in others. His contentment with returning to his hometown shows that seeking personal recognition or comfort is not the ultimate goal of life. Instead, Barzillai’s focus is on ensuring that his servant Kimham benefits from David’s generosity, passing on blessings to the next generation. Christians are encouraged to think beyond themselves, preparing others to serve God faithfully and to continue the work long after they are gone. This verse also teaches believers to embrace contentment with the life they have been given and to prioritize relationships and legacy over personal ambition.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in that it shows how He values humility, service, and continuity in His kingdom. Just as Barzillai passes on an opportunity to Kimham, God calls His people to prepare the next generation for faithful service. God’s love is expressed through the relationships we build and the way we nurture others to grow in their calling. Barzillai’s desire to be near his family and his contentment with his life reflects a trust in God’s provision and care, even in old age. God’s love is not limited by time or circumstance, and His people are called to pass that love and blessing to others.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Barzillai’s selflessness and concern for Kimham point to the ultimate example of selflessness found in Jesus Christ. Just as Barzillai chose not to take the reward for himself, Christ set aside His heavenly glory to serve humanity. In Philippians 2:6-7, Paul writes that Jesus, “being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” Barzillai’s humility and his concern for the well-being of others echo the way Jesus served others and ultimately laid down His life for humanity. Both examples reflect a life lived in service to others, not in pursuit of personal gain.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Barzillai’s contentment with his life challenge you to think about your own desires for recognition or rewards?
- In what ways can you invest in the next generation, as Barzillai did with Kimham, ensuring that others continue to serve faithfully after you?
- How does Barzillai’s humble decision to stay in his hometown and pass on the reward to Kimham reflect the way we are called to serve others selflessly?
- What lessons can you learn from Barzillai about embracing your stage of life and finding peace in the legacy you leave behind?
- How does Jesus’ example of selflessness inspire you to live a life of humility, putting the needs of others before your own desires for comfort or recognition?