2 Samuel 19:34 kjv
And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
2 Samuel 19:34 nkjv
But Barzillai said to the king, "How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
2 Samuel 19:34 niv
But Barzillai answered the king, "How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?
2 Samuel 19:34 esv
But Barzillai said to the king, "How many years have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
2 Samuel 19:34 nlt
"No," he replied, "I am far too old to go with the king to Jerusalem.
2 Samuel 19 34 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ps 90:10 | The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. | Acknowledging life's brevity. |
| Eccl 12:1 | Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; | Decline of physical abilities in old age. |
| Eccl 12:3 | In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, | Metaphors for the decline of the body. |
| Gen 47:9 | And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been... | A life nearing its end, acknowledging its brevity. |
| Job 14:1 | Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. | Humanity's limited lifespan. |
| Isa 46:4 | And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. | God's continued care even in old age. |
| Ps 71:9 | Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. | A prayer for support in old age. |
| 1 Kgs 2:7 | But show kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom thy brother. | David's gratitude extends to Barzillai's family, fulfilling the commitment made later. |
| Ruth 1:16 | And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: | Contrast to Ruth's devotion; Barzillai prioritizes remaining in his home land. |
| Gen 25:8 | Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. | Desiring to die in his own land, "gathered to his people." |
| Num 27:13 | And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered. | Dying and being gathered to one's ancestors/people. |
| Judg 2:10 | And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers... | Generations being "gathered," signifying death. |
| Prov 20:29 | The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head. | Respect for age, but also the reality of physical decline. |
| Gen 24:1-2 | And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. | Illustrates old age, Barzillai reflects on a similar life stage. |
| Job 32:7 | I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. | Old age associated with wisdom, as shown by Barzillai. |
| Lk 12:20 | But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall these things be, which thou hast provided? | Urgency of limited time, albeit in a different context. |
| James 4:14 | Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. | Life's transient nature. |
| Phil 1:21-23 | For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain... For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: | The concept of life's purpose and knowing when one's work is done (spiritual dimension). |
| 1 Pet 4:7 | But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. | Urgency and awareness of time's limit. |
| Ps 92:14 | They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; | The possibility of fruitfulness in old age, but not necessarily physical capacity. |
| Heb 4:9 | There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. | Longing for ultimate rest. |
| Is 38:10-12 | I said, In the cut off in the midst of my days: I shall go to the gates of the grave. | Hezekiah's contemplation on short time, similar awareness to Barzillai. |
2 Samuel 19 verses
2 Samuel 19 34 Meaning
Barzillai, recognizing his extreme old age and the brevity of his remaining life, questions the practicality and purpose of accepting King David's generous offer to accompany him to Jerusalem. He acknowledges his imminent mortality and expresses a desire not to become a burden in the king's court, preferring to live out his final days in his own homeland.
2 Samuel 19 34 Context
Following Absalom's rebellion and defeat, King David began his journey back to Jerusalem. Many individuals came to greet him and reconcile, demonstrating their loyalty. Among them was Barzillai the Gileadite, an eighty-year-old wealthy man who had previously provided essential provisions for David and his loyalists while they were exiled in Mahanaim (2 Sam 17:27-29). David, grateful for Barzillai's exceptional loyalty and support during a time of great need, offered him a permanent place at the royal court in Jerusalem, promising to provide for him. Barzillai's response in verse 34 reveals his humble and realistic assessment of his remaining days and his preference to die in his own land. This exchange highlights David's gratitude and Barzillai's wisdom, loyalty, and self-awareness regarding his diminishing capacities due to advanced age.
2 Samuel 19 34 Word analysis
- And Barzillai (וַיֹּאמֶר בַּרְזִלַּי, vaiyomer Barzillay): "Barzillai" means "man of iron," reflecting his strength and steadfast character, which was demonstrated in his unwavering support for David during the rebellion. His speech begins immediately, indicating a clear, decisive response.
- said (וַיֹּאמֶר, vaiyomer): The common Hebrew verb "to say," but in this context, it introduces a response filled with deep reflection and wisdom.
- to the king (אֶל הַמֶּלֶךְ, el ha'melech): Directly addressing David, maintaining proper decorum and respect despite declining the king's gracious offer. "Melech" (מֶלֶךְ) signifies David's supreme authority, making Barzillai's decision even more notable.
- How long (כַּמָּה יָמִים, kammah yamim): Literally "how many days," expressing a stark awareness of the extremely limited duration of his life. This rhetorical question underlines his sense of imminent mortality.
- have I to live (לִי שְׁנֵי חַיַּי, li shnei chayay): "Years of my life," but the prior "yamim" (days) reinforces the brevity. He is assessing his remaining time on Earth from a deeply personal and practical perspective, acknowledging his life is mostly lived.
- that I should go up (וְכִי אֶעֱלֶה, v'khi ee'eleh): "And that I should ascend." "Go up" is significant as Jerusalem was geographically elevated. Spiritually and socially, going to Jerusalem with the king implied a rise in status, moving to the center of power, which Barzillai declines.
- with the king (אֶת הַמֶּלֶךְ, et ha'melech): Emphasizes the great honor and close association being offered. It underscores David's personal invitation and generosity.
- to Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, Yerushalayim): The capital city, center of Israelite life and religion, symbol of prestige and new beginnings for David. For Barzillai, it represents a foreign place where he might be an ill-suited guest.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "How long have I to live, that I should go up": This phrase articulates Barzillai's profound understanding of his advanced age and impending death. It's a statement of self-knowledge, not resignation, acknowledging that he is past the stage where new ventures and demanding court life would be appropriate or beneficial. He evaluates David's invitation through the lens of his very limited time, prioritizing final rest and familiar surroundings over earthly honor.
- "with the king to Jerusalem": This highlights the magnitude of David's generous offer. Accompanying the king to the capital would mean prestige, comfort, and provision. Yet, Barzillai wisely recognizes that these benefits, while desirable to others, are no longer what he needs. His priority shifts from societal recognition and new experiences to personal comfort, familiar surroundings, and preparation for the end of his days. It showcases his discernment to understand the difference between what is good in general and what is good for him at his stage of life.
2 Samuel 19 34 Bonus section
- Barzillai's selfless hospitality to David during his most vulnerable time after Absalom's revolt highlights a key virtue. His initial acts were not for reward but out of loyalty and compassion.
- His refusal underscores that true wisdom in later life involves recognizing one's capabilities and priorities, gracefully declining opportunities that, though honorable, are no longer suitable for one's stage of life. It’s an example of saying "no" to something good for the sake of something better for oneself – a peaceful, dignified end.
- The fact that David still wished to honor Barzillai's family through Kimham (2 Sam 19:37-38; 1 Kgs 2:7) shows David's persistent gratitude and the enduring legacy of Barzillai's faithfulness, extending beyond his personal acceptance of the offer. This reflects God's principle of remembering and blessing faithfulness, even across generations.
2 Samuel 19 34 Commentary
Barzillai's response to King David is a poignant expression of humility, wisdom, and realism in old age. David, overflowing with gratitude, offered Barzillai the highest honor: a place in the royal court, perpetual sustenance, and proximity to the king in the nation's capital. However, Barzillai's understanding of his own mortality and diminishing faculties led him to graciously decline. He understood that true honor and well-being at his advanced age lay not in newfound prestige or luxuries that he could no longer fully enjoy, but in returning to his home to prepare for his death among his own people. His statement "How long have I to live" is not a complaint but a clear-eyed assessment, demonstrating wisdom in knowing his limits and desires. He sought to avoid becoming a burden and chose the tranquility of his familiar home over the potential burdens and expectations of court life, showcasing a rare contentment that transcends worldly ambition. His focus was on the eternal horizon rather than earthly grandeur.