Gospel Reflections #1148: God provides helpers

2 Samuel 19:32 ‘Barlzai was a very old man, eighty years of age. He was also a man of great wealth, and he had supported the king whilst the king was staying at Mahanaim.’

This is an important passage recording the loyalty and devotion shown by the elderly and influential Barzillai whilst King David was on his way back to the royal palace in Jerusalem following the end of the coup (rebellion) led by his son Absalom.

David was betrayed by his own son, Absalom, and was driven from the capital, Jerusalem, barely escaping with his life.

Escaping his pursuers, he crossed the River Jordan and took refuge in the town of ‘Mahanaim’ on the east bank of the river.

David’s army and his retinue were suffering from hunger, thirst and exhaustion.

In this desperate situation, Barzillai the Gileadite, a prominent nobleman from the Mahanaim area, came to the aid of David and his party by providing them with large quantities of bedding, food and utensils.

This passage looks back on and praises his devoted support.

At that time, Absalom, who had led the rebellion, appeared to have the upper hand.

Siding with the down-and-out David was a dangerous act, carrying the risk of being executed as a ‘conspirator’ should the rebel forces prevail.

Yet, using his own wealth, Barzillai continued to provide for David generously.

His actions were not based on a calculated political judgement, but on pure loyalty and faith in ‘the king chosen by God’.

The Bible records that he was ‘a man of great wealth’.

Instead of hoarding his wealth for his own benefit, Barzillai used it for the destitute who needed it most, and for the Kingdom of God (David’s reign).

This is a beautiful example of ‘the proper use of wealth entrusted by God’, as taught in the Bible.

Furthermore, the age of 80 was remarkably advanced for that time. Although he could no longer take up arms on the front line, he played a pivotal role behind the scenes in securing David’s victory and safe return by utilising ‘his wealth and wisdom’.

It seems to be an encouraging message that ‘regardless of age, people can serve God and their neighbours wherever they find themselves’.

David offered to have Barzillai accompany him to Jerusalem and provide for him there, but Barzillai politely declined.

Barzillai asked for nothing for himself.

As God had already bestowed His grace upon him, he had no further desire for the pleasures of this world.

It was thanks to Barzillai’s kindness that David’s life in exile on the other side of the Jordan was all the more blessed.

God provides helpers in every circumstance.

Even if their deeds go unnoticed by others, God certainly remembers them.

Furthermore, God bestows abundant grace upon those called to be helpers and supports them so that they may fulfil their role as helpers.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.