2 Samuel 19:33-37
And the king said to Barzillai, “Come over with me, and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem.” But Barzillai said to the king, “How many years have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? I am this day eighty years old. Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks? Can I still listen to the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? Your servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king repay me with such a reward? Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever seems good to you.”
Tag: Knowing your Limits - Aging with Grace
When David had to flea Jerusalem because his son Absalom had caused a revolt to steal the kingdom, many people came to David's aide. One of those was this older man, Barzillai. Barzillai was there for David with food and supplies as the King fled Jerusalem. Upon the defeat of Absalom, David returned to the positions of king and desired to reward those who had sided with him. In the above passage we read how Barzillai responded to David's kindness. He turned the king down. Unlike most of today's older generation, Barzillai understood duty and his own limits. Barzillai was not at all interested in serving in the palace of the king. He understood his limits and what his aging body has, had, done to him. He was willing to let the king reward someone in his house. He was socially adept at trading the honor for him to give to someone younger. Here is the key to the passage. Barzillai was willing to recognize his own limits and was eager to help those who are coming up and growing into leadership. In our old age we are not to look to "retire" but we should be looking to promote and to provide opportunities for those around us.
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