Cedars and Palms

Barzillai is one of my favorite 80-year-olds. He steps forward to do some good and then steps back out of the way. Here is his story: King David and his army are fleeing across the Jordan River, running from Absalom’s armed rebellion. In their rush to escape, they reach camp without provisions. At the point of David’s great need, Barzillai and his friends show up. This is what they bring for the exiled king and his men:             …sleeping mats, cooking pots, serving bowls, wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, butter, sheep, goats, and cheese…For they said, “You must all be very hungry and tired and thirsty after your long march through the wilderness.” (II Sam. 17:28-29 NLT) Barzillai is wealthy, with resources enough to feed an army. He uses his agricultural wealth to bless others—just when it’s needed most. His alertness to an immediate need is matched by his generous heart. He continues to provide for the king and his men while they r