Stepping Forward, Stepping Back

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 remain in exile.

Before long, Absalom’s rebellion is quashed, and David prepares to reclaim his kingdom. Barzillai shows up to escort him back across the Jordan River.

David urges his aged benefactor, “Come across with me and live in Jerusalem.    I will take care of you there.” (II Sam. 19:33 NLT)

Here is an offer to enjoy a sumptuous lifestyle and a place of honor at the royal palace for the rest of his days!

But Barzillai declines the king’s invitation. “I am far too old to go with the king to Jerusalem…I am eighty years old...Food and wine are no longer tasty, and I cannot hear the singers as they sing. I would only be a burden to my lord the king….Let me return again to die in my own town, where my father and mother are buried.” (II Sam. 19:34-37 NLT)

Barzillai knows his limits, accepts the realities of advanced age, and doesn’t want to burden the king with his care. He steps back in order to keep his life simple and to die “in place” as planned.

The king accepts Barzillai’s decision, bidding him farewell.

Thus Barzillai disappears from the pages of Scripture—almost.

Years later, David mentions Barzillai in his final instructions to his son Solomon:  “Be kind to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead. Make them permanent guests at your table, for they took care of me when I fled from your brother Absalom.” (I Kings 2:7 NLT)

David has never forgotten the kindness of an old man who helped him and then got out of the way.

Barzillai heartens me because he is delightfully realistic.

First he steps forward to bless others with the resources God has given him. So can we, no matter what kind of resources we have.

Then he steps back to avoid becoming burdensome.  So can we, choosing to live simply where we won't overwhelm others with our care. 

May the Lord give us wisdom, like Barzillai, to know when to jump in to help and when to step back. 
                                                                                                                     ©MarionSpeicherBrown