The kindness of an old man.

The story of Barzillai the Gileadite is a powerful example of how we serve God by serving the people around us. His life shows that showing kindness to brethren is a direct reflection of our devotion to the Lord. In the Old Testament, Barzillai stepped up during a massive national crisis to protect God’s anointed king. Today, under the New Testament covenant of Christ, his example teaches us our daily duty to care for the household of faith.

Barzillai enters the biblical narrative during one of King David’s darkest moments. David’s own son, Absalom, had launched a violent rebellion, forcing the king and his loyal followers to flee into the wilderness. When David arrived at Mahanaim, he and his people were completely exhausted, hungry, and stripped of resources.

Barzillai, an eighty year old wealthy man, did not hesitate to help. Along with a few other leaders, he brought a massive supply of practical necessities. He provided beds, pottery, wheat, barley, flour, honey, curds, and sheep. He recognized that the people were desperate in the desert and immediately met their physical needs (2Samuel 17:27-29).

After the rebellion ended, we learn that his aid to David did not come from a self-seeking motivation. When David was restored to his throne, the king wanted to reward Barzillai. David invited him to come live in the royal palace in Jerusalem, offering to provide for him for the rest of his life. Barzillai declined the offer. He explained that at eighty years old, he could no longer fully enjoy the luxuries of a palace. Instead of taking the reward for himself, he requested that his servant Chimham go in his place.

David kissed Barzillai, blessed him, and allowed him to return home. Barzillai did not help the king to gain wealth, fame, or political favors. His kindness was completely genuine and transactional-free. Decades later, David remembered this incredible loyalty on his deathbed, commanding his son Solomon to show kindness to Barzillai’s children and let them eat at the royal table. “But shew 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 because of Absalom thy brother” (1Kings 1:7).

Serving God Through Serving the Brethren
Barzillai did not build an altar or preach a sermon, but his practical service teaches us still today. By taking care of David and his weary servants, Barzillai was supporting the king that God had anointed (1Sam 16:13). He exemplifies that in serving one another, we are actively participating in God’s work. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).

This principle connects directly to our duty today as Christians living under the New Testament covenant of Jesus Christ. In Galatians 6:10, the Apostle Paul instructs us to do good to everyone, especially to those who belong to the “household of faith.” Our service to one another is at the core of our faith.

In Matthew 25:35-46 Jesus told us that whenever we give aid to the brethren in need (“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me… And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”), we are doing it directly to Him. Just like Barzillai served the Old Testament king by feeding his tired servants, we serve our New Testament King, Jesus, by aiding His people today (Acts 4:34-37).

Barzillai reminds us that you are never too young or too old to be useful to God. He did not let his advanced age or the danger of a political rebellion stop him from doing the right thing. True Christian service under Christ’s covenant means noticing our brethren who are in need. When we share what we have with a brother or sister going through a hard time, we are following the footprint of Barzillai and honoring God.

Agape
Spencer

PS: Benevolent acts using resources from the local church collection is for the saints only; “Now concerning the collection for the saints,” (1Cor 16:1; cf Acts 11:29; 1Tim 5:8-16). Individuals are able to provide benevolence to others from their own personal resources within limits (see 2Thess 3:10).