Barzillai: Faithful Service and
Generational Blessing
By George van Popta
A Meditation
Introduction
As we reflect on the story of Barzillai, we find ourselves standing amidst the
wilderness of David’s flight, a time of turmoil, betrayal, and uncertainty.
David, God's anointed king, was fleeing for his life from his own son, Absalom.
Yet even in such dark times, the Lord’s faithfulness shone through the actions
of a man named Barzillai.
This story is not just about a moment of
ancient history but a picture of the gospel—of faithful service, humility, and
the generational blessings that flow from a life devoted to the Lord’s
anointed.
1. Barzillai's Generosity During Absalom's Rebellion (2 Samuel 17:27–29)
Picture David and his men, weary, hungry, and
defeated in spirit. The wilderness is no place for comfort. Yet here, in the
middle of despair, Barzillai—a wealthy but humble man—steps forward. He doesn’t
just offer food and drink; he provides a feast: wheat, barley, honey, cheese,
and lamb. Bedding for rest. Water for refreshment and cleansing.
Barzillai’s actions were bold. Absalom’s
rebellion had swept the nation, and siding with David could have cost Barzillai
his life. He had nothing to gain and everything to lose by siding with David.
But Barzillai wasn’t looking to align himself with the popular or the powerful.
He recognized David as the Lord’s anointed, and he chose faithfulness over
fear.
Isn’t this what Christ calls us to? To see him,
the true Anointed One, not as the world sees him—mocked, rejected, and
scorned—but as the King of kings. Like Barzillai, our faithfulness may come at
a cost. It might mean sacrifice, discomfort, or standing against the tide of
the world. But when we serve Christ, we are serving the eternal King whose
kingdom will never fail.
2. Barzillai’s Humble Response to David's Offer (2 Samuel 19:31–39)
After Absalom’s defeat, David offers Barzillai a place of honour at the royal table. What a reward! Yet Barzillai, now an old man of 80, declines. He seeks no earthly glory, no lavish comforts. Instead, he asks that his servant, Kimham, be allowed to take his place and to represent him.
Barzillai’s humility reflects the heart of Christ’s teaching: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). His life is a model of selflessness, pointing us forward to Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve and to give his life for us.
How often do we strive for recognition or
reward? Barzillai reminds us that the greatest honour is to walk humbly with
God and to pour out our blessings on others.
3. David's Charge to Solomon Regarding Barzillai’s Family (1 Kings 2:7)
Years later, as David lay on his deathbed, he
didn’t forget Barzillai. He charged his son and successor, Solomon, to show
kindness to Barzillai’s descendants, ensuring them a place at the royal table.
Barzillai’s faithfulness bore fruit for generations to come.
This is where Barzillai’s story touches our
own. His faithfulness to the Lord’s anointed brought blessing, not just to
himself but to his family. In the same way, our faithfulness to Christ impacts
not only our lives but the generations that follow.
If we live carelessly, our children will
notice. If we serve the Lord with all our hearts, they will see that too. The
seeds of faith we plant today can bear fruit in our children and grandchildren,
just as Barzillai’s faithfulness blessed his descendants.
4. Christ: The Greater Anointed One
Ultimately, Barzillai’s story points us to
Jesus. Just as Barzillai served David, the Lord’s anointed, we are called to
serve Christ, the true Anointed One. And just as David rewarded Barzillai’s
faithfulness, so Christ promises that those who are faithful to him will dine
at his table in his eternal kingdom.
Barzillai’s story reminds us of the privilege
and joy of serving our King, knowing that he is the One who blesses
faithfulness through the generations. Let us, like Barzillai, serve Christ with
generosity, humility, and faithfulness, trusting that he will use our service
to bring blessing to our children and to generations yet to come.
Conclusion
As we meditate on Barzillai’s life, let us ask
ourselves: How are we serving the Lord’s Anointed today? How are we modeling
faithfulness for those who come after us?
Let us resolve to live lives of faithful service to Christ, trusting that our labour is not in vain and that God will use it to pour out his blessings—both now and for generations to come.
