Study Desk

Now ^(C1)Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim; and he went on to the Jordan with the king to ^(F1)escort him over the Jordan.

Barzillai was very old: eighty years old; and he had ^(C1)provided the king food while he stayed in Mahanaim, for he was a very great man.

So the king said to Barzillai, "You cross over with me, and I will provide you food in Jerusalem with me."

But Barzillai said to the king, "^(C1)How long ^(F1)do I still have to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

"I am ^(F1)now ^(C1)eighty years old. Can I distinguish between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I still hear ^(C2)the voice of men and women singing? ^(C3)Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

"Your servant would merely cross over the Jordan with the king. So why should the king compensate me with this reward?

"Please let your servant return, so that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. However, here is your servant ^(C1)Chimham; let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight."

And the king answered, "Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your sight; and whatever you ^(F1)require of me, I will do for you."

All the people crossed over the Jordan and the king crossed too. The king then ^(C1)kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place.