Who Was Barzillai in the Bible?

Barzillai the Gileadite was a wealthy and influential man from Rogelim in Gilead who demonstrated remarkable loyalty to David during one of the darkest periods of the king's life. When David fled Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion, he crossed the Jordan and came to Mahanaim. Three wealthy men brought supplies: Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. 'They brought beds, and basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.' Barzillai was very old — eighty years old — yet he risked his wealth and safety to support the exiled king. After Absalom was defeated, David invited Barzillai to come with him to Jerusalem: 'Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.' Barzillai declined with touching humility: 'I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king? Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward? Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother.' David then asked Barzillai's son Chimham to come instead. Barzillai's loyalty stands in contrast to the betrayal David suffered from others. He gave generously without expectation of reward, and when offered honor, he declined with gracious humility. His story exemplifies the kind of loyal friend every leader needs and the kind of selfless service that God delights in.