A Very Great Man
Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man. ~2 Samuel 19:32
The name “Iron Man” refers to a fictional comic book hero who was always at the right place and right time for others. It is a term that refers to a man who is sturdy, strong, and steadfast. Our devotion this morning is about a lesser known man who came to the scene at a critical time in the life of David. This man’s name is Barzillai. Barzillai’s name means “iron.” We want to see this morning how Barzillai is an encouragement for each of us to be men and women who can be used of God as he was.
We see his special renown.
We are told that he was a Gileadite. He came from a rich heritage of godly and courageous men whom God used. His heritage included men like Jephthah and Elijah. Gileadite men were mountain men who learned to live in the wild, deal with the harsh outdoor elements and wild beasts, and fend off ancient enemies. He was also a man who was 80 years of age when he was first mentioned in Scripture. He is a man who led a consistent life of devotion to his king and was there for his king when he was needed most.
We see he is a source of relief.
The first mention of Barzillai was during a very discouraging time in David’s life. David had escaped an uprising led by his son Absalom. He and the people who left with him brought very little sustenance with them and faced possible starvation. Barzillai came with two other trusted friends and together provided great relief to David and the people who came with him. At the neediest time in David’s life, Barzillai appeared and was a blessing to David.
We see his surprising refusal.
David invited Barzillai to return with him to Jerusalem and to allow David to care for him. David was returning as king and desired to repay Barzillai for his special kindness. Barzillai refused David’s invitation on the grounds that he was too old to return with David and that it would be better if he spent the remaining days of his life in the land of his fathers. Barzillai did not seek the king’s favor for his personal gain. Instead, he was graciously given the opportunity to live out the remainder of his days in his own homeland. Barzillai was a man of unusual selflessness.
We see his servant replacement.
Barzillai sent his servant Chimham to return with David. Chimham was a younger man. He was the best servant that Barzillai had. In sending him with David, he was allowing a much younger man to have the opportunity of serving the king and giving him the best years of his life.
So, what makes Barzillai someone worthy of our consideration? He was a selfless man who placed others before him. He embodied a man who looks out for the needs of others so that they benefit, even if it leads to his own setback. Barzillai was not presented to us as someone who was seeking his advancement, but the advancement of those whom God had placed in his life.
Are you someone whom God can use as a Barzillai? Are you someone whose life purpose is to be a blessing, even if it means taking second place to those around you?
Have a service-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Job 21-23