Keraia
People

Barzillai

Barzillai the Gileadite supplied provisions to David during his flight from Absalom and was later honored by the king.

The name Barzillai means “son of contempt; made of iron”

MaleDavid's compatriotUnited Monarchy eraOld Testament4 books11 verses

Summary

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2 Samuel 17:27; only referred to as Barzillai (בַּרְזִלַּי).

Glossary entries

Barzillai

Alternative names

Mentions

Includes 2 verses that refer to Barzillai without naming them, as “he”, “she”, or the subject of a verb.

  1. 2 Samuel 17:27
    When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim.
  2. 2 Samuel 19:31
    Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and send him on his way from there.
  3. 2 Samuel 19:32
    Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim.
  4. 2 Samuel 19:33
    The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.”
  5. 2 Samuel 19:34
    But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?
  6. 2 Samuel 19:35Referred to, not named
    I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?
  7. 2 Samuel 19:38Referred to, not named
    The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.”
  8. 2 Samuel 19:39
    So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.
  9. 1 Kings 2:7
    But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.
  10. Ezra 2:61
    And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name).
  11. Nehemiah 7:63
    And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name).