Ok . . . so I met somebody new this morning . . . somebody whose name I have glossed over for decades . . . whose story I couldn’t have told though I’ve probably read it a number of times . . . a guy who just kind of shows up in the God-inspired word . . . and leaves me asking why?

Meet Barzillai . . . pronounced Bar-zil-lah-ee . . . can I just call him “Barz” for short? So, in a nutshell, here’s his story. I’m reading in 2Samuel 18 and 19 this morning. David’s men have defeated Abasalom and his army. Abasalom had pursued David with the intent of killing him so that the throne which Abasalom had stolen from David might be un-contested. Abasalom is dead . . . his army less 20,000 dead return to Jerusalem . . . and David is called back to resume his reign over Israel. As David is returning Scripture records three encounters with individuals . . . one of who is my new friend, Barz.

Barz is 80 years old. His connection with the king? When David was fleeing Absalom, Barz “had provided the king with supplies while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man.” (2Sam. 19:31, 17:27-29) So, as David is crossing the Jordan en route back to Jerusalem, Barz comes down to see him “and escort him across the Jordan.” Ok . . . so this guy is turning out to be a pretty nice, old, rich dude who was very loyal to the king . . . even when others where turning their back to follow Absalom.

Out of his gratitude for Barz’s kindness to him and his people, David makes Barz an offer, “Come across with me, and I will provide for you while you are with me in Jerusalem.” (19:33) Not a bad offer . . . cared for directly by the king in the kings palace . . . enjoying all the good things that kings enjoy. But Barz seems to be something of a pragmatist and declines the offer, “I’m 80 years old,” he says, “I haven’t got many more years to live . . . and besides I couldn’t really enjoy the wonder of the king’s palace. My senses aren’t what they used to be . . . can’t really discern fine quality . . . can’t really taste so well anymore . . . hearing’s not what it used to be so I couldn’t really appreciate the voices of your singers. I’d really just be a burden to the king. No thanks. I’ll go with you a little way and then head back to my people and live out my life there. Besides, why should the king repay me with such reward.” (19:34-36)

And I’m liking this guy . . . served the king out of loyalty . . . not to get something out of it for himself. In fact, he seems to always be watching out for others — he asks the king to instead take Chimham (maybe Barz’s son?) back to Jerusalem with him and show him the favor the king had offered Barz. Man! What a selfless guy. What a way to finish life! Eighty years old and still actively serving and promoting others. The kind of man you’d want to model yourself after.

Last thing about Barz . . . I looked up his name . . . Barzillai means “my iron”. Alright!! That’s exactly what Barz’s life was about . . . about being someone else’s iron . . . “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Prov. 27:17) No wonder I like this guy so much . . . he’s a sharpener . . . he’s a supporter . . . he’s an encourager . . . he’s a need meeter . . . he’s a corner man. Not in it for what he can get out of it . . . but there to serve others and afford others opportunities rather than take them for himself. Yup . . . though I’ve never really seen him before in the pages of Scripture, this morning I’m kind of blessed and encouraged by him . . . the right stuff . . . good guy . . . nice to meet you Barz. May I be a little like you . . . for the glory of God . . . amen!!!