689. 2SA 19:34-37. BARZILLAI
2Sa_19:34-37. Barzillai
"And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? I am this day fourscore years old," &c.’972Sa_19:34-37.
During the period of Absalom’s rebellion, when David was in great straits, Barzillai exhibited his attachment to his sovereign, and provided the king with sustenance, &c. 2Sa_19:32, &c.
David was anxious to show his gratitude for the loyal and generous conduct his faithful subject had displayed, and therefore invited him to go with him to Jerusalem; 2Sa_19:33. To this evidence of royal favor, he replied in my text; 2Sa_19:34, &c. Now there are several striking features in the character of Barzillai, which deserve our careful consideration.
I. We see in him, life protracted to old age.
Ages before this, they lived much longer. Moses was 120 years old, &c. Jacob lived 147 years. Abraham 175 years; and the Antediluvians many hundreds of years. But now, we find life greatly abridged. Moses had stated this; Psa_90:10. So that Barzillai at eighty, is styled a very old man; 2Sa_19:32. Remarkable that the human machine should keep in motion so long. No watch, nor engine can do this, &c.
"Our life contains a thousand springs,
And dies, if one be gone," &c.
Not many attain the age of eighty. How few; not perhaps one now present. No: "Sixteen’s as mortal as fourscore; and yet fourscore years are as a shadow."
II. We see in Barzillai a beautiful exhibition of weanedness from the world.
Worldly glory had nothing to allure, nor worldly pleasures to attract; 2Sa_19:35. He had wisely withdrawn from the fascinations of life, and gayeties of the world. How odious is old age, when thirsting after the sensual scenes of life. How beautiful the character in our text.
III. Barzillai exhibited great contentment with his state and circumstances.
Here is nothing morose’97nothing of petulance, or impatience. He evidently was composed and happy, in the lot in which providence had placed him. He was aware of his own infirmities, and yet without complaint or murmuring, was resigned to his condition.
IV. Barzillai evidently contemplated his own mortality.
Hence, he asks, "How long have I to live?" He knew he had lived long, and that few sands remained. His sun was going down, &c. His journey ending. And he thought of it, and spake about it. How wise’97how profitable’97how essential,
(1.) To be familiar with death.
(2.) To be expecting it.
(3.) To live for it.
(4.) Evangelically ready for it. Having a title and meetness for the life to come.
How proper for us to ask the same question, "How long," &c. Would it not produce sobriety of mind’97seriousness of spirit’97indifference to the world’97anxiety to be useful, &c. Observe,
V. Barzillai was an example of politeness and modesty.
In old age persons are often harsh and self-important. Often look with undue complacency on what they say and do. But Barzillai exhibited great politeness. "Why should the king recompense," &c.; 2Sa_19:36 "I will go a little way," &c. He had no high thoughts of himself. How beautiful is humility in all, especially in the aged.
VI. Barzillai was not unmindful of the concerns of his son.
"But behold thy servant Chimham," &c. I have no objection that he should have the king’s honors and favors, &c.
Now, all parents should be anxious for the future welfare of their children,’97should obtain for them honest callings, and useful stations in life. Their wisdom, experience, and influence, should be exerted to secure this for them.
VII. Barzillai was anxious to be placed in the sepulchre of his parents.
How beautifully he refers to the grave of his father and mother; 2Sa_19:37. He had not forgotten them, even in old age. Probably long since dead, &c.; yet he thinks of them with respect and love, and desires to dwell with them in the house appointed for all living. What a fine old man! Who can fail to admire the portrait thus drawn!
In conclusion, let me ask,
1. How much of his spirit do you possess?
Of deadness to the pleasures of the world? &c. Indifference to worldly greatness? &c. Contentedness with your lot?
2. Do you often think of your mortality? "How long have I to live?"
3. Can you contemplate the event calmly and with hope?
Are you dying daily?
4. Let us be anxious for our successors. Live so, that we shall leave the impress of our feet in the world. Make it better by our influence. Seek an enduring remembrance by our benevolence and usefulness. Live in the history of the Church of Christ, after the grave has encompassed us.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS