2 samuel 19:35 - I am eighty years old, today. Can I discern between good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear the voice of singing men and singing women any more? Why then should your servant be a burden to my lord the king?
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What does "2 samuel 19:35" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 19:35 is spoken by Barzillai to King David. Barzillai is an elderly man, eighty years old, who had generously provided for David and his army during their exile when Absalom rebelled against David. Now that David is returning to Jerusalem as king, he offers Barzillai a place of honor in the royal court.
Barzillai's response is a polite, but firm, decline. He is explaining to David why he wouldn't be a suitable addition to the court. Let's break down his reasoning:
"I am eighty years old, today. Can I discern between good and bad?" - He's emphasizing his age. At eighty, he feels his judgment and ability to make sound decisions are diminished. He's suggesting he might not be able to offer valuable counsel to the king.
"Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink?" - He acknowledges the physical limitations that come with old age. His sense of taste is failing, meaning he can no longer fully enjoy food and drink, key pleasures of life, especially in a royal court.
"Can I hear the voice of singing men and singing women any more?" - His hearing is also failing, hindering his ability to appreciate the music and entertainment that would be common in the king's presence.
"Why then should your servant be a burden to my lord the king?" - This is the core of his message. He believes that due to his diminished faculties, he would be more of a hindrance than a help to the king. He doesn't want to be a drain on David's resources or attention, consuming food and space without being able to contribute meaningfully.
In essence, Barzillai is politely refusing David's offer of reward and honor in the court. He's doing so by highlighting his advanced age and the physical limitations that make him feel unfit for such a position. He is prioritizing not being a burden to the king and instead suggests that he remains in his own home.
It's a humble and selfless act, showing his wisdom and understanding of his own capabilities at that stage of his life. He recognizes his limitations and acts accordingly, prioritizing the good of the king over personal gain or prestige.
2 samuel 19:35 - I am eighty years old, today. Can I discern between good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear the voice of singing men and singing women any more? Why then should your servant be a burden to my lord the king?
What does "2 samuel 19:35" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 19:35 is spoken by Barzillai to King David. Barzillai is an elderly man, eighty years old, who had generously provided for David and his army during their exile when Absalom rebelled against David. Now that David is returning to Jerusalem as king, he offers Barzillai a place of honor in the royal court.
Barzillai's response is a polite, but firm, decline. He is explaining to David why he wouldn't be a suitable addition to the court. Let's break down his reasoning:
"I am eighty years old, today. Can I discern between good and bad?" - He's emphasizing his age. At eighty, he feels his judgment and ability to make sound decisions are diminished. He's suggesting he might not be able to offer valuable counsel to the king.
"Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink?" - He acknowledges the physical limitations that come with old age. His sense of taste is failing, meaning he can no longer fully enjoy food and drink, key pleasures of life, especially in a royal court.
"Can I hear the voice of singing men and singing women any more?" - His hearing is also failing, hindering his ability to appreciate the music and entertainment that would be common in the king's presence.
"Why then should your servant be a burden to my lord the king?" - This is the core of his message. He believes that due to his diminished faculties, he would be more of a hindrance than a help to the king. He doesn't want to be a drain on David's resources or attention, consuming food and space without being able to contribute meaningfully.
In essence, Barzillai is politely refusing David's offer of reward and honor in the court. He's doing so by highlighting his advanced age and the physical limitations that make him feel unfit for such a position. He is prioritizing not being a burden to the king and instead suggests that he remains in his own home.
It's a humble and selfless act, showing his wisdom and understanding of his own capabilities at that stage of his life. He recognizes his limitations and acts accordingly, prioritizing the good of the king over personal gain or prestige.