INTRODUCTION

Loyalty to David was not always the easy choice. As he fled from Absalom and Jerusalem, it could have been dangerous to help David in any way, but that is exactly what Barzillai did (2 Samuel 17:27-29 [27] And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, [28] Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, [29] And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
See All...). When it came time for David to return, Barzillai was there and journeyed with David for part of the trip. Describing Barzillai, the Bible records that he was "a very great man." Perhaps the description is meant to identify the amount of his material possessions, but no doubt it also speaks of his character, which character is further manifested in his final conversation with David (2 Samuel 19:33-38 [33] And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem. [34] And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? [35] I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king? [36] Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward? [37] Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee. [38] And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.
See All...). David sought a chance to return Barzillai’s loyalty, but he had not done it for reward.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Jonathan was not afraid to speak well of David to his father Saul when Saul wanted to kill David (1 Samuel 19:4And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:
  See All...; 1 Samuel 20:31-33 [31] For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. [32] And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? [33] And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.
  See All...). Jonathan was willing to give up his hopes of being king when he knew David was God's choice (1 Samuel 23:15-18 [15] And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood. [16] And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. [17] And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. [18] And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
  See All...).
• What do you think would have been your opinion of Barzillai had you known him? Would you have considered him to be a great man? What is the common opinion others have of you?
• To whom did Barzillai demonstrate loyalty in his last dealings with David? Can you see any loyalty toward Barzillai’s city or family? Can you see loyalty to Chimham?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to show you the greatness of loyalty.
• Ask the Lord to help you be loyal, even when it is not popular.

HYMN

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

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