And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
Barzillai said to the king, 'How much longer do I have to live? Why would I go with you to Jerusalem at my age?'
Barzillai is humbly declining King David's invitation to come to Jerusalem, recognizing that he's too old to enjoy or benefit from life at the royal court.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 2 Samuel, King David is returning to Jerusalem after the defeat of his son Absalom's rebellion, during which David had fled and relied on supporters for survival. Barzillai, an elderly man from Gilead, had faithfully provided food and supplies to David during his exile, demonstrating loyalty in a time of crisis. When David offers Barzillai honors and a place in the royal court as a reward, Barzillai politely declines, citing his old age and the impracticality of leaving his home.
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