KJV ORIGINAL
And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Barzillai said to the king, 'How much longer do I have to live? Why would I go with you to Jerusalem at my age?'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
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
This conversation takes place as King David is returning to Jerusalem after defeating Absalom's rebellion. Barzillai was an elderly, wealthy man from Gilead who had provided crucial support to David during his exile, bringing food and supplies when the king was fleeing from his son Absalom. David wanted to reward Barzillai's loyalty by bringing him to live at the royal court in Jerusalem.
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