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I am this day eighty years old: can I discern between good and bad? can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? why then should your servant be yet a burden to my lord the king?
Verse Takeaways
1
The Frailty of Old Age
Commentators explain that Barzillai’s refusal of the king's offer is a candid acknowledgment of aging. At eighty, his senses are dulled—he can no longer enjoy fine food, drink, or music. As John Gill notes, his physical and possibly mental decline means the luxuries of the royal court would be lost on him, making him a burden rather than a help to the king.
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Book Overview
2 Samuel
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2
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
I [am] this day fourscore years old Not that that day was precisely his birthday, but that he was about such an age, very…
Presbyterian
Barzillai thought he honored himself by performing any service for the king. Thus, when the saints will be called to inherit the kingdom, they will…
