31 Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim. He crossed the Jordan with the king to give him a good send-off. 32 Barzillai was a very old man - eighty years old! He had supplied the king's needs all the while he was in Mahanaim since he was very wealthy. 33 "Join me in Jerusalem," the king said to Barzillai. "Let me take care of you." 34 But Barzillai declined the offer, "How long do you think I'd live if I went with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I'm eighty years old and not much good anymore to anyone. Can't taste food; can't hear music. So why add to the burdens of my master the king? 36 I'll just go a little way across the Jordan with the king. But why would the king need to make a great thing of that? 37 Let me go back and die in my hometown and be buried with my father and mother. But my servant Kimham here; let him go with you in my place. But treat him well!" 38 The king said, "That's settled; Kimham goes with me. And I will treat him well! If you think of anything else, I'll do that for you, too." 39 The army crossed the Jordan but the king stayed. The king kissed and blessed Barzillai, who then returned home.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:31-39
Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:31-39
(Read 2 Samuel 19:31-39)
Barzillai thought he had done himself honour in doing the king any service. Thus, when the saints shall be called to inherit the kingdom, they will be amazed at the recompence being so very far beyond the service, Matthew 25:37. A good man would not go any where to be burdensome; or, will rather be so to his own house than to another's. It is good for all, but especially becomes old people, to think and speak much of dying. The grave is ready for me, let me go and get ready for it.