2 Samuel 19:34

34 But Barzillai answered the king, "Do you know how old I am? Do you think I can go with you to Jerusalem?

2 Samuel 19:34 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 19:34

And Barzillai said unto the king
In answer to the grateful proposal he made:

how long have I to live;
that could not be said with exactness by any; but it might be probably conjectured from the age he was of, and the infirmities that attended him, that he could not live long; it was but a short time he had to be in the world:

that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
take so long a journey as that, seeing he might die before he got thither; and if he did not, since it could not be thought he should live long, he could not think of it, or judge it advisable at such an age to take such a journey, change his place of abode, and manner of living.

2 Samuel 19:34 In-Context

32 Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years old. He had taken care of the king when David was staying at Mahanaim, because Barzillai was a very rich man.

33 David said to Barzillai, "Cross the river with me. Come with me to Jerusalem, and I will take care of you."

34 But Barzillai answered the king, "Do you know how old I am? Do you think I can go with you to Jerusalem?

35 I am eighty years old! I am too old to taste what I eat or drink. I am too old to hear the voices of men and women singers. Why should you be bothered with me?

36 I am not worthy of a reward from you, but I will cross the Jordan River with you.