2 Samuel 19:34

34 But Barzillai said to the king, "I won't live for many more years. So why should I go up to Jerusalem with you?

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 He was a very old man. He was 80 years old. He had given the king everything he needed while the king was staying in Mahanaim. That's because Barzillai was very wealthy.

33 The king said to Barzillai, "Come across the river with me. Stay with me in Jerusalem. I'll take good care of you."

34 But Barzillai said to the king, "I won't live for many more years. So why should I go up to Jerusalem with you?

35 I'm already 80 years old. I can hardly tell the difference between what is good and what isn't. I can hardly taste what I eat and drink. I can't even hear the voices of male and female singers anymore. So why should I add my problems to yours?

36 "I'll go across the Jordan River with you for a little way. Why should you reward me by taking care of me?