Atomic Bible

A Gileadite who provided for David during Absalom's rebellion.

Barzillai

Named in 9 verses across 4 books, first in 2 Samuel 17:27.

בַּרְזִלַּיBarzillai

The name means “son of contempt; made of iron.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869

About Barzillai Written by AI

Barzillai was a wealthy Gileadite from Rogelim who provided essential support to King David during his flight from his son Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 17:27 to 29). Along with others, Barzillai generously supplied food and provisions for David and his men. After Absalom's defeat, when David returned to Jerusalem, Barzillai accompanied him to the Jordan River (2 Samuel 19:31 to 39). Due to his advanced age of eighty, Barzillai declined David's invitation to join him in Jerusalem, but he sent his son Chimham in his place. David blessed Barzillai and promised to show kindness to his family. Later, on his deathbed, David instructed Solomon to show favor to Barzillai's descendants (1 Kings 2:7). Barzillai's loyalty and generosity during David's time of need were remembered and honored by the king. In Ezra 2:61 and Nehemiah 7:63, a priestly family is mentioned who traced their lineage to Barzillai, indicating the enduring impact of his devotion to David.

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

This entry is on the name Barzillai, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.

Of iron. (1.) A Meholathite, the father of Adriel (2 Sam. 21:8).

(2.) A Gileadite of Rogelim who was distinguished for his loyalty to David. He liberally provided for the king’s followers (2 Sam. 17:27). David on his death-bed, remembering his kindness, commended Barzillai’s children to the care of Solomon (1 Kings 2:7).

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(3.) A priest who married a daughter of the preceding (Ezra 2:61).

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.

GenesisMatthewRevelation

Where the Bible names him

  1. 2 Samuel 17:27

    When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim.

  2. 2 Samuel 19:31

    Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and send him on his way from there.

  3. 2 Samuel 19:32

    Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim.

  4. 2 Samuel 19:33

    The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.”

  5. 2 Samuel 19:34

    But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?

  6. 2 Samuel 19:39

    So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.

  7. 1 Kings 2:7

    But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.

  8. Ezra 2:61

    And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name).

  9. Nehemiah 7:63

    And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name).

From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.