("iron".) A Gileadite chief. of Rogelim, whose friendship David probably made during his flight from Saul in that trans-Jordanic region. He ministered disinterestedly, sympathizingly, and liberally, to David's wants during the whole time of his stay at, Mahanaim in his flight from Absalom (2 Samuel 17:27-29; 2 Samuel 19:32-40). David in prosperity did not forget the friend of his adversity: "Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem." But Barzillai was unmercenary, and sought his reward simply in having done his duty.
Instead of grasping at honors and favors at court, he remembers his age, fourscore, "How long have I to live, that I should go P" and prefers to die among his own people, independent though in less grandeur. In the father's stead Chimham and other sons of his shared David's favor, and were commended by him to Solomon (1 Kings 2:7). Chimham's name appears ages subsequently in Jeremiah's time, "the habitation of Chimham by Bethlehem" being the gift of David to him out of his own patrimony, and bearing that name to late generations: an undesigned coincidence and mark of truth (Jeremiah 41:17). (See BETHLEHEM.)
From the co-author of the classic Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary, Fausset's Bible Dictionary stands as one of the best single-volume Bible encyclopedias ever written for general use. The author's writing style is always clear and concise, and he tackles issues important to the average student of the Bible, not just the Biblical scholars. This makes Fausset an excellent tool for both everyday Bible study and in-depth lesson or sermon preparation.Wikipedia
Read More