Barzillai the Gileadite
King David receives a gift of supplies and food from Barzillai in Mahanaim while preparing for Absalom to attack and try to take his throne by force
King David fled Absalom and all Israel who were seeking to kill him and take his thone. David crossed the Jordan and came to Mahanaim. Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim brought beds, basics, earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese for David's hungry, weary, and thirsty men. (2 Samuel 17) He provided this out of his great wealth. (2 Samuel 19:32)
As David is being escorted over the Jordan and back to Jerusalem to be king by all Judah and half Israel, Barzillai comes and passes David's blessing to Chimham
Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and went on with the king to the Jordan to escort him over. David asked to provide for him in Jerusalem, but Barzillai was 80 years old and claimed royal pleasures would be wasted on him and he preferred to die in his own city near his father and mother's graves. He offered Chimham instead to go with David, and David accept him and promised to do all Barzillai desires. All the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over. He kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own home while the king went on to Gilgal. (2 Samuel 19:31-40)
David's parting advice to King Solomon
David advised King Solomon to "deal loyally with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from Absalom your brother." (1 Kings 2:7)
Barzillai the Meholathite
- Son: Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite