³¹Barzillai, the man from Gilead, came from Rogelim with the king to the Jordan River to send him on his way. ³²Barzillai was an elderly man, 80 years old. Because he was a very rich man, he had provided the king with food while he was staying at Mahanaim.

³³The king told Barzillai, “Cross the river with me. I’ll provide for you in Jerusalem.”

³⁴Barzillai replied, “I don’t have much longer to live. I shouldn’t go with Your Majesty to Jerusalem. ³⁵I’m 80 years old now. How can I tell what is pleasant and what is not? Can I taste what I eat or drink? Can I still hear the singing of men and women? Why should I now become a burden to you, Your Majesty? ³⁶I’ll just cross the Jordan River with you. Why should you give me such a reward? ³⁷Please let me go back so that I can die in my city near the grave of my father and mother. But here is Chimham. Let him go across with you. And do for him what you think is right.”

³⁸“Chimham will go across with me,” the king said. “I will do for him whatever you want. Anything you wish I’ll do for you.”

³⁹All the troops crossed the Jordan River, and then the king crossed. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him. Then Barzillai went back home.

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