Happy Birthday, Barzillai!

by an Old Disciple of Jesus Christ

"Barzillai was a very aged man...and [he] said unto the king...I am this day fourscore years old."~

This octogenarian’s name means iron, telling us much about his character. He stood loyal to his beloved king when David was in exile and all the odds were against him. Barzillai was as full of courage as he was full of years. And his king never forgot the kindness this old man had shown toward him. On his deathbed, David recalled it, commending Barzillai's family to Solomon's care.

This aged saint lived by a fixed star and was true to his principles to the very end. He was sane headed and warm hearted. His king would have his very best; he would follow him as fast as his fourscore years would allow him. His outward man was perishing, but he would not permit the inward man to be squandered. This magnanimous man not only showed a new generation how to live, but how to die. And he would die heavenly minded.

One of the sweetest and tenderest things in this entire account, between David and his old friend, happened when David returned to Jerusalem to reign upon his rightful throne. We are told, "The King kissed Barzillai and blessed him." O! what more could an eighty-year-old man desire than the kiss of his KING!

And it just so happens, on this very day (October 15th), I too can say, "I am fourscore (and 8) years old." Can you guess what my birthday wish is?

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