2 Samuel 19:34

34 But Barzillai answered, "I don't have long to live; why should I go with Your Majesty to Jerusalem?

2 Samuel 19:34 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 19:34

And Barzillai said unto the king
In answer to the grateful proposal he made:

how long have I to live;
that could not be said with exactness by any; but it might be probably conjectured from the age he was of, and the infirmities that attended him, that he could not live long; it was but a short time he had to be in the world:

that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
take so long a journey as that, seeing he might die before he got thither; and if he did not, since it could not be thought he should live long, he could not think of it, or judge it advisable at such an age to take such a journey, change his place of abode, and manner of living.

2 Samuel 19:34 In-Context

32 Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years old. He was very rich and had supplied the king with food while he was staying at Mahanaim.

33 The king said to him, "Come with me to Jerusalem, and I will take care of you."

34 But Barzillai answered, "I don't have long to live; why should I go with Your Majesty to Jerusalem?

35 I am already eighty years old, and nothing gives me pleasure any more. I can't taste what I eat and drink, and I can't hear the voices of singers. I would only be a burden to Your Majesty.

36 I don't deserve such a great reward. So I will go just a little way with you beyond the Jordan.