Barzillai
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Barzillai in the Bible?
Barzillai was a Gileadite elder who supplied provisions to David and his forces during their flight from Absalom and escorted the king across the Jordan River. He declined royal honors, requesting instead that his son Chimham serve in the king's court.
SIGNIFICANCE
Barzillai's narrative illustrates the political alliances and social obligations that sustained David's leadership during times of crisis, offering insight into the role of regional elites in ancient Israelite power structures.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Barzillai reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Barzillai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Barzillai clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Barzillai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/barzillai/