Rewarded with Kindness
But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother. - 1 Kings 2:7
David continued to advise Solomon, he balanced his justice towards those, like Joab, who needed retribution for their actions and those who were to be repaid with kindness. Barzillai, the Gileadite, a wealthy, very aged man,had assisted David in the wilderness, as he fled from Absalom. Barzillai had come to his aid with no strings attached, only to freely and willing help the king:
…Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, brought beds and basins, earthen vessels and wheat, barley and flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and parched seeds, honey and curds, sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat - (2 Samuel 17:27-29).
David, on his return to Jerusalem, brought Chimham––Barzillai’s son, back with him. His father Barzillai, being old, had decided to return home to his city where he would die in his old age (2 Samuel 19:36-40). Chimham would greatly benefit from his fathers kind actions towards David. He gained an inheritance with the king in Jerusalem. Solomon was told to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai; they were to be honored as they eat at King Solomon’s table.
Imagine, we all have benefited greatly because of the mercy and kindness of God. Jesus Christ, His Son, on our behalf, willingly sacrificed His life on the cross. He has gained for us an eternal heritance: to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you… (1 Peter 1:4). Sinners only need to repent of their sins to gain their inheritance with believers (Colossians 1:12).
…not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
~Romans 2:4~
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