Barzillai Came Down

2 Sam. 19:31f.

Barzillai came down from Rogelim Stayed with the king in Mahanaim The king said, “Let’s cross the river.” (33) “But, I’m an old man!  Eighty, don’t ya know? I can’t just get up and go! Let me go back to my home town And there go down into the ground. (37) But I’ll give you my servant Chimham.” So said Barzillai.  No lie! The king gave him back a big kiss, (39) A kinsman he surely wanted to bless. Then he headed on down to Gilgal (40) And a whole lot o’ kin withal. The Northerners came to the king (41) Said, “Why’d those Southerners steal you away? Talk to me!  What you got to say?” They said, “‘Cause he’s one o’ our kin.” “Well,” said those Yanks, “We got ten! A lot more than you!  What you gonna do? (43) Ain’t got to treat us so bad. Such a wicked deed makes a fellow mad!”

5 Aug., a.m., 2021