31 Barzilay the Giladi[ref] had also come down from Roglim to help the king cross the Yarden (Jordan). 32 At eighty, he was very old, but being very wealthy, he’d provided food and supplies to the king while he’d stayed at Mahanayim, 33 so the king told him, “You cross over with me, and I’ll provide for you to be with me in Yerushalem (Jerusalem).”

34 “How much longer am I likely to live?” Barzilay pondered. “Would it really be worth me moving to Yerushalem with the king? 35 Your servant is eighty years old. My mind isn’t the same as it was, and I can’t really taste what I eat or drink. I can barely hear the sounds of the men and women singing. So why would your servant become an extra burden to my master the king?” 36 As a token privilege, your servant will cross the Yarden with the king, but why should the king reward me with that generous reward? 37 Please, let your servant return, and let me die in my city near the graves of my parents. But look, here’s your servant Kimham—let him cross over with my master the king, and do whatever you consider to be appropriate for him.”

38 “Kimham can cross over with me,” the king said, “and I myself will do for him whatever you consider to be appropriate—everything that you choose concerning me, I’ll do for you.” 39 So all the people crossed the Yarden, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzilay and blessed him, and then Barzilay returned home.