Returning over Jordan
David would willingly have taken Barzillai to his palace, but the famous Gileadite respectfully declined the invitation, alleging the infirmities of old age. However, the overtures which he refused for himself he gladly accepted for his son Chimham, who accompanied the king to the city and was treated with every consideration. In himself, the youth had no claims upon David, but he stood in the merits of another-his father. His title to the king's favor consisted entirely in his being the son of Barzillai. Similarly the believer in Jesus, who is united to Him by a living faith, is “accepted in the beloved.” We are as near and as dear to God as Jesus is, and for His sake may stand in the palace.
The invitation for David's return had originated in the ten tribes, but, through some mismanagement, the actual welcome was given by Judah. This led to a renewed manifestation of the rivalry that at length brought about the division of the kingdom.