31. Barzillai of Gilead came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan River with King David and send him on his way home.
32. Barzillai was a very old man, 80 years old. He had given the king food and other things when David was staying at Mahanaim. Barzillai could do this because he was a very rich man.
33. David said to Barzillai, “Come across the river with me. I will take care of you if you will live in Jerusalem with me.”
34. But Barzillai said to the king, “Do you know how old I am? Do you think I can go with you to Jerusalem?
35. I am 80 years old! I am too old to tell what is bad or good. I cannot taste what I eat or drink or hear the voices of men and women singers. Why should you want to be bothered with me?
36. I don’t need any of the things that you want to give me. I will cross the Jordan River with you.
37. Then please let me go back so that I can die in my own town and be buried in the grave of my father and mother. But here is Kimham; take him back with you as a servant, my lord and king. Do whatever you want with him.”
38. The king answered, “Kimham will go back with me. I will be kind to him for you. I will do anything for you.”
39. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him. Barzillai went back home, and the king and all the people went across the river.
40. The king crossed the Jordan River to Gilgal. Kimham went with him. All the people of Judah and half the people of Israel led David across the river.
41. All the Israelites came to the king and said to him, “Why did our brothers, the people of Judah, steal you away? Why did they bring you and your family back across the Jordan River with your men?”
42. All the people of Judah answered the Israelites, “We did it because the king is our close relative. Why are you angry with us about this? We have not eaten food at the king’s expense. The king did not give us any gifts.”