Friends…

2Sam 19 True and False Friends

If God had not left Barzillai in our text we would only see the false friends of Absalam and Joab. But, Barzillai rises to the surface as one who is loyal to the core. He is an example of what a true friend is and what a true friend does. He went beyond the pale, as we say, to provide David with basic needs when everyone else had left him. He was ready to listen, encourage, and exhort. We need friends like him.

One of the traits of a true friend is that they go beyond what is expected. They are loyal to you in the hard and easy times. They console you when you are suffering, without words but in actions just as Job knew: “My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God.” [Job 16:20] They are generous to share their bounty with you because they serve with a generous heart. Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times (meaning they are always loyal)…” Barzillai is an example of Prov 18:24 “There are companions who harm one another, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Friends are one of the greatest gifts we can have. Are we that true friend?