33 Now Barzillai was a very aged man—80 years old—and he had provided for the king during his residence at Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man.
34 The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem.”
35 But Barzillai said to the king, “How many years are left of my life that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
36 I am now 80 years old. Can I distinguish between good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I listen any more to the voice of singing men and women? Why then should your servant be yet a burden to my lord the king?
37 Your servant would merely cross over the Jordan with the king. But why should the king reward me with such a reward?
38 Please let your servant go back, and let me die in my own hometown, near the grave of my father and my mother. But look, here is your servant Chimham—let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what seems good in your eyes.”
39 The king answered, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good in your eyes. Whatever you ask of me, I will do for you.”