Definition: Now Barzillai was a very aged man, [even] fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he [was] a very great man.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 19:32. It’s a bit complex, but here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a man named Barzillai who was incredibly old and had been providing for the king of Israel (specifically, Mahanaim) for many years. He was exceptionally wealthy and respected. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Now Barzillai was a very aged man…” – This immediately establishes that he’s older than the average person. “Very aged” means significantly old. “[even] fourscore years old…” – "Fourscore" is a long way to say "forty." So, this means he was 40 years old. This is a huge number! “…and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim…” - This tells us where he lived and what he did. He lived in Mahanaim, which was a small village near the border of Israel. He was providing food for the King. “for he [was] a very great man.” – This emphasizes how important he was. It’s not just about being old; it's that he had achieved a significant level of wealth and status. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of a wealthy, respected, and long-lived man who was actively supporting the King of Israel. It highlights his importance and perhaps hints at a time when the Kingdom of Israel was under threat. Context (Important!) This story is part of a larger narrative in the Bible that speaks about the rise and fall of kingdoms and the power of God. It’s often interpreted as a sign of impending trouble for the Israelites, suggesting that their situation was precarious. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage?