Theme

The quiet life of generosity and contentment

Questions

• Think of an older person that you admire; what is it about them that makes you think of them this way?
• When David and his men come to Mahanaim they are running from Absalom (who is winning in the civil war with his father, David). For Barzillai and the others to offer help is a risky thing to do. Can you think of a time when helping in a situation involves risk? Are you prepared to take risks to help others?
• Why do Barzillai and the others help David (17:29)? Is there an ‘agenda’ in their generosity?
• In 2 Corinthians chapters 8 & 9, Paul writes about generosity. Look at 2 Corinthians 9:7-11. How can you make generosity a matter of the heart? How does our generosity reflect what’s in our hearts?
• Do you think contentment is something which comes with age, or can we find contentment no matter what age we are?
• In 2 Samuel 19:33 David makes Barzillai a very generous offer.
  • Why do you think Barzillai turns David down?
  • If you were offered a great new opportunity, out of the blue, how would you decide what to do?
• Although Barzillai turned down David’s invitation, he asks David to take Kimham with him instead.
  • What does this tell us about Barzillai?
  • Can you think of older people in your life who encourage you to take up unexpected opportunities? Are you grateful for their encouragement?
• Look at 1 Kings 2:7 (this is King David speaking to his son Solomon just before he died).
  • What does David remember of Barzillai?
  • What impact can our generosity have on others, not just in terms of what we give, but in terms of how it makes them feel?
• If you could ask Barzillai one question, what would it be? (what do you think his answer would be?)