Leadership Lessons from the Lesser Known
What kind of legacy will you leave behind? However, before you answer that question, let me be clear, I’m not talking about how much money or property you’re leaving your grandchildren.
The legacy I’m talking about is far more important than money and property. What I want to know is what will the next generations remember about you? What are you known for? What values and character traits are you passing on to future generations? That’s your real legacy.
Long after the money you bequeath is spent, and your property has been lost to the ravages of time, what of you will endure?
Everyone will leave a legacy. For some of us, future generations will remember our harsh, cold nature devoid of love. That’s a sad legacy.
For some of us, our legacy will be a whisp that disappears like the morning mist, because well, we didn’t pass on anything meaningful to the next generation. We lived, we contributed, but in the end, our life didn’t have the impact it could have had. That’s also a sad legacy.
Whereas, a few of us, will be remembered fondly, graciously, perhaps even reverently. We will be remembered for the legacy of love and care that we showed to others throughout our lives. That’s a beautiful legacy!
There are numerous well-known Bible characters that left wonderful legacies. We read about Esther’s bravery as she saved her people from annihilation. There is Deborah, a prophet, judge, and courageous leader. And of course, there is Paul, who spent his life taking the message of the Good News throughout the land. So many incredible men and women of God whose legacy lives on in our Biblical record.
There are lesser-known Bible characters whose stories we can easily pass over, yet they also left important, enduring legacies.
Barzillai Meets David
One such character is Barzillai, whom we meet in 2 Samuel 17:27-29 and again in 2 Samuel 19:31-40.
Now, to set the stage, King David was in the midst of a civil war initiated by his own son, Absalom. David and his entourage had abandoned their home in Jerusalem and were on the run. David learned about a trap being set for him by his son, so he ran further into the desert, across the Jordan river, and stopped in a town called Mahanaim.
Barzillai lived in a small town near Mahanaim. When he heard about David’s arrival, he packed up all kinds of food, blankets, and other supplies and brought them to David and his people. Barzillai did all this out of the goodness of his heart because, he said, “the people have become tired and thirsty in the desert.”
Barzillai was a wealthy man who provided for David and all his people the entire time David stayed in Mahanaim. After some time, David decided that it was safe to return to Jerusalem, so he packed up and headed home.
David wanted to reward Barzillai for his kindness and hospitality, so he invited Barzillai to come and live with him in Jerusalem. Barzillai humbly refused David’s offer, saying he did not need to be rewarded. Instead, Barzillai suggested David take one of his servants, named Kimham and reward him instead.
Barzillai was 80-years old when all this happened! Most people at that stage of life would prefer to enjoy their afternoon nap rather than get involved in the affairs of a king running from his son. But not Barzillai. He saw an opportunity to serve and care for his king, and he took it.
Barzillai’s Legacy
Despite his age, Barzillai made a difference in the lives of others by his actions. Of course, David appreciated what Barzillai did for him, but I imagine in a small town everyone knew what Barzillai did. They saw the example of a righteous man living out his life in honor to God. Barzillai was caring, generous, courageous, loyal, and humble.
Caring
Barzillai realized David and the men and women in his entourage would be tired and worn out from their journey, so he immediately took action by taking care of them. Likewise, he continued to care for them until they were ready to return home to Jerusalem.
Generous
Barzillai didn’t set up a GoFundMe account for David to raise money for food and supplies. He didn’t levy a tax on people to raise money for David. Instead, he generously paid for David’s care out of his own resources.
Courageous
Barzillai wasn’t concerned with the consequences of aligning himself with King David. If Absalom had become king, he almost certainly would have taken revenge against anyone who helped his father, but Barzillai didn’t care. He courageously stepped out and did what he could to help his King.
Loyal
Barzillai remained loyal to King David. David was the king God had appointed over Israel, and Barzillai honored God’s choice by remaining loyal to David.
Humble
David tried to reward Barzillai’s loyalty by inviting him to come and live in the palace in Jerusalem with David. But Barzillai turned him down. He did not want to be rewarded for simply doing what a good man should do. Instead, Barzillai suggested David take his son Kimham to Jerusalem and reward him, however, David saw fit.
Barzillai never sought fame or reward from his actions. Yet, the legacy of his actions and his character are recorded for us in the Scripture.
Every day we are building our legacy. The question is, what kind of legacy are we building?
More Articles About Character
I’ve written several articles discussing issues of character. Here are four I think you’ll enjoy. If you want even more, just search the site for “character.”
- #054: How to Keep Your Power as Leader from Destroying Your Character
- #140: Is Character Formed In The Crucible Of Failure?
- #191: It Takes Character & Courage to be Used by God
- #312: What Are Five Common Character Traits of Selfish Leaders?
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. If you died today, what would be your legacy? Is it what you want as a legacy?
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Category: Personal Development | Character
