BERZELLAI (Heb. Barzillaj). – A wealthy landowner from Rogelim in Gilead. He hosted the fugitive David during the rebellion of Absalom (II Sam. 17, 27). Later, invited by the grateful king to settle near him in Jerusalem, he graciously declined on account of his advanced age: 80 years (ibid. 19, 31-39). His descendants shared the fortunes of the people of Israel (I Reg. 2, 7). In the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, some of them, being unable to prove their membership in the priestly class, were deprived of the office they had until then exercised (Estd. 2, 61; Neh. 7, 63). A B., originally from Molathi (Mébâlah), was the father of Michol’s husband, Hadriel (II Sam. 21, 8).
Berzellai (Hebrew Barzillai)
Cite this article
“BERZELLAI (EBR. BARZILLAJ).” Enciclopedia Cattolica, vol. II (1949), p. 864. Azione Romana digital edition, https://azioneromana.com/article/berzellai-ebr-barzillaj.