Barzillai in the Bible — Hidden Meaning & Symbolism

Barzillai, bär-z;l'-lai (Heb.)-- iron; man of iron; strong; transfixed; pierced; an iron tool to pierce. a A Gileadite who brought provisions for David and his followers when they were fleeing from Absalom (II Sam. 17:27). b Father of Saul's son-in-law, Adriel (II Sam. 21:8). Meta. Physical strength (strong). There is a material aspect to the physical which, if held to and believed in, makes one hard and unyielding in one's strength (man of iron). Such a consciousness of strength becomes a tool that transfixes, pierces, and carries before it everything that in any way contacts it; this is very likely to lead to despicableness in the end. On the other hand, the outer man may impart the substance of his strength, or a share of it, to the positive spiritual love nature, which David represents, and thus bring good to the whole organism.