When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. When David had gone a little beyond the summitThis phrase refers to David's departure from Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion. The "summit" likely refers to the Mount of Olives, a significant location east of Jerusalem. This mountain is often associated with worship and prayer, as seen in David's own life and later in Jesus' ministry ( Luke 22:39-46). The summit represents a place of transition and decision, highlighting David's vulnerability and the gravity of his situation. Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him
Ziba was a servant of Saul's household, specifically serving Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. This meeting is significant because it introduces a subplot of loyalty and betrayal. Ziba's actions here are later contrasted with Mephibosheth's account in 2 Samuel 19:24-30, raising questions about Ziba's motives and integrity. The encounter underscores themes of loyalty and deception, which are prevalent throughout David's reign. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread
The provision of donkeys and bread indicates Ziba's intention to support David materially during his flight. Bread, a staple food, symbolizes sustenance and hospitality. This act of provision can be seen as a gesture of allegiance to David, though it also foreshadows the complex dynamics between Ziba and Mephibosheth. The number "two hundred" may suggest abundance, reflecting the urgency and generosity of Ziba's offering. a hundred clusters of raisins
Raisins were a common food in ancient Israel, often used for sustenance during travel. They are mentioned in other biblical contexts as provisions for journeys or offerings (1 Samuel 25:18). The inclusion of raisins highlights the practical needs of David and his followers, emphasizing the importance of preparation and resourcefulness in times of crisis. a hundred summer fruits
Summer fruits, likely figs or other seasonal produce, were valued for their nutritional content and ease of transport. This detail underscores the immediacy of Ziba's support, as summer fruits would have been readily available and suitable for a quick departure. The mention of "a hundred" again suggests a significant quantity, reinforcing the theme of provision. and a skin of wine
Wine was a common beverage in biblical times, often used for refreshment and medicinal purposes. The inclusion of wine in Ziba's provisions indicates care for the well-being of David and his men. Wine also holds symbolic significance in Scripture, representing joy and blessing (Psalm 104:15). In this context, it may serve as a reminder of God's provision and favor, even in the midst of adversity. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom. This event occurs during a time of great personal and political turmoil for David. 2. ZibaThe steward of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. Ziba meets David with provisions, which raises questions about his loyalty and intentions. 3. MephiboshethAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, he is a significant figure as Ziba is his steward. Mephibosheth is the son of Jonathan, David's dear friend, and has been shown kindness by David. 4. The SummitRefers to the Mount of Olives, which David crosses as he flees Jerusalem. This location is significant in biblical history and prophecy. 5. ProvisionsThe donkeys, bread, raisins, figs, and wine brought by Ziba symbolize sustenance and support during David's time of need, but also introduce questions of loyalty and deception. Teaching Points Discernment in Times of CrisisIn moments of crisis, discernment is crucial. David's encounter with Ziba teaches us to seek God's wisdom in evaluating the intentions of others. The Complexity of Human MotivesZiba's actions remind us that human motives can be complex and self-serving. We must be cautious and prayerful in our judgments. God's Provision in Difficult TimesDespite the uncertainty, God provides for David through Ziba's provisions. Trust in God's provision even when circumstances are challenging. Loyalty and BetrayalThe account of Ziba and Mephibosheth highlights themes of loyalty and betrayal. Reflect on your own commitments and the importance of faithfulness. The Role of StewardshipZiba's role as a steward prompts us to consider our own stewardship responsibilities and how we manage what is entrusted to us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to Ziba's provisions reflect his state of mind and leadership during a crisis? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of discernment in our own lives when faced with uncertain situations? 3. How does the account of Ziba and Mephibosheth challenge us to examine our own motives and actions towards others? 4. What can we learn from David's reliance on God during his flight from Absalom, and how can this strengthen our faith in difficult times? 5. How does the theme of stewardship in this passage relate to other biblical teachings on managing what God has entrusted to us? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 9This chapter provides background on David's relationship with Mephibosheth, highlighting David's kindness and the covenant with Jonathan. 2 Samuel 19Later events reveal the truth about Ziba's actions and Mephibosheth's loyalty, providing a fuller picture of the situation. Psalm 3A psalm attributed to David during his flight from Absalom, reflecting his trust in God amidst adversity. Matthew 21The Mount of Olives is also significant in the New Testament, particularly in the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. People Abishai, Absalom, Ahithophel, Arkite, David, Gera, Hushai, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zeruiah, ZibaPlaces Bahurim, JerusalemTopics Ascent, Asses, Bearing, Behold, Beyond, Bottle, Bread, Bunches, Cakes, Clusters, Couple, David, Distance, Donkeys, Dry, Figs, Flask, Fruits, Grapes, Hill, Hundred, Jug, Loaded, Loaves, Meet, Mephibosheth, Mephib'osheth, Mephibosheth's, Met, Passed, Past, Raisin-cakes, Raisins, Saddled, Servant, Short, Skin, Slope, Stems, Steward, String, Summer, Summer-fruit, Summit, Waiting, Wine, ZibaDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 16:1 4404 food
4440 fig-tree
4450 fruit
5234 bottle
5556 stewardship
5977 waiting 2 Samuel 16:1-2 4418 bread
4458 grape
4548 wineskin
5127 back 2 Samuel 16:1-4 5524 servants, bad Library But Although Patience be a virtue of the Mind...
8. But although patience be a virtue of the mind, yet partly the mind exercises it in the mind itself, partly in the body. In itself it exercises patience, when, the body remaining unhurt and untouched, the mind is goaded by any adversities or filthinesses of things or words, to do or to say something that is not expedient or not becoming, and patiently bears all evils that it may not itself commit any evil in work or word. By this patience we bear, even while we be sound in body, that in the midst …
St. Augustine—On Patience Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 16:1 NIV2 Samuel 16:1 NLT2 Samuel 16:1 ESV2 Samuel 16:1 NASB2 Samuel 16:1 KJV
2 Samuel 16:1 Commentaries
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