"Why do you have these?" asked the king. Ziba replied, "The donkeys are for the king's household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness." The king asked ZibaThis phrase introduces us to a moment of inquiry and discernment. The king, David, is in a vulnerable position, fleeing from his son Absalom. The Hebrew root for "asked" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies a seeking or inquiring, often used in contexts where wisdom and discernment are necessary. David's question to Ziba reflects his need to understand the intentions behind the provisions offered. In a broader spiritual sense, this can remind believers of the importance of seeking God's wisdom in times of uncertainty. Why do you have these?
This question highlights David's cautious nature. The phrase "these" refers to the provisions Ziba brought. In the historical context, David's inquiry is crucial as he navigates betrayal and loyalty. The question underscores the need for discernment in leadership, especially when faced with unexpected generosity. It serves as a reminder to Christians to question the motives behind actions and to seek God's guidance in interpreting the intentions of others. Ziba answered
Ziba's response is immediate and seemingly straightforward. The Hebrew root for "answered" (עָנָה, anah) can also mean to respond or testify. This suggests that Ziba's words are not just a reply but a testimony of his intentions. In the narrative, Ziba's answer is pivotal, as it sets the stage for future events. For believers, this can be a reminder of the power of words and the importance of integrity in our testimonies. The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride
This phrase indicates provision and support. Donkeys, in ancient Israel, were valuable for transportation and carrying burdens. The mention of "the king’s household" signifies care for the entire royal family, not just David. This act of service can be seen as a gesture of loyalty. Spiritually, it reflects the Christian call to serve and support one another, especially in times of trial. the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat
Bread and summer fruit symbolize sustenance and refreshment. In the Hebrew context, bread is a staple, representing life and provision, while summer fruit, likely figs or raisins, signifies abundance and blessing. The "young men" refer to David's loyal followers, highlighting the importance of community and fellowship. This provision can inspire believers to offer practical support to those in need, embodying Christ's love through acts of kindness. and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness
Wine, in biblical times, was often used for refreshment and medicinal purposes. The phrase "to refresh" (לְהָשִׁיב, lehashiv) implies restoration and renewal. The "wilderness" represents a place of trial and testing, much like the spiritual deserts believers may face. This provision of wine symbolizes the rejuvenating power of God's grace, encouraging Christians to find strength and renewal in Him during life's challenges. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe reigning king of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom during a time of political and familial turmoil. 2. ZibaThe servant of Mephibosheth, who brings provisions to David and his men as they flee. 3. AbsalomDavid's son, who has initiated a rebellion against his father, causing David to flee Jerusalem. 4. The WildernessThe setting where David and his followers find themselves, symbolizing a place of trial and testing. 5. MephiboshethThe son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, whom David had previously shown kindness to by restoring his grandfather's land and allowing him to eat at the king's table. Teaching Points God's Provision in Times of NeedJust as Ziba provided for David and his men, God often uses unexpected means and people to provide for our needs during difficult times. Discernment in RelationshipsDavid's interaction with Ziba reminds us of the importance of discernment. Not all who appear to help have pure motives, and we must seek God's wisdom in understanding the intentions of others. The Role of ServanthoodZiba's actions, whether genuine or self-serving, highlight the role of servanthood. As Christians, we are called to serve others, reflecting Christ's love and humility. Trusting God in the WildernessThe wilderness represents times of trial and uncertainty. Like David, we must trust in God's faithfulness and provision, knowing He is with us even in the most challenging circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ziba's provision for David and his men reflect God's provision for us in our times of need? 2. In what ways can we practice discernment in our relationships, especially when receiving help or advice from others? 3. How does the concept of servanthood in this passage challenge us to serve others in our daily lives? 4. What are some "wilderness" experiences in your life where you have seen God's provision and faithfulness? 5. How can the account of David's flight from Absalom encourage us to trust God during our own trials and uncertainties? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 9This chapter provides background on David's kindness to Mephibosheth, which contrasts with Ziba's actions and claims in 2 Samuel 16. Psalm 23David's experience in the wilderness can be seen as a real-life reflection of the themes in this Psalm, where God provides and sustains even in the valley of the shadow of death. Proverbs 25:21-22The act of providing for one's enemy or those in need, as Ziba does, aligns with the wisdom of showing kindness and generosity. People Abishai, Absalom, Ahithophel, Arkite, David, Gera, Hushai, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zeruiah, ZibaPlaces Bahurim, JerusalemTopics Asses, Bread, David, Desert, Donkeys, Drink, Eat, Exhausted, Faint, Fruit, Fruits, Household, King's, Mean, Meanest, Overcome, Reason, Refresh, Ride, Summer, Summer-fruit, Waste, Wearied, Weariness, Wilderness, Wine, ZibaDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 16:2 5582 tiredness 2 Samuel 16:1-2 4418 bread
4458 grape 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 16:2 NIV2 Samuel 16:2 NLT2 Samuel 16:2 ESV2 Samuel 16:2 NASB2 Samuel 16:2 KJV
2 Samuel 16:2 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
