Topical Bible: Slander of Mephiboseth, by Ziba

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Topical Encyclopedia

Background:
Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, is a significant figure in the narrative of King David's reign. He is introduced in 2 Samuel 4:4 as a young child who became lame in both feet following an accident during a hurried escape after the death of his father and grandfather. David, honoring his covenant with Jonathan, sought to show kindness to any remaining members of Saul's house. Upon discovering Mephibosheth, David restored to him all the land of Saul and granted him a permanent place at the king's table (2 Samuel 9:1-13).

The Slander:
The incident of slander occurs during the rebellion of Absalom, David's son. As David flees Jerusalem, he encounters Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, who brings provisions for the king and his men. When David inquires about Mephibosheth's absence, Ziba accuses him of betrayal, claiming that Mephibosheth stayed in Jerusalem, hoping to reclaim his grandfather Saul's kingdom (2 Samuel 16:1-4). Ziba's words are recorded as follows: "Behold, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, 'Today the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my grandfather.'" (2 Samuel 16:3).

David's Reaction:
In response to Ziba's report, David grants Ziba all that belonged to Mephibosheth, saying, "All that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours" (2 Samuel 16:4). This decision reflects the urgency and pressure of the moment, as David is in the midst of a crisis and must make swift judgments based on the information available to him.

The Truth Revealed:
Upon David's return to Jerusalem after Absalom's defeat, Mephibosheth comes to meet the king. His appearance and actions suggest mourning and loyalty, as he had not cared for his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes since the day David left (2 Samuel 19:24). Mephibosheth explains that Ziba deceived him, as he intended to join David but was unable due to his disability. He further asserts his loyalty to David, expressing gratitude for the king's past kindness and leaving judgment to David's discretion (2 Samuel 19:26-28).

David's Final Decision:
Faced with conflicting accounts, David decides to divide the land between Ziba and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 19:29). Mephibosheth, however, demonstrates his loyalty and contentment with David's safe return by saying, "Let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely to his own house" (2 Samuel 19:30).

Theological and Moral Implications:
The episode of Ziba's slander against Mephibosheth highlights several key themes in biblical narrative and theology. It underscores the destructive power of false testimony and the challenges leaders face in discerning truth amidst deception. The account also illustrates the virtue of loyalty and the importance of maintaining integrity despite personal disadvantage or slander. Mephibosheth's response to David's decision reflects a heart of gratitude and submission to God's providence, prioritizing the well-being of the king over personal gain.

This account serves as a reminder of the biblical exhortation against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16) and the call to trust in God's justice, even when human judgments fall short.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 16:3
And the king said, And where is your master's son? And Ziba said to the king, Behold, he stays at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.
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2 Samuel 19:24-30
And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.
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