2 Samuel 16:1 - Meaning and Application

We read earlier how kind David was to Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son. David wisely put his servant Ziba in charge of Mephibosheth’s estate, while also welcoming Mephibosheth at his own table (2 Samuel 9:10). That matter seemed settled, but Ziba was not content to manage the property. He wanted to own it. Now he saw his chance, and he hoped to gain the estate for himself, no matter whether David or Absalom won. He was trying to profit from a time of trouble.

To do this, Ziba brought David a generous gift of supplies, and it came at just the right time (2 Samuel 16:1). He meant to win David over, because a gift often opens the way to favor with important people (Proverbs 18:16). Scripture also says a gift can smooth the path for the giver (Proverbs 17:8). David took this as proof that Ziba was loyal, careful, and generous, when in fact Ziba only wanted to make a profit and get Mephibosheth’s estate transferred to himself. Will people show generosity to the rich just for earthly gain, and should we not be generous to the poor because of the reward God promises in the resurrection of the righteous (Luke 14:14)?

Ziba was also wise in choosing what to bring. His gifts would help David in a time of need (2 Samuel 16:2). The wine was meant for those who were weak and worn out, not for the king’s own drinking or for the court. It seems it was the kind of wine used as a strengthening drink for those near death (Proverbs 31:6). The land is blessed when rulers use wine for strength, as David did, and not for drunkenness, as Absalom did (2 Samuel 13:28; Ecclesiastes 10:17). Even though Ziba meant his gift for selfish ends, God in his providence used it to support David in a kind way. God often uses wicked people to do good for his people, even sending them food by ravens.

After Ziba had won David’s trust, he moved to his real goal, which was to turn David against Mephibosheth. He did this by making a false accusation. He claimed that Mephibosheth was ungrateful and hoped to use the present trouble to claim the throne for himself, now that David and Absalom were fighting for it. When David asked where Mephibosheth was, as one of his household, Ziba took the chance to tell this lie (2 Samuel 16:3). Masters often suffer great harm because of the lies of their servants.

David knew Mephibosheth was not an ambitious man. He knew him as one who was content with his place and loyal to David’s rule. Besides, Mephibosheth’s crippled legs made any rise to power seem impossible. Yet David believed Ziba’s story. Without further inquiry, he treated Mephibosheth as a traitor, took away his lands as though they had been lost, and gave them to Ziba: “All that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours” (2 Samuel 16:4). It was a hasty judgment, and David later felt shame for it when the truth came out (2 Samuel 19:29). Rulers cannot avoid being deceived at times, but they should do all they can to find out the truth and protect themselves from deceitful people like Ziba.

Having used his tricks to get what he wanted, Ziba no doubt mocked the king’s trust in private and was pleased with his success. He left with a flattering speech, as if he valued David’s favor more than Mephibosheth’s estate: “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord king, and I have enough.” People in power should always be cautious with flatterers. They should remember that God has given them two ears so they can hear both sides.