Lexical Summary Tsiba: Ziba Original Word: צִיבָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ziba From the same as Tsowba'; station; Tsiba, an Israelite -- Ziba. see HEBREW Tsowba' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a servant in Saul's house NASB Translation Ziba (16). Brown-Driver-Briggs צִיבָא and (2 Samuel 16:4) צִבָא16 proper name, masculine Σ(ε)ιβα: servant of Saul's house, 2 Samuel 9:2 (twice in verse) + 14 t. 9, 16, 19. Topical Lexicon Identity and Background Ziba appears exclusively in the book of 2 Samuel (sixteen times) as a former servant of King Saul who later becomes attached to King David’s administration. He is first introduced as “a servant of the house of Saul” (2 Samuel 9:2). Scripture notes that he had “fifteen sons and twenty servants” (2 Samuel 9:10), indicating unusual affluence and influence for a household servant. Service in the Royal Household After David secured the throne, he sought to honor his covenant with Jonathan by showing “kindness for Jonathan’s sake” (2 Samuel 9:1). Ziba’s familiarity with Saul’s estate made him the logical custodian of information concerning any surviving heirs. Upon David’s inquiry, Ziba revealed the existence of Jonathan’s crippled son, Mephibosheth, thus facilitating one of the Old Testament’s clearest portraits of covenant mercy. David entrusted Ziba with stewardship of Saul’s land: “You and your sons and your servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat” (2 Samuel 9:10). Though placed under Mephibosheth, Ziba continued to wield significant managerial authority. Instrument of Covenant Kindness Ziba’s role underscores David’s faithfulness to covenant obligations. By administering Saul’s former holdings, he became a living channel of the king’s grace toward a helpless beneficiary. His labor and resources enabled Mephibosheth to “eat at the king’s table like one of the king’s sons” (2 Samuel 9:11). In this, Ziba illustrates how God often employs previously adversarial or unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes of mercy. Character Questions and Controversy During Absalom’s rebellion Ziba hurried to meet David, laden with provisions: “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine to refresh those who become weary in the wilderness” (2 Samuel 16:2). Presenting himself as loyal, he accused Mephibosheth of staying in Jerusalem in hopes of reclaiming Saul’s throne (2 Samuel 16:3). David, under duress and without hearing Mephibosheth, immediately transferred all of Mephibosheth’s property to Ziba (2 Samuel 16:4). When the rebellion collapsed, Mephibosheth appeared before David, unkempt and mourning. He denied Ziba’s accusations, explaining that Ziba had deceived him and left him unable to follow David (2 Samuel 19:26–28). The king, apparently unsure whom to believe, divided the land between the two (2 Samuel 19:29). Scripture does not record Ziba’s response, leaving his motives ambiguous. The narrative tension invites reflection on partial truths, self-advancement, and the possibility of hidden agendas even among those who appear helpful. Aftermath and Final Mention The final biblical reference (2 Samuel 19:29) closes the account without resolving the ethical ambiguity surrounding Ziba. No further biblical record details his later life, descendants, or spiritual condition. Yet his account remains intertwined with David’s reign and Mephibosheth’s welfare, illustrating both the benefits and perils of delegated authority. Theological and Ministry Reflections 1. Covenant Faithfulness: Ziba’s stewardship shows how human agents safeguard covenant promises. In ministry, administrators, deacons, and lay leaders can either enhance or hinder the experience of grace for those they serve. Typological and Christological Echoes David’s kindness to Mephibosheth mediated through Ziba foreshadows the greater King’s mercy to helpless sinners. Yet Ziba’s contested loyalty highlights the contrast between imperfect human mediators and the perfectly faithful Mediator, Jesus Christ. Whereas Ziba’s intentions are uncertain, Christ “always lives to intercede” with pure motives (Hebrews 7:25). Practical Application for Believers • Embrace servant leadership that genuinely advances others rather than self. Thus, the narrative of Ziba offers a multifaceted study in stewardship, integrity, and the steadfast kindness of God that operates through—and sometimes in spite of—human instruments. Forms and Transliterations וְצִיבָ֔א וְצִיבָ֗א וּלְצִיבָ֗א ולציבא וציבא לְצִבָ֔א לצבא צִ֠יבָא צִיבָ֔א צִיבָ֖א צִיבָ֛א צִיבָ֜א צִיבָא֙ ציבא lə·ṣi·ḇā ləṣiḇā letziVa ṣî·ḇā ṣîḇā tziVa ū·lə·ṣî·ḇā ūləṣîḇā uletziVa vetziVa wə·ṣî·ḇā wəṣîḇāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 9:2 HEB: עֶ֙בֶד֙ וּשְׁמ֣וֹ צִיבָ֔א וַיִּקְרְאוּ־ ל֖וֹ NAS: whose name was Ziba, and they called KJV: whose name [was] Ziba. And when they had called INT: A servant name was Ziba called to 2 Samuel 9:2 2 Samuel 9:3 2 Samuel 9:4 2 Samuel 9:9 2 Samuel 9:10 2 Samuel 9:11 2 Samuel 9:12 2 Samuel 16:1 2 Samuel 16:2 2 Samuel 16:2 2 Samuel 16:3 2 Samuel 16:4 2 Samuel 16:4 2 Samuel 19:17 2 Samuel 19:29 16 Occurrences |
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