Topical Bible: Servant: Good of Ziba

◄ Servant: Good of Ziba ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Ziba is a notable figure in the Old Testament, recognized for his role as a servant in the narrative of King David. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel, where he serves as a servant to the household of Saul, specifically to Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul.

Background and Role

Ziba first appears in 2 Samuel 9, when King David seeks to show kindness to the house of Saul for the sake of Jonathan. David inquires if there is anyone left of Saul's house to whom he can show God's kindness, and Ziba is summoned to provide information. Ziba informs David of Mephibosheth, who is crippled in both feet and living in Lo Debar. David subsequently restores to Mephibosheth all the land of Saul and appoints Ziba, along with his sons and servants, to work the land for Mephibosheth. Ziba's role is thus established as a steward and caretaker of Mephibosheth's estate.

Loyalty and Deception

Ziba's character is further explored in 2 Samuel 16 during Absalom's rebellion against David. As David flees Jerusalem, Ziba meets him with provisions, claiming that Mephibosheth has stayed in Jerusalem, hoping to reclaim his grandfather Saul's kingdom. Ziba's actions appear loyal to David, and as a result, David grants Ziba all that belonged to Mephibosheth. However, this account is later contradicted in 2 Samuel 19 when Mephibosheth explains to David that Ziba deceived him and left him behind, unable to saddle a donkey due to his disability. David, faced with conflicting accounts, decides to divide the land between Ziba and Mephibosheth.

Character Analysis

Ziba's actions can be interpreted in various ways. On one hand, he demonstrates a form of loyalty to David by providing for him during a time of need. On the other hand, his potential deception of Mephibosheth raises questions about his integrity and motives. The narrative does not provide a definitive judgment on Ziba's character, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of his actions.

Biblical References

· 2 Samuel 9:2-3 : "Now there was a servant of Saul’s household named Ziba. They summoned him to appear before David, and the king asked him, 'Are you Ziba?' 'I am your servant,' he replied. The king then asked, 'Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?' Ziba answered, 'There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.'"

· 2 Samuel 16:1-4 : "When David had gone a little beyond the summit, there was Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, waiting to meet him. He had a string of donkeys saddled and loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred cakes of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs, and a skin of wine. 'Why have you brought these?' asked the king. Ziba answered, 'The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and fruit are for the men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.' 'Where is your master’s grandson?' the king asked. 'He is staying in Jerusalem,' Ziba replied, 'for he said, "Today the house of Israel will restore to me my grandfather’s kingdom."' Then the king said to Ziba, 'All that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.' 'I humbly bow,' said Ziba. 'May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king.'"

· 2 Samuel 19:24-29 : "Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely. When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, 'Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?' 'My lord the king,' he replied, 'because I am lame, I said, "I will have my donkey saddled and ride on it, so I can go with the king." But my servant Ziba deceived me. And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. Yet my lord the king is like the Angel of God, so do whatever you wish. For all my grandfather’s descendants deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?' The king said to him, 'Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the land.'"

Ziba's account is a testament to the complexities of human character and the challenges of discerning truth and loyalty in relationships. His interactions with David and Mephibosheth provide a rich narrative for exploring themes of service, loyalty, and the consequences of deception.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 9:1
And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Rash Decisions.
... was escaping, there came to him Ziba, a servant of Mephibosheth ... And the king asked
after Mephibosheth; then Ziba said, "O ... he said in my hearing, A good time is ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xli rash decisions.htm

Concerning the Insurrection of Absalom against David and ...
... of Ahithophel, for that he could not do him so much good by being ... 3. When David was
gone a little farther, there met him Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the insurrection.htm

David and Jonathan's Son
... lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do ... And how did Ziba
like his task ... Kindly impulses are good, but they need cool heads to direct them ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and jonathans son.htm

Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... be the slave of praise, and also a true servant of God. ... know how to separate what
is really good from the ... Ziba flattered [591] David out of season, and falsely ...
/.../homily v philippians ii 4-jan.htm

The Second Book
... him was thus reported: "I bring thee good tidings, my ... his unmistakable verdict on
behalf of his servant David, many ... So Ziba was fain to feed him, and Shimei ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the second book.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... this great mistake of Saul and his servant, as if ... disposal of half Mephibosheth's
estate to Ziba, one would imagine that he was a good deal dissatisfied ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Genuine Acts of Peter.
... acts were even as his words, "The good Shepherd giveth ... effusion of my blood, who
am Thy servant, make an ... 2278] Perhaps Absalom, or it may be Ziba, is referred ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/the genuine acts of peter.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... Q. Are here all the good signs that my prayers shall be heard?"A. No ... Who else are
like to miscarry here?"A. They that have designs like Ziba to ingratiate ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Genesis!! Impossible! Well, I never heard of that work of the good Bunyan
before. Why ... And God saw that the light was good. Truly the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... heaven lie at stake.10 But be of good comfort, Christ ... 6. Ziba, in appearance, came
to David much faster than ... lame, for that was his plea""thy servant is lame ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm