Topical Encyclopedia Ziba is a biblical figure prominently featured in the narrative of King David's reign, particularly in relation to Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. Ziba's account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel, where he serves as a servant in the household of Saul.Background and Role Ziba first appears in 2 Samuel 9, where King David seeks to show kindness to the house of Saul for the sake of Jonathan, his beloved friend. David inquires if there is anyone left of Saul's house to whom he can show God's kindness. Ziba, a servant of Saul's household, is summoned to David's presence. He informs the king of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, who is crippled in both feet and residing in Lo-debar. David summons Mephibosheth and restores to him all the land that belonged to Saul, his grandfather. He also appoints Ziba, along with his sons and servants, to work the land for Mephibosheth. Ziba is tasked with ensuring that Mephibosheth has food and sustenance, while Mephibosheth himself is granted the privilege of eating at David's table, "like one of the king’s sons" (2 Samuel 9:11). Ziba's Actions During Absalom's Rebellion Ziba's fidelity to Mephibosheth is further tested during the rebellion of Absalom, David's son. As David flees Jerusalem, Ziba meets him with a string of donkeys loaded with provisions. When David inquires about Mephibosheth's whereabouts, Ziba claims that Mephibosheth has stayed in Jerusalem, hoping that the kingdom of his grandfather Saul might be restored to him (2 Samuel 16:3). 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 is made in the heat of the moment, based on Ziba's account, without hearing Mephibosheth's side of the account. The Truth Revealed After Absalom's defeat and David's return to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth comes to meet the king. He appears in a state of neglect, having neither cared for his feet nor trimmed his beard since the day David left. Mephibosheth explains that Ziba deceived him; he had intended to saddle a donkey and accompany David, but Ziba left him behind and slandered him to the king (2 Samuel 19:26-27). David, faced with conflicting accounts, decides to divide the land between Ziba and Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth, however, expresses his loyalty to David by saying, "Let him take it all, since my lord the king has safely returned" (2 Samuel 19:30). Analysis of Ziba's Fidelity Ziba's actions raise questions about his fidelity to Mephibosheth. Initially, he appears loyal, serving Mephibosheth and managing his estate. However, his conduct during Absalom's rebellion suggests a more complex character. By bringing provisions to David, Ziba demonstrates loyalty to the king, but his report about Mephibosheth's intentions is later contradicted by Mephibosheth himself. Ziba's motivations may have been influenced by self-interest, as he stood to gain materially from David's favor. His actions serve as a reminder of the complexities of human loyalty and the potential for self-serving behavior, even among those who appear faithful. In the broader biblical narrative, Ziba's account highlights themes of loyalty, deception, and the challenges of discerning truth amidst conflicting reports. His interactions with David and Mephibosheth provide insight into the dynamics of power, trust, and the consequences of actions taken in times of crisis. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 9:1And 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 Concerning the Insurrection of Absalom against David and ... How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ... Resources Who was Mephibosheth? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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