Topical Bible: Servants: Bad: Ziba

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Topical Encyclopedia

Ziba is a biblical figure known for his role as a servant in the narrative of King David and Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel, where he is depicted as a servant of questionable integrity and loyalty.

Background and Role

Ziba was originally a servant in the household of Saul, the first king of Israel. After Saul's death, his estate and responsibilities were transferred to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, who was lame in both feet (2 Samuel 9:3). King David, in his desire to show kindness to the house of Saul for Jonathan's sake, restored Saul's land to Mephibosheth and appointed Ziba, along with his sons and servants, to work the land for him (2 Samuel 9:9-10).

Deception and Betrayal

Ziba's character comes into question during the rebellion of Absalom, David's son. As David fled Jerusalem, Ziba met him with provisions, claiming that Mephibosheth had stayed in Jerusalem, hoping to reclaim his grandfather Saul's throne (2 Samuel 16:1-3). Ziba's actions and words led David to grant him all of Mephibosheth's possessions: "Then the king said to Ziba, 'All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours.' 'I humbly bow,' said Ziba. 'May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king'" (2 Samuel 16:4).

However, upon David's return to Jerusalem after Absalom's defeat, Mephibosheth approached the king to explain his side of the account. He claimed that Ziba had deceived him by leaving him behind and slandering him to the king (2 Samuel 19:24-28). Mephibosheth's appearance and demeanor suggested that he had been in mourning during David's absence, supporting his claim of loyalty to David.

David's Judgment

Faced with conflicting accounts, David made a compromise, instructing that the land be divided between Ziba and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 19:29). This decision reflects the complexity of the situation and the difficulty in discerning the truth between Ziba's apparent loyalty and Mephibosheth's professed innocence.

Character Analysis

Ziba's actions are often viewed as opportunistic and self-serving. His willingness to deceive King David for personal gain casts him in a negative light. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deceit and the importance of integrity, especially for those in positions of service and trust.

Ziba's narrative highlights the challenges faced by leaders in discerning truth and administering justice, as well as the potential for servants to manipulate situations for their own benefit. His actions contrast with the biblical ideal of servanthood, which emphasizes loyalty, honesty, and faithfulness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 16:1-4
And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... how to separate what is really good from the bad. ... Ziba flattered [591] David out
of season, and falsely ... Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus ...
/.../homily v philippians ii 4-jan.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... 6. Ziba, in appearance, came to David much faster than did Mephibosheth; but
yet his heart was not so upright in him to David as was his. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... The good seed are the children of the kingdom of God, but the bad are the ... sea, as
fishers do out of the natural; both Christ and his servants catch mystical ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm