2 Samuel 16:2
2 Samuel 16:2 in Multiple Translations
“Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”
And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king’s household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.
And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses are for the king’s household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as are faint in the wilderness may drink.
And David said to Ziba, What is your reason for this? And Ziba said, The asses are for the use of the king's people, and the bread and the fruit are food for the young men; and the wine is for drink for those who are overcome by weariness in the waste land.
“What did you bring these for?” David asked Ziba. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king's family to ride on, the bread and summer fruit are for the men to eat, and the wine is for those to drink who get worn out in the wilderness.”
And the King said vnto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, They be asses for the kings housholde to ride on, and bread and dryed figges for the yong men to eate, and wine, that the faint may drinke in the wildernesse.
And the king saith unto Ziba, 'What — these to thee?' and Ziba saith, 'The asses for the household of the king to ride on, and the bread and the summer-fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for the wearied to drink in the wilderness.'
The king said to Ziba, “What do you mean by these?” Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that those who are faint in the wilderness may drink.”
And the king said to Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses are for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as are faint in the wilderness may drink.
And the king said to Siba: What mean these things? And Siba answered: The asses are for the king’s household to sit on: and the loaves and the figs for thy servants to eat, and the wine to drink if any man be faint in the desert.
The king said to Ziba, “What are these for?” Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for your family to ride on, the bread and the fruit are for your soldiers to eat, and the wine is for them to drink when they become exhausted in the desert.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 16:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 16:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
אֶל
צִיבָ֖א
מָה
אֵ֣לֶּה
לָּ֑/ךְ
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
צִ֠יבָא
הַ/חֲמוֹרִ֨ים
לְ/בֵית
הַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ
לִ/רְכֹּ֗ב
ו/ל/ה/לחם
וְ/הַ/לֶּ֤חֶם
וְ/הַ/קַּ֨יִץ֙
לֶ/אֱכ֣וֹל
הַ/נְּעָרִ֔ים
וְ/הַ/יַּ֕יִן
לִ/שְׁתּ֥וֹת
הַ/יָּעֵ֖ף
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
צִיבָ֖א
Tsîybâʼ
H6717
Ziba
N-proper
מָה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
לָּ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
צִ֠יבָא
Tsîybâʼ
H6717
Ziba
N-proper
הַ/חֲמוֹרִ֨ים
chămôwr
H2543
donkey
Art | N-cp
לְ/בֵית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לִ/רְכֹּ֗ב
râkab
H7392
to ride
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
ו/ל/ה/לחם
lechem
H3899
food
Conj | Prep | Art | N-cs
וְ/הַ/לֶּ֤חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
Conj | Art | N-cs
וְ/הַ/קַּ֨יִץ֙
qayits
H7019
summer
Conj | Art | N-ms
לֶ/אֱכ֣וֹל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/נְּעָרִ֔ים
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-mp
וְ/הַ/יַּ֕יִן
yayin
H3196
wine
Conj | Art | N-ms
לִ/שְׁתּ֥וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/יָּעֵ֖ף
yâʻêph
H3287
weary
Art | Adj
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 16:2
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
צִיבָ֖א
Tsîybâʼ
H6717
"Ziba"
N-proper
Ziba was an Israelite servant of Saul who helped David care for Jonathan's son Mephibosheth. His name means 'statue' and he is mentioned in 2 Samuel 9:2. Ziba was a loyal steward.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.9.2 § Ziba = "statue" a servant of Saul whom David made steward of Jonathan's son Mephibosheth
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Ziba. See also: 2 Samuel 9:2; 2 Samuel 9:12; 2 Samuel 19:30.
מָה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
לָּ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
צִ֠יבָא
Tsîybâʼ
H6717
"Ziba"
N-proper
Ziba was an Israelite servant of Saul who helped David care for Jonathan's son Mephibosheth. His name means 'statue' and he is mentioned in 2 Samuel 9:2. Ziba was a loyal steward.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.9.2 § Ziba = "statue" a servant of Saul whom David made steward of Jonathan's son Mephibosheth
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Ziba. See also: 2 Samuel 9:2; 2 Samuel 9:12; 2 Samuel 19:30.
הַ/חֲמוֹרִ֨ים
chămôwr
H2543
"donkey"
Art | N-cp
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
לְ/בֵית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לִ/רְכֹּ֗ב
râkab
H7392
"to ride"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.
ו/ל/ה/לחם
lechem
H3899
"food"
Conj | Prep | Art | N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
וְ/הַ/לֶּ֤חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
Conj | Art | N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
וְ/הַ/קַּ֨יִץ֙
qayits
H7019
"summer"
Conj | Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for summer refers to the harvest season or the fruit of that season, and is also used to describe the dry summer months, as seen in its Aramaic equivalent.
Definition: 1) summer, summer-fruit 1a) summer 1b) summer-fruit Aramaic equivalent: qa.yit (קַ֫יִט "summer" H7007)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: summer (fruit, house). See also: Genesis 8:22; Isaiah 28:4; Psalms 32:4.
לֶ/אֱכ֣וֹל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
הַ/נְּעָרִ֔ים
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Art | N-mp
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
וְ/הַ/יַּ֕יִן
yayin
H3196
"wine"
Conj | Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
לִ/שְׁתּ֥וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
הַ/יָּעֵ֖ף
yâʻêph
H3287
"weary"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means to be weary or fatigued, like being completely exhausted. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who is tired or worn out. In the KJV, it is translated as faint or weary.
Definition: faint, weary, fatigued
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: faint, weary. See also: 2 Samuel 16:2; Isaiah 40:29; Isaiah 50:4.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 16:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 16:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 16:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:2
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 16:2
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 16:2
Context — David and Ziba
1When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine.
2“Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”
3“Where is your master’s grandson?” asked the king. And Ziba answered, “Indeed, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he has said, ‘Today, the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my grandfather.’” 4So the king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!” “I humbly bow before you,” said Ziba. “May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 17:29 | honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.” |
| 2 | Judges 10:4 | He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys. And they had thirty towns in the land of Gilead, which to this day are called Havvoth-jair. |
| 3 | Judges 5:10 | You who ride white donkeys, who sit on saddle blankets, and you who travel the road, ponder |
| 4 | Genesis 33:8 | “What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered. |
| 5 | Proverbs 31:6–7 | Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. |
| 6 | Genesis 21:29 | and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?” |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 19:26 | “My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me, |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 25:27 | Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 15:23 | Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 37:18 | When your people ask you, ‘Won’t you explain to us what you mean by these?’ |
2 Samuel 16:2 Summary
[This verse shows how Ziba, a servant of Mephibosheth, brought provisions to King David and his household as they were fleeing from their home. The items he brought, such as donkeys, bread, and wine, were meant to sustain them during their time in the wilderness. This act of kindness reminds us of God's provision for His people, as seen in Exodus 16:4-5. Just like Ziba, we can show our care and concern for others by providing for their practical needs, as encouraged in 1 Peter 4:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the items Ziba brought to King David?
The items Ziba brought, such as donkeys, bread, summer fruit, and wine, were provisions to sustain the king and his household during their time in the wilderness, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:2. This act of kindness is reminiscent of the way God provides for His people, as seen in Exodus 16:4-5.
Is Ziba's response to King David a genuine attempt to help or is it motivated by self-interest?
While Ziba's response may seem helpful on the surface, his true intentions are later revealed in 2 Samuel 16:4, where he is rewarded with Mephibosheth's property. This highlights the importance of examining our motivations, as warned in Matthew 6:1-4.
How does King David's interaction with Ziba reflect his character?
King David's inquiry about the items Ziba brought, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:2, shows his interest in the well-being of his household and his people, demonstrating his character as a caring leader, similar to the way God is described as a Shepherd in Psalm 23:1-4.
What can we learn from Ziba's preparedness in this situation?
Ziba's preparedness, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:1-2, teaches us the importance of being ready to serve and provide for others, as encouraged in 1 Peter 4:10 and Titus 3:14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can practically provide for those in need, just like Ziba provided for King David's household?
- How can I ensure my motivations for serving others are pure and not self-serving, as warned in Matthew 6:1-4?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my care and concern for others, just like King David showed interest in his household's well-being?
- What are some times when God has provided for me in unexpected ways, similar to how Ziba's provisions sustained King David's household?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:2
And the king said unto Ziba, what meanest thou by these?.... Are they to be said, or are they presents?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 16:2
And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:2
For the king’ s household to ride on; for the king and his wives and children were all on foot; not that he had not or could not procure asses for them at Jerusalem, but because he chose it as best becoming that state of penitence and humiliation in which they were.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:2
2 Samuel 16:2 And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses [be] for the king’ s household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.Ver. 2. What meanest thou by these?] Is it thy master’ s doing, or thine own? For the young men to eat.] A modesty not unlike that of Abigail, to see to, only that was real, this in semblance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:2
Verse 2. The asses be for the king's household] This is the Eastern method of speaking when any thing is presented to a great man: "This and this is for the slaves of the servants of your majesty," when at the same time the presents are intended for the sovereign himself, and are so understood. It is a high Eastern compliment: These presents are not worthy of your acceptance; they are only fit for the slaves of your slaves.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 16:2
2. the wilderness] See note on ch. 2 Samuel 15:23.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 16:2
| Sermon | Description | |
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Homily 19 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of walking wisely in a world filled with evil, emphasizing the need to understand the will of the Lord and to redeem the time. He highlig |
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The Damnation Army, Its Victims and Its Sponsors by George Kulp | George Kulp passionately preaches about the irreconcilable hostility between the Church and the saloon, emphasizing the need for Christians to take a stand against the liquor traff |
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(John) the Glory of the Lord by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fearless nature of Jesus as he walked into the enemy's heart. The preacher emphasizes the significance of the word "band" in the Bible, w |