King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 16:1 Mean?

2 Samuel 16:1 in the King James Version says “And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

2 Samuel 16:1 · KJV


Context

1

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 upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

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.

3

And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Humiliation, emphasizing suffering within God's sovereignty. David's humiliation through Shimei's cursing and Ziba's deception tests his faith in God's sovereignty. His refusal to punish Shimei demonstrates trust that God controls even unjust accusations. Ahithophel's counsel and Absalom's public sin with David's concubines fulfill Nathan's prophecy (12:11-12). Theological themes include suffering within God's sovereign plan, responding to unjust accusations with faith, and the full exposure of hidden sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 16 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding suffering within God's sovereignty provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of suffering within God's sovereignty?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְדָוִ֗ד1 of 21

And when David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עָבַ֤ר2 of 21

past

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

מְעַט֙3 of 21

was a little

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

מֵֽהָרֹ֔אשׁ4 of 21

the top

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וְהִנֵּ֥ה5 of 21
H2009

lo!

צִיבָ֛א6 of 21

of the hill behold Ziba

H6717

tsiba, an israelite

נַ֥עַר7 of 21

the servant

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

מְפִיבֹ֖שֶׁת8 of 21

of Mephibosheth

H4648

mephibosheth, the name of two israelites

לִקְרָאת֑וֹ9 of 21

met

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

וְצֶ֨מֶד10 of 21

him with a couple

H6776

a yoke or team (i.e., pair); hence, an acre (i.e., day's task for a yoke of cattle to plough)

חֲמֹרִ֜ים11 of 21

of asses

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

חֲבֻשִׁ֗ים12 of 21

saddled

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

וַֽעֲלֵיהֶם֩13 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וּמֵ֥אָה14 of 21

and an hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

לֶ֜חֶם15 of 21

loaves of bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וּמֵ֥אָה16 of 21

and an hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

צִמּוּקִ֛ים17 of 21

bunches of raisins

H6778

a cake of dried grapes

וּמֵ֥אָה18 of 21

and an hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

קַ֖יִץ19 of 21

of summer fruits

H7019

harvest (as the crop), whether the product (grain or fruit) or the (dry) season

וְנֵ֥בֶל20 of 21

and a bottle

H5035

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

יָֽיִן׃21 of 21

of wine

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 16:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 16:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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