サムエル記下 16:1-4 JC

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:1-4

We read before how kind David was to Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, how he prudently entrusted his servant Ziba with the management of his estate, while he generously entertained him at his own table, 2 Sam. 9:10. This matter was well settled; but, it seems, Ziba is not content to be manager, he longs to be master, of Mephibosheth's estate. Now, he thinks, is his time to make himself so; if he can procure a grant of it from the crown, whether David or Absalom get the better it is all one to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:1

And when David was a little past the top of the hill ,.... Of the mount of Olives, the ascent of which he is said to go up by, and to come to the top of it, 2 Samuel 15:30 , behold, Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, met him ; of whom see 2 Samuel 9:2 ; with a couple of asses saddled : and so fit to ride on, but for the present he used them to another purpose: and upon them two hundred loaves of bread ; an hundred on each ass very probably: and an hundred bunches of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:2

And the king said unto Ziba, what meanest thou by these ?.... Are they to be said, or are they presents? and Ziba said, the asses be for the king's household to ride on ; for himself, his wives, and children, his courtiers, and the principal officers of his house; it being usual in those times and countries for great personages to ride on asses, see Judges 5:10 , and the bread and summer fruits for the young men to eat ; the king's menial servants, his guards and his soldiers: ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:3

And the king said, and where is thy master's son ?.... The son of Saul, who was Ziba's master, meaning Mephibosheth: and Ziba said unto the king, behold, he abideth at Jerusalem ; as there was reason for it, since he was lame of both his feet, 2 Samuel 9:13 , though he could have rode upon an ass, and followed the king, as he proposed to do; but his servant deceived him, and carried off the asses to serve a purpose for himself, see 2 Samuel 19:26 , for he said, today shall the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:4

Then said the king to Ziba, behold, thine are all that pertaineth to Mephibosheth ,.... Being forfeited to the king by an overt act of treason as they had been before by the rebellion of Ishbosheth, but had been graciously restored to Mephibosheth; and had it been true what Ziba suggested, it would have been a righteous thing to have taken them from him; though it seems to be too hasty a step in David to take and give them away without further inquiry: and Ziba said, I humbly beseech... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:1

Two hundred loaves of bread - The word loaf gives us a false idea of the ancient Jewish bread; it was thin cakes, not yeasted and raised like ours. Bunches of raisins - See on 1 Samuel 25:18 ; (note). Summer fruits - These were probably pumpions, cucumbers, or watermelons. The two latter are extensively used in those countries to refresh travelers in the burning heat of the summer. Mr. Harmer supposes they are called summer fruits on this very account. A bottle ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:2

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. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:3

To-day shall the house of Israel - What a base wretch was Ziba! and how unfounded was this accusation against the peaceable, loyal and innocent Mephibosheth! read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:4

Thine are all - This conduct of David was very rash; he spoiled an honorable man to reward a villain, not giving himself time to look into the circumstances of the case. But David was in heavy afflictions, and these sometimes make even a wise man mad. Nothing should be done rashly; he who is in the habit of obeying the first impulse of his passions or feelings, will seldom do a right action, and never keep a clear conscience. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:1

EXPOSITION Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth . It is the misfortune of troubled times like those in which David found himself, that unscrupulous men use them for selfish purposes. For those in danger have no time for careful examination, nor are their minds sufficiently calm for impartial judgment, but they act on first impressions, and catch at every straw. Ziba's present would naturally raise everybody's spirits, and be taken as a good omen; for it showed that David had adherents in... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:1-4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:1

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:3

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:3

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:4

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:1

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