2 Samuel 16:1

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

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

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:1-4

( OLIVET .) The benefaction of Ziba. ( References: 2 Samuel 9:3 , 2 Samuel 9:9-13 ; 2 Samuel 19:24-30 .) David had taken his last look at Jerusalem, and was "a little past the top" of Mount Olivet in his descent on the other side, when he was met by Ziba, the servant of Mephibesheth, with an apparently thoughtful and generous present. This man was originally a slave of the house of Saul; became a freed man at its downfall; made his fortune out of its ruins; and had fifteen sons... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:1-14

The facts are: 1 . David, passing on his way, is met by Ziba with a present for the king and his servants. 2 . On inquiring after Mephibosheth, David is told by Ziba that he was staying in Jerusalem in expectation that, as a result of the present revolt, the kingdom would be restored to him as representative of the house of Saul. 3 . Accepting this statement as correct, David assigns Mephibosheth's property ( 2 Samuel 9:9-12 ) to Ziba, who thereupon makes obeisance. 4 .... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 16:1

A couple of donkeys saddled - Those that Mephibosheth and his servant should have ridden. See 2 Samuel 19:26 note. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 16:1

2 Samuel 16:1. Behold Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, met him This crafty man, being persuaded that God would in due time appear for the righteous cause of so good a king, and scatter the cloud which was now upon him, takes this occasion to make way for his own future advancement, by making David a handsome present of provisions, which was the more welcome, because it came seasonably. A hundred of summer fruits These, the Seventy suppose, were dates, but the more common opinion is... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:1-23

Apparent success of the revolt (16:1-23)As David left Jerusalem, Ziba (whom David had appointed to manage the property of Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth; see 9:9-13) took the opportunity to win David’s favour by bringing him food and animals to assist his escape. Ziba then told David that Mephibosheth was a traitor who was planning to seize the throne for himself. As a result David took away Mephibosheth’s property and gave it to Ziba, though later events showed there was some doubt whether... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 16:1

top. Compare 2 Samuel 15:32 . behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 . Mephibosheth . Now thirty-one. Born in 965. Compare 2 Samuel 4:4 . bottle = skin-bottle (Joshua 9:4 .Matthew 9:17; Matthew 9:17 ). wine . Hebrew. yayin. See App-27 . read more

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