2 Samuel 16:2 NIV

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 16:2

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

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

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

Joseph Benson

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

2 Samuel 16:2. The asses be for the king’s household to ride on Or, rather, some of his household, for they could not all ride on two asses, unless by turns, relieving each other, which perhaps Ziba intended; for he seems to have been very considerate in adapting his present to the wants of David and those that were with him. It appears, the king, and his wives and children, were all on foot: not because he had not, or could not procure, asses for them at Jerusalem; but because he chose... 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

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 16:2

2 Samuel 16:2. The asses be for the king's household to ride on— The asses are for the king's household, for carriage; for the carrying their baggage. Houbigant. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 16:2

2. The asses be for the king's household to ride on—The royal fugitives were moving on foot, not from inability to procure conveyances, but as being suitable to their present state of humiliation and penitence. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 16:1-4

The kindness of Ziba 16:1-4"David now encounters Ziba (2 Samuel 16:1-4), the first of two men with links to the house of Saul (the other is Shimei [2 Samuel 16:5-14]). Although Ziba attempts to ingratiate himself to him and Shimei curses him, David treats each with courtesy. The brief account of the king’s kindness to Ziba (2 Samuel 16:1-4) has obvious connections with the narrative of his kindness to Mephibosheth (ch. 9) . . ." [Note: Youngblood, pp. 998-99.] Ziba’s report of Mephibosheth’s... read more