The Bible is explicitly clear that Ziba was
opportunistically kind to David and unkind to his master, Mephibosheth. But you
can't find that perspective in THIS chapter. One must consult II Samuel 19:24-
30 to discover Ziba's motives. In this context we not only see the actions
Ziba, but also treachery of Shimei and Ahithophel. Now, Ziba actually brought a
significant amount of food to David, but as I said, we will learn later that he
was setting himself up to move from servant to master. He not only brought
supplies, he brought lies; lies about his master Mephibosheth.
If
David had been at the top of his game, so to speak, perhaps he would have
picked up on the lying strategy that Ziba was employing. Why would Mephibosheth
have thought that a struggle between David and Absalom would have produced an
opportunity for him to become king? But, David was at the bottom. I mean, he
was just about as low as you can get. Not only had his son and his chief
advisor turned on him: he was temporarily homeless, he had lost the loyalty of
many of his people, he thought Mephibosheth was ungrateful for the kindnesses
that had been shown to him, he was journeying further and further away from the
house of God, he had reasons to reflect on his checkered past with deep angst,
and on top of that there was this guy, Shimei, who pestered David and his traveling
party mercilessly, throwing rocks and cursing.
It was bad enough that Joab's brother asked David for permission to go
decapitate the jerk. But, David refused
to allow it.
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