2 Samuel 16:19

And again, whom should I serve? [should I] not [serve] in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.

And again {H8145}, whom should I serve {H5647}? should I not serve in the presence {H6440} of his son {H1121}? as I have served {H5647} in thy father's {H1} presence {H6440}, so will I be in thy presence {H6440}.

Moreover, whom should I serve? Shouldn't I serve in the presence of his son? Just as I have served in your father's presence, so will I be in your presence."

Furthermore, whom should I serve if not the son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”

And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father’s presence, so will I be in thy presence.

Commentary

2 Samuel 16:19 (KJV): "And again, whom should I serve? [should I] not [serve] in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence."

Context

This verse is spoken by Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, to King David. It occurs during a critical moment when David is fleeing Jerusalem due to the rebellion led by his son Absalom. Ziba has just met David on his escape route, bringing provisions and, importantly, spreading false accusations against his master Mephibosheth. David, in his distress and perhaps too quick to trust, rewards Ziba by granting him Mephibosheth's inheritance (see 2 Samuel 16:1-4). This declaration is Ziba's response after receiving this immense favor, solidifying his position with David.

Key Themes

  • Feigned Loyalty: Ziba's words are a calculated performance of devotion to David, intended to secure his new status, rather than genuine faithfulness.
  • Opportunism and Deception: Ziba exploits David's vulnerable situation and deceives him about Mephibosheth's loyalty to gain personal wealth and power.
  • Political Maneuvering: Ziba skillfully navigates the political upheaval, initially referencing service "in the presence of his son" (likely Absalom, the current power) but quickly pivoting to pledge unwavering service to David now that David has rewarded him.
  • Contrast with True Service: The verse highlights the difference between service motivated by self-interest and true, selfless loyalty (as later shown by Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 19).

Linguistic Insights

The phrasing "[should I] not [serve] in the presence of his son?" can be interpreted as Ziba rhetorically asking if he shouldn't be serving Absalom (David's son who is claiming the throne), but then immediately affirming his commitment to serve David ("so will I be in thy presence"). This subtle shift underscores Ziba's cunning ability to adapt his allegiance based on who offers him the most benefit at the moment.

Reflection and Application

This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the nature of loyalty, particularly during times of crisis. It reminds us that not all declarations of service are sincere. Ziba's actions reveal how self-interest can masquerade as devotion. It encourages believers to discern motives and to value genuine faithfulness over opportunistic displays, recognizing that true loyalty is demonstrated through consistent action, not just convenient words.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 15:34

    But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; [as] I [have been] thy father's servant hitherto, so [will] I now also [be] thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.

  • Psalms 55:21

    [The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.

  • Galatians 2:13

    And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

  • 1 Samuel 29:8

    And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as I have been with thee unto this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king?

  • 1 Samuel 28:2

    And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.
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