2 Samuel 16:4

KJV

Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine [are] all that [pertained] unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee [that] I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} the king {H4428} to Ziba {H6717}, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth {H4648}. And Ziba {H6717} said {H559}, I humbly {H7812} beseech thee that I may find {H4672} grace {H2580} in thy sight {H5869}, my lord {H113}, O king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king said to Tziva, "Everything that belongs to M'fivoshet is now yours." Tziva answered, "I bow down before you; may I find favor in your sight, my lord, king."

Berean Standard Bible

So the king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!” “I humbly bow before you,” said Ziba. “May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king!”

American Standard Version

Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine is all that pertaineth unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I do obeisance; let me find favor in thy sight, my lord, O king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 16:4 records King David's swift and ill-advised decree to transfer Mephibosheth's entire estate to his servant Ziba, immediately followed by Ziba's outwardly humble yet deeply deceptive expression of gratitude. This pivotal moment, occurring amidst David's desperate flight from Absalom's rebellion, highlights the king's vulnerability to manipulation and hasty judgment under duress, while simultaneously exposing Ziba's opportunistic and slanderous character as he capitalizes on David's distress for personal gain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of David's flight from Absalom, immediately following Ziba's manipulative encounter with the king. In [2 Samuel 16:1-3](/2_samuel/16-1 "2 Samuel 16:1-3 - Ziba's Deception of David"), Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth (Saul's grandson), meets David with a generous supply of provisions, seemingly as an act of loyalty. When David inquires about Mephibosheth's whereabouts, Ziba fabricates a story, claiming that Mephibosheth remained in Jerusalem, hoping to reclaim his grandfather's kingdom now that David was in disarray. This false accusation, delivered at a moment of profound emotional and political instability for David, sets the stage for the king's rash decision in [2 Samuel 16:4](/2_samuel/16-4 "2 Samuel 16:4 - David's Hasty Judgment"). The narrative then proceeds to describe other encounters during David's flight, including his confrontation with Shimei, further illustrating the chaos and betrayal surrounding the king.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [2 Samuel 16](/2_samuel/16 "2 Samuel 16 - David's Flight and Betrayals") unfold during a period of intense civil strife and political upheaval in ancient Israel. Absalom's rebellion, detailed in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"), had forced King David to flee Jerusalem, leaving him vulnerable and emotionally distraught. In this patriarchal society, land and inheritance were foundational to family identity, economic security, and social status. Mephibosheth, as the last surviving son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, held a precarious position, having previously been shown extraordinary kindness by David ([2 Samuel 9:7](/2_samuel/9-7 "2 Samuel 9:7 - David's Covenant Kindness to Mephibosheth")). Ziba, as a trusted servant, would have managed Mephibosheth's estate, giving him intimate knowledge of its affairs and an opportunity to exploit the chaotic political environment. David's authority as king included the power to confiscate and redistribute property, especially in cases of perceived disloyalty or treason, making his decree in this verse legally binding, albeit based on false information.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David"). Firstly, it underscores the pervasive theme of **deception and betrayal**, as Ziba cunningly manipulates David's trust and vulnerability for personal gain, slandering an innocent party. This mirrors other instances of treachery in David's life, including Absalom's rebellion itself. Secondly, the passage highlights the **dangers of hasty judgment**, particularly when made under emotional duress or based on unverified reports. David's failure to investigate Ziba's claims demonstrates a lapse in his typically wise leadership, leading to an unjust decision. Thirdly, it touches upon the theme of **inheritance and its loss/restoration**, as Mephibosheth's legacy is temporarily stripped away due to Ziba's falsehood. This theme finds a resolution later in the book when Mephibosheth's true loyalty is revealed and his inheritance partially restored ([2 Samuel 19:24-30](/2_samuel/19-24 "2 Samuel 19:24-30 - Mephibosheth's Vindication")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Behold, thine [are] all that [pertained] unto Mephibosheth" (Hebrew, _hineh l'kha kol asher l'Mephibosheth_):** This declaration from David signifies a complete transfer of ownership and inheritance. The phrase "all that pertained" (כֹּל אֲשֶׁר לְמְפִיבֹשֶׁת, _kol asher l'Mephibosheth_) encompasses all of Mephibosheth's property, including land, servants, and possessions. David's use of "behold" (הִנֵּה, _hineh_) emphasizes the immediate and decisive nature of his pronouncement, reflecting his emotional state and conviction based on Ziba's false testimony. This legal pronouncement, though unjust, carries the full weight of royal authority.
* **"I humbly beseech thee [that] I may find grace in thy sight" (Hebrew, מָצָא חֵן בְּעֵינֶיךָ, _matsa chen b'eynecha_):** This is a common biblical idiom expressing a desire to gain favor, approval, or acceptance from a superior. Ziba's use of this phrase (אֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶה וְאֶמְצָא חֵן בְּעֵינֶיךָ, _eshtachaveh v'emtsa chen b'eynecha_ - "I bow down and may I find grace in your eyes") is outwardly deferential and humble, a conventional expression of gratitude and submission. However, in this context, it is deeply ironic and manipulative, serving to solidify his ill-gotten gains and confirm David's hasty decree, while masking his deceitful intentions and the profound injustice he has just orchestrated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine [are] all that [pertained] unto Mephibosheth."**: This first clause reveals King David's immediate and absolute response to Ziba's fabricated story. Overwhelmed by the betrayal of his own son Absalom and likely feeling a profound sense of disillusionment, David rashly accepts Ziba's slander against Mephibosheth without any investigation or due process. The phrase "thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth" signifies a complete and immediate transfer of Mephibosheth's entire estate to Ziba, a devastating consequence for the innocent party based on a lie. This highlights David's vulnerability and emotional distress, leading him to make a severe judgment based on unverified information.
* **"And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee [that] I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king."**: Ziba's response is a masterclass in feigned humility and calculated gratitude. The phrase "I humbly beseech thee" (literally, "I bow down") is a customary expression of profound respect and submission before a monarch, while "that I may find grace in thy sight" is a standard idiom for seeking or acknowledging favor. For Ziba, this is not genuine gratitude for an unexpected gift, but rather a strategic maneuver to confirm David's decree and solidify his unjust acquisition. His words are designed to reinforce David's perception of his loyalty and Mephibosheth's supposed treachery, ensuring the success of his deceitful scheme.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the reader is aware of Ziba's deception and Mephibosheth's innocence ([2 Samuel 19:24-30](/2_samuel/19-24 "2 Samuel 19:24-30 - Mephibosheth's Vindication")), while David remains oblivious, making his pronouncement tragic. **Verbal Irony** is also at play in Ziba's "humble" response; his words of gratitude mask a heart of cunning manipulation and self-interest. The narrative also uses **Contrast** effectively, juxtaposing David's previous covenant kindness to Mephibosheth ([2 Samuel 9:7](/2_samuel/9-7 "2 Samuel 9:7 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth")) with his current harsh and unjust disinheritance of him. This stark contrast underscores the destructive power of slander and hasty judgment. Furthermore, the scene serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the later revelation of truth and partial restoration, emphasizing that injustice, though seemingly triumphant, is often temporary in the biblical narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This incident serves as a profound theological lesson on the nature of truth, justice, and human fallibility. David, a man after God's own heart, demonstrates that even the most righteous can be prone to error when under duress and without careful discernment. Ziba's actions highlight the insidious nature of slander and opportunism, where personal gain is prioritized over truth and loyalty. The temporary triumph of injustice over innocence in this verse reminds us that God's ultimate justice often unfolds over time, and that appearances can be deeply deceptive. It underscores the importance of seeking wisdom and patience in judgment, rather than succumbing to emotional impulses or unverified reports. The narrative implicitly calls for a divine standard of justice that transcends human frailty and manipulation.

* [Proverbs 18:17](/proverbs/18-17 "Proverbs 18:17 - The First to Plead His Case Seems Right")
* [Proverbs 19:5](/proverbs/19-5 "Proverbs 19:5 - A False Witness Will Not Go Unpunished")
* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of David's hasty judgment and Ziba's cunning deception offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world saturated with information, often unverified and emotionally charged, the temptation to form quick judgments based on partial or biased accounts is ever-present. This passage urges us to cultivate discernment, patience, and a commitment to seeking the full truth before making decisions that impact others. It also serves as a stark warning against the destructive power of slander and the subtle ways in which self-interest can masquerade as loyalty or humility. We are called to be people who champion truth, defend the innocent, and resist the urge to exploit others' vulnerabilities for personal gain. Furthermore, it reminds us that even when human justice fails, God's ultimate justice will prevail, encouraging us to trust in His sovereignty even amidst perceived injustices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I prone to making hasty judgments, especially when under emotional stress or pressure?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment and a commitment to verifying information before forming opinions or making decisions?**
* **What are the subtle ways in which self-interest or a desire for personal gain might tempt me to misrepresent the truth or take advantage of others' vulnerabilities?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when I witness injustice in the world around me?**

### FAQ
**Why did King David, usually a wise ruler, act so rashly and without investigation?**

Answer: King David's uncharacteristic rashness in [2 Samuel 16:4](/2_samuel/16-4 "2 Samuel 16:4 - David's Hasty Judgment") can be attributed to several compounding factors. Firstly, he was under immense emotional and psychological duress, having just been forced to flee Jerusalem due to his own son Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 15:13-14](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13-14 - Absalom's Rebellion Forces David's Flight")). This profound betrayal by his flesh and blood likely made him highly susceptible to believing further acts of disloyalty, especially from someone like Mephibosheth, who was a descendant of the former king, Saul. Secondly, Ziba's presentation was highly effective: he arrived with much-needed provisions ([2 Samuel 16:1-2](/2_samuel/16-1 "2 Samuel 16:1-2 - Ziba's Provisions for David")), appearing as a loyal servant offering aid in a time of crisis. This outward show of faithfulness likely predisposed David to trust his words. Finally, the urgency of his flight meant he had little time or opportunity for thorough investigation. In his distressed state, David made a snap judgment, demonstrating that even wise leaders can falter under extreme pressure and emotional strain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Ziba's deception and David's hasty judgment, while highlighting human frailty and injustice, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Just as Mephibosheth, an innocent party, was falsely accused and unjustly disinherited by a cunning deceiver, so too was Jesus, the ultimate innocent Lamb of God, slandered and condemned by false witnesses ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). The temporary loss of Mephibosheth's inheritance due to treachery foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who, though rightful heir of all things, willingly emptied Himself and suffered injustice, even death on a cross ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")). Furthermore, David's eventual return and the partial restoration of Mephibosheth's inheritance ([2 Samuel 19:24-30](/2_samuel/19-24 "2 Samuel 19:24-30 - Mephibosheth's Vindication")) point to the ultimate vindication of Christ through His resurrection and ascension, and the restoration of all things in His kingdom ([Acts 3:21](/acts/3-21 "Acts 3:21 - The Restoration of All Things")). Through Christ, the true King, all who are "lame" and undeserving are not only shown kindness but are brought into full inheritance and eternal favor, not by merit or false claims, but by grace through faith in Him ([Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). He is the one who perfectly discerns truth from falsehood, and whose ultimate judgment will be perfectly just, ensuring that every injustice is set right and every true heir receives their eternal portion in His glorious kingdom ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 18:13

¶ He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him.

Proverbs 18:17

¶ [He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

Proverbs 19:2

¶ Also, [that] the soul [be] without knowledge, [it is] not good; and he that hasteth with [his] feet sinneth.

Deuteronomy 19:15

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Exodus 23:8

And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

2 Samuel 14:10

And the king said, Whosoever saith [ought] unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more.

2 Samuel 14:11

Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, [As] the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.