2 Samuel 19:26

And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant [is] lame.

And he answered {H559}, My lord {H113}, O king {H4428}, my servant {H5650} deceived {H7411} me: for thy servant {H5650} said {H559}, I will saddle {H2280} me an ass {H2543}, that I may ride {H7392} thereon, and go {H3212} to the king {H4428}; because thy servant {H5650} is lame {H6455}.

He answered, "My lord king, my servant deceived me. I your servant had said, 'I will saddle a donkey for myself to ride on and go with the king,' since your servant is lame.

“My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me,

And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go with the king; because thy servant is lame.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of a crucial conversation between King David and Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, upon David's return to Jerusalem after the defeat of Absalom's rebellion. Earlier in the narrative, David had shown great kindness to Mephibosheth, restoring to him all the land of Saul and granting him a permanent place at the king's table (see 2 Samuel 9:7-13). However, during David's flight from Absalom, Mephibosheth's servant, Ziba, met David with provisions and falsely accused Mephibosheth of remaining in Jerusalem in hopes of regaining his grandfather's kingdom (2 Samuel 16:1-4). David, in haste, then awarded all of Mephibosheth's property to Ziba. Now, as David returns, Mephibosheth comes to meet him, unkempt and clearly distraught, to plead his case and explain why he did not join David in exile.

Key Themes

  • Deception and Betrayal: Mephibosheth directly accuses his servant Ziba of deceiving him, presenting a counter-narrative to Ziba's earlier claims. This highlights the theme of how easily truth can be obscured by self-serving individuals.
  • Loyalty vs. Accusation: Mephibosheth's defense is an assertion of his loyalty to David, contrasting sharply with Ziba's portrayal of him as opportunistic. His distress and appearance upon David's return lend credence to his sincerity.
  • Physical Limitation: Mephibosheth emphasizes his lameness as the practical reason he could not follow David. This detail, known to David from earlier accounts, serves as a plausible explanation for his inability to travel quickly.
  • Seeking Justice: Mephibosheth's earnest explanation reflects his desire to clear his name and restore his standing in the king's eyes after being slandered and losing his inheritance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "My lord, O king, my servant deceived me" is a direct and respectful address, emphasizing Mephibosheth's submission and deference to David's authority despite the grave accusation against his servant. The Hebrew word for "lame" (pisseach) clearly denotes a significant physical disability, which Mephibosheth attributes to a childhood accident (2 Samuel 4:4). This condition made self-saddling an ass and riding an arduous task, reinforcing his claim that he was dependent on Ziba.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us of the complexities of human relationships and the challenge of discerning truth when conflicting accounts arise. It highlights:

  • The Dangers of Hasty Judgment: David's initial decision to believe Ziba without hearing Mephibosheth's side led to an injustice. This underscores the importance of patience, careful investigation, and seeking multiple perspectives before making judgments, especially when accusations are made.
  • The Pain of Slander: Mephibosheth's situation illustrates how false accusations can deeply wound and unjustly impact a person's reputation and livelihood.
  • Integrity Under Pressure: Despite his difficult circumstances and the king's prior condemnation, Mephibosheth courageously seeks to present his truth, demonstrating a commitment to integrity.
  • God's Awareness of Truth: While David's judgment in this matter is somewhat ambiguous (2 Samuel 19:29), the narrative reminds us that God ultimately knows the true intentions and actions of all hearts.
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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 9:3 (2 votes)

    And the king said, [Is] there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, [which is] lame on [his] feet.

  • 2 Samuel 16:2 (2 votes)

    And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses [be] for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

  • 2 Samuel 16:3 (2 votes)

    And the king said, And where [is] thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.

  • 2 Samuel 4:4 (2 votes)

    And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son [that was] lame of [his] feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name [was] Mephibosheth.