2 Samuel 19:29

KJV

And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto him, Why speakest {H1696} thou any more of thy matters {H1697}? I have said {H559}, Thou and Ziba {H6717} divide {H2505} the land {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king said to him, "Why speak any more about these matters of yours? I say: you and Tziva, divide the land."

Berean Standard Bible

The king replied, “Why say any more? I hereby declare that you and Ziba are to divide the land.”

American Standard Version

And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I say, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 19:29, King David, weary from the recent rebellion of Absalom, abruptly interjects during Mephibosheth's plea, cutting short his explanation and declaring a compromise: Mephibosheth and Ziba are to divide the land. This terse decree reflects David's desire for swift resolution and the complexities of dispensing justice amidst conflicting testimonies and the lingering chaos of a kingdom in recovery, highlighting the imperfect nature of human judgment even from a divinely appointed king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King David's return to Jerusalem following the devastating rebellion led by his son Absalom. As David journeys back, various individuals come to meet him, seeking to reaffirm their loyalty, gain forgiveness, or clarify their standing. Prior to this, David had shown extraordinary kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson, by restoring all of Saul's land to him and granting him a permanent place at the royal table [2 Samuel 9:7](/2_samuel/9-7 "2 Samuel 9:7 - David's Covenant Kindness to Mephibosheth"). However, during David's hurried flight from Absalom, Mephibosheth's servant, Ziba, appeared before David with provisions, falsely accusing Mephibosheth of disloyalty and hoping to regain his grandfather's kingdom [2 Samuel 16:3](/2_samuel/16-3 "2 Samuel 16:3 - Ziba's Deception"). Based on this deceptive account, David had hastily granted all of Mephibosheth's land to Ziba [2 Samuel 16:4](/2_samuel/16-4 "2 Samuel 16:4 - David's Hasty Decree to Ziba"). Now, Mephibosheth, unkempt and clearly grieving, meets David, explaining that Ziba had tricked him and prevented him from accompanying the king [2 Samuel 19:26](/2_samuel/19-26 "2 Samuel 19:26 - Mephibosheth's Explanation to David"). David's response in verse 29 is a sharp, impatient interjection, cutting off Mephibosheth's further explanations and issuing a final, albeit compromised, judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the immediate aftermath of a bloody civil war, a period marked by political instability, lingering distrust, and the urgent need for the king to re-establish order and authority. In ancient Israel, land inheritance was paramount, representing not just economic security but also familial identity and covenantal blessing. A king's decree, especially concerning land, held immense weight and was generally considered final. The cultural expectation was for a king to dispense justice, but the complexities of discerning truth, particularly when faced with conflicting testimonies from a loyal servant (Ziba, who provided aid) and a disabled, vulnerable individual (Mephibosheth), presented a significant challenge. David's decision reflects the practical realities of governing a fractured kingdom, where perfect justice might be sacrificed for expediency and the restoration of peace. The king's authority to confiscate and redistribute land was absolute, though ideally exercised with wisdom and righteousness.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It highlights the **burden and complexity of leadership**, particularly the challenge of **discerning truth** amidst conflicting accounts and the pressure to make swift decisions in times of crisis. David's weariness and desire for resolution underscore the theme of **human fallibility**, even in a king "after God's own heart." The narrative also explores the **consequences of deception** (Ziba's lies) and the enduring nature of **loyalty** (Mephibosheth's devotion despite his circumstances). Furthermore, it touches upon the theme of **justice and mercy**, as David's initial kindness to Mephibosheth [2 Samuel 9](/2_samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth") is contrasted with this later, less-than-perfect judgment. The resolution, a compromise, serves as a poignant reminder that even good leaders can struggle to achieve perfect justice in a fallen world, a theme echoed in the broader narrative of David's reign, which is marked by both triumphs and significant moral failures [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speakest (Hebrew: דַּבֵּר, _dabber'_):** This is the Piel imperfect form of the verb "to speak," conveying an intensive or continuous action. David's use of it in the question "Why speakest thou any more?" suggests impatience with Mephibosheth's ongoing explanation. It implies that David perceives Mephibosheth to be prolonging the discussion or offering unnecessary details, signaling that the king has heard enough and is ready to conclude the matter.
* **Matters (Hebrew: דְּבָרֶיךָ, _debareyka'_):** This word, derived from _davar_ (word, thing, affair), is in the plural form with a second-person masculine singular suffix, meaning "your words" or "your affairs/concerns." In this context, it refers to Mephibosheth's explanations, arguments, or grievances regarding his situation and Ziba's actions. David's use of this term emphasizes his desire to move beyond the specific details of the dispute and to issue a final ruling.
* **Divide (Hebrew: חֲלֹק, _chaloq'_):** This is the Qal imperative form of the verb "to divide" or "to apportion." It is a direct command, indicating David's authoritative decision. The act of dividing the land represents a compromise, a splitting of the inheritance, rather than a full restoration to Mephibosheth or a complete vindication of Ziba. It signifies a practical, albeit imperfect, resolution aimed at ending the dispute swiftly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said unto him,"**: This opening clause sets the scene, indicating David's direct address to Mephibosheth. It immediately establishes the king's authority and his role as the ultimate arbiter in this dispute, preparing the reader for a decisive statement.
* **"Why speakest thou any more of thy matters?"**: This is a rhetorical question that functions as a sharp interjection. It reveals David's weariness and impatience with Mephibosheth's detailed explanation. The question is not an invitation for more information but a clear signal that David has heard enough and is ready to render a judgment, cutting off further argument or plea. It suggests David's desire to move past the immediate personal disputes and focus on the larger task of restoring his kingdom.
* **"I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land."**: This is David's definitive decree, a direct command that resolves the conflict. The phrase "I have said" (אָמַרְתִּי - _amarti_) underscores the finality and authority of his decision. By ordering Mephibosheth and Ziba to divide the land, David implements a compromise. This decision is neither a full vindication of Mephibosheth nor a complete condemnation of Ziba, reflecting David's desire for expediency and a practical solution to a complex situation where discerning the full truth was difficult.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its impact and reveal character. The most prominent is **Interjection**, as David's abrupt question "Why speakest thou any more of thy matters?" serves as a sudden interruption of Mephibosheth's ongoing explanation. This device immediately conveys David's impatience and his desire for a swift resolution, reflecting the weariness of a king who has just endured a devastating rebellion. There is also an element of **Irony** in David's decision. While he had previously shown immense kindness and loyalty to Mephibosheth for Jonathan's sake, here he delivers a compromised judgment that implicitly allows Ziba's deception to partially succeed, despite Mephibosheth's clear demonstration of loyalty and grief. The king's decree itself represents a narrative **Compromise**, a pragmatic solution that avoids prolonged litigation but falls short of perfect justice. This literary choice highlights the flawed nature of human judgment and the complexities of governance, even for a divinely chosen king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's decision in 2 Samuel 19:29, while seemingly expedient, raises profound questions about justice, discernment, and the limitations of human authority. It reminds us that even righteous leaders can make imperfect judgments, especially under duress or when faced with conflicting accounts where the full truth is obscured. This incident underscores the biblical theme that perfect justice ultimately resides with God alone, whose discernment is infallible and whose judgments are always righteous. Human attempts at justice, while necessary, will always be prone to error, bias, or the pressures of circumstance. This highlights our need for divine wisdom in all matters of judgment and the recognition that true restoration and perfect equity are found only in God's kingdom.

* [Proverbs 18:17](/proverbs/18-17 "Proverbs 18:17 - The First to Plead His Case Seems Right")
* [Deuteronomy 16:18-20](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - Appointing Judges and Doing Justice")
* [Psalm 5:6](/psalms/5-6 "Psalm 5:6 - God Destroys Those Who Speak Lies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers a sobering reflection on the challenges of leadership and the complexities of discerning truth in a fallen world. David, a king chosen by God, demonstrates human fallibility in his impatience and his compromised judgment. For us, this serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned decisions can fall short of perfect justice, especially when we are weary, pressed for time, or dealing with incomplete information. It calls us to cultivate patience, seek divine wisdom, and be humble enough to acknowledge the limitations of our own discernment. Furthermore, Mephibosheth's response—his apparent acceptance of the compromise, prioritizing David's well-being over his own inheritance [2 Samuel 19:30](/2_samuel/19-30 "2 Samuel 19:30 - Mephibosheth's Submission")—offers a powerful lesson in humility, loyalty, and contentment, reminding us that our ultimate treasure is not earthly possessions but our relationship with God and His anointed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do David's weariness and desire for resolution impact his judgment in this verse?**
* **What does this incident reveal about the challenges leaders face in discerning truth and administering justice?**
* **In what ways might we, in our own lives, be tempted to make expedient decisions rather than seeking perfect justice?**
* **What can we learn from Mephibosheth's response to David's compromised decision?**

### FAQ
**Why did David not fully restore Mephibosheth's land, given Ziba's clear deception?**

Answer: David's decision to have Mephibosheth and Ziba divide the land, rather than fully restoring it to Mephibosheth, is a complex issue reflecting several factors. Firstly, David was likely weary from the rebellion and the myriad disputes arising from it. He desired a swift resolution to move past the immediate challenges and re-establish order. Secondly, Ziba had provided David with crucial provisions during his flight from Absalom [2 Samuel 16:1-2](/2_samuel/16-1 "2 Samuel 16:1-2 - Ziba's Aid to David"), a deed of loyalty that David would have felt obligated to reward, even if it was based on a lie. David had already made a hasty decree in Ziba's favor [2 Samuel 16:4](/2_samuel/16-4 "2 Samuel 16:4 - David's Hasty Decree"), and perhaps felt it difficult to completely reverse his word without appearing indecisive or unjust himself. Thirdly, while Mephibosheth's account was compelling, David may have still harbored some lingering doubt, or simply found it too difficult to fully adjudicate between the two conflicting testimonies. The compromise allowed David to reward Ziba's apparent loyalty while also acknowledging Mephibosheth's innocence and previous kindness. It was a pragmatic decision in a time of political instability, prioritizing expediency and a semblance of peace over perfect justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The imperfect justice dispensed by King David in 2 Samuel 19:29 points forward to the perfect and righteous judgment of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. David, though a man after God's own heart, was limited by human fallibility, weariness, and the inability to fully discern the truth in every situation. His compromised decision for Mephibosheth and Ziba highlights the brokenness of human systems of justice. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, our heavenly King, possesses perfect wisdom and discernment. He does not grow weary, nor is He swayed by conflicting testimonies or political expediency. The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would "not judge by what his eyes see, or make a decision by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with fairness he will decide for the poor of the earth" [Isaiah 11:3-4](/isaiah/11-3 "Isaiah 11:3-4 - The Righteous Judgment of the Messiah"). Unlike David, who could only offer a partial restoration, Christ's kingdom brings complete and eternal justice, where every wrong is made right, and every truth is fully revealed [John 8:16](/john/8-16 "John 8:16 - Jesus' Perfect Judgment"); [Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - We Shall All Stand Before the Judgment Seat of Christ"). In Him, there is no compromise on truth or righteousness, and His ultimate reign promises a world where "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears, No More Pain").

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.