2 Samuel 19:17

And [there were] a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over Jordan before the king.

And there were a thousand {H505} men {H376} of Benjamin {H1145} with him, and Ziba {H6717} the servant {H5288} of the house {H1004} of Saul {H7586}, and his fifteen {H2568}{H6240} sons {H1121} and his twenty {H6242} servants {H5650} with him; and they went over {H6743} Jordan {H3383} before {H6440} the king {H4428}.

There were a thousand men of Binyamin with him, also Tziva the servant of the house of Sha'ul with his fifteen sons and twenty servants; and they rushed into the Yarden ahead of the king

along with a thousand men of Benjamin, as well as Ziba the steward of the house of Saul and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed down to the Jordan before the king

And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went through the Jordan in the presence of the king.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of the unfolding narrative of King David's return to Jerusalem after the devastating rebellion led by his son, Absalom. Having secured victory, David is preparing to cross the Jordan River, a significant geographical and symbolic boundary, to reclaim his throne. As he approaches, various groups and individuals come forward to meet him, some to demonstrate loyalty, others to seek forgiveness or secure their standing in the restored kingdom. Verse 17 specifically highlights the presence of Shimei, a Benjamite who had previously cursed David during his flight (2 Samuel 16:5-8), now eager to make amends.

Key Themes

  • Reconciliation and Forgiveness: The immediate presence of Shimei, along with a significant contingent from the tribe of Benjamin (Saul's tribe), underscores the theme of national reconciliation. Shimei's proactive move to meet David and lead the crossing is a desperate appeal for the king's mercy and a sign of the complex process of healing after civil war.
  • Shifting Loyalties and Opportunism: Ziba, the servant of Saul's house, is also present with his large household. Ziba had previously capitalized on David's distress by falsely accusing Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, and thereby gaining control of Mephibosheth's land (2 Samuel 16:1-4). His presence here, along with his sons and servants, signifies his continued effort to secure his position and wealth under the returning king.
  • Political Consolidation: The "thousand men of Benjamin" accompanying Shimei represent a tribal effort to re-establish good relations with the Davidic monarchy. This large delegation speaks to the political maneuvering and strategic alliances being formed as David consolidates his power and unifies the kingdom after the rebellion.

Significance and Application

This verse, though seemingly a simple list of attendees, offers profound insights into the human condition and the dynamics of leadership:

  • The Path to Restoration: King David's return was not just a military victory but a complex process of political and social restoration. It required navigating intricate relationships, extending grace, and discerning true intentions amidst outward displays of loyalty.
  • Dealing with Past Offences: The encounter with Shimei highlights the challenge and importance of dealing with past wrongs. David's initial willingness to forgive Shimei (though his ultimate fate is later addressed in 1 Kings 2:8-9) demonstrates a kingly magnanimity essential for reuniting a fractured nation. It reminds us of the power of forgiveness in healing divisions.
  • Discerning Motivations: The presence of Ziba serves as a reminder that not all who seek favor or align themselves with power do so from pure motives. Leaders and individuals alike are called to exercise discernment regarding the true intentions behind outward shows of support.
  • The Weight of Leadership: David, as the returning king, faced the immense task of rebuilding trust and re-establishing order. This verse shows the immediate challenges of leadership, where reconciliation and justice must be carefully balanced to ensure lasting peace and stability.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 16:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And when David was a little past the top [of the hill], behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred [loaves] of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

  • 2 Samuel 16:4 (4 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Samuel 9:2 (4 votes)

    And [there was] of the house of Saul a servant whose name [was] Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, [Art] thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant [is he].

  • 2 Samuel 19:26 (3 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Samuel 19:27 (3 votes)

    And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king [is] as an angel of God: do therefore [what is] good in thine eyes.

  • 2 Samuel 9:10 (3 votes)

    Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in [the fruits], that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.