2 Samuel 9:2

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].

And there was of the house {H1004} of Saul {H7586} a servant {H5650} whose name {H8034} was Ziba {H6717}. And when they had called {H7121} him unto David {H1732}, the king {H4428} said {H559} unto him, Art thou Ziba {H6717}? And he said {H559}, Thy servant {H5650} is he.

In Sha'ul's household there had been a servant named Tziva, and they summoned him to David. The king asked him, "Are you Tziva?" and he answered, "At your service."

And there was a servant of Saul’s family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied.

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

Commentary

2 Samuel 9:2 introduces a pivotal character in King David's quest to show kindness to the house of Saul, fulfilling a solemn oath. This verse sets the stage for one of the most heartwarming narratives in the Old Testament, demonstrating David's faithfulness and grace.

Context of 2 Samuel 9:2

Following a period of consolidating his kingdom and achieving military victories, King David turns his attention to an important matter of covenant faithfulness. The preceding verse, 2 Samuel 9:1, reveals David's heartfelt question: "Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" This inquiry stems directly from the deep covenant of friendship David had made with Jonathan, Saul's son, as detailed in 1 Samuel 20. To answer this, David's servants found Ziba, a man who had served in the household of the former King Saul. Ziba's introduction here is crucial, as he becomes the link to Saul's surviving lineage.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Covenant Loyalty: The verse highlights David's unwavering commitment to the promises he made. His search for Saul's descendants is not out of political necessity or fear, but out of a genuine desire to honor his bond with Jonathan, even after Jonathan's death. This exemplifies a profound sense of hesed (covenant love/faithfulness).
  • The King's Initiative: David initiates the search, underscoring his character as a king who remembers and acts upon his commitments. He doesn't wait for someone to come to him but actively seeks out those to whom he owes kindness.
  • Ziba's Role: Ziba is introduced as a key informant. His position as a servant of Saul's house means he possesses valuable knowledge about who might still be alive and where they are. His direct response, "Thy servant is he," signifies his humble submission to the king's authority and readiness to assist.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text "And [there was] of the house of Saul a servant whose name [was] Ziba" is straightforward. The Hebrew word for "servant" is 'eved (עֶבֶד), which can refer to a slave, bond-servant, or a devoted attendant. In Ziba's case, it indicates his long-standing allegiance and integration into Saul's royal household. David's direct question, "Art thou Ziba?", is a simple yet commanding identification, to which Ziba responds with immediate recognition and humility, "Thy servant is he," acknowledging David's kingship and his own subordinate position.

Practical Application

2 Samuel 9:2, though brief, teaches us about the importance of integrity and remembering our commitments. David's actions serve as a powerful reminder to:

  • Keep Promises: Just as David honored his oath to Jonathan, we are called to be people of our word, fulfilling promises even when circumstances change or the beneficiaries are no longer present.
  • Seek Out Opportunities for Kindness: David actively sought to show kindness. This challenges us to look for opportunities to extend grace and help to others, especially those who might be overlooked or in need, reflecting God's own initiative in seeking us out while we were yet sinners.
  • Value Humility: Ziba's humble response models a willingness to serve and be led, a valuable trait in any relationship or community.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 19:17 (5 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Samuel 16:1 (5 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 (5 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.

  • Genesis 39:6 (2 votes)

    And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was [a] goodly [person], and well favoured.

  • Genesis 24:2 (2 votes)

    And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:

  • 2 Samuel 19:27 (2 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 19:29 (2 votes)

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