1 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 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.
3 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.
4 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.
5 And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name [was] Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.
6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men [were] on his right hand and on his left.
7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:
8 The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou [art taken] in thy mischief, because thou [art] a bloody man.
9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.
10 And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?
11 And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now [may this] Benjamite [do it]? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.
12 It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.
13 And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill’s side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.
14 And the king, and all the people that [were] with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.
15 And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.
16 And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.
17 And Absalom said to Hushai, [Is] this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?
18 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.
19 And again, whom should I serve? [should I] not [serve] in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father’s presence, so will I be in thy presence.
20 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.
21 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father’s concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that [are] with thee be strong.
22 So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.
23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, [was] as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so [was] all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
Overview of 2 Samuel Chapter 16
2 Samuel 16 describes a pivotal moment in the narrative of King David’s reign, highlighting themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of sin. This chapter occurs during Absalom’s rebellion against David, illustrating the turmoil within David’s kingdom and the personal strife he faces as a father and king.
Key Characters
- David – The former king of Israel, now fleeing Jerusalem due to his son Absalom’s rebellion.
- Absalom – David’s son, who leads a coup against his father to seize the throne.
- Ziba – The servant of Mephibosheth, who brings supplies to David.
- Shimei – A member of the house of Saul who curses David as he flees.
- Abishai – David’s nephew, who proposes to kill Shimei for his insults.
- Hushai – A friend of David who offers to serve him and provide counsel against Absalom.
Summary of Events
- David’s Flight: The chapter opens with David fleeing Jerusalem to escape Absalom’s forces. As he leaves, he is accompanied by loyal supporters, including Ziba.
- Ziba’s Deception: Ziba meets David and presents him with provisions, claiming that Mephibosheth has remained in Jerusalem to claim the throne. David, believing Ziba, grants him all of Mephibosheth’s possessions.
- Shimei’s Cursing: As David travels, Shimei, a relative of Saul, curses David and throws stones at him, accusing him of being a murderer and a usurper. David’s men, particularly Abishai, urge him to allow them to kill Shimei.
- David’s Response to Shimei: David refrains from retaliating against Shimei, suggesting that perhaps God has commanded Shimei to curse him as part of his punishment for past sins.
- Hushai’s Loyalty: After David reaches Mahanaim, he sends Hushai back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and to counter the counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom’s advisor.
Thematic Analysis
- Consequences of Sin: David’s current predicament is a direct result of his earlier sins, particularly his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. The chapter reflects the ongoing consequences of these actions, as his family is torn apart and his kingdom is in chaos.
- Loyalty and Betrayal: The contrasting behaviors of Ziba and Shimei illustrate the themes of loyalty and betrayal. Ziba’s deceit leads to David’s misjudgment, while Shimei’s open hostility reflects the animosity lingering from Saul’s reign.
- Divine Providence: David’s acceptance of Shimei’s cursing suggests a belief in divine sovereignty. He interprets the insults as part of God’s will, demonstrating his faith even in adversity.
- Leadership and Wisdom: David’s decision to spare Shimei’s life and to send Hushai back to Jerusalem showcases his strategic thinking and desire to protect his legacy, even as he faces personal loss and humiliation.
Conclusion
2 Samuel 16 serves as a critical chapter in the narrative of David’s life, encapsulating the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of sin. It highlights the complexities of leadership and the personal struggles that come with it, as David navigates the treacherous waters of familial conflict and political upheaval.
