2 Samuel 16 2

2 Samuel 16:2 kjv

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 16:2 nkjv

And the king said to Ziba, "What do you mean to do with these?" So Ziba said, "The donkeys are for the king's household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink."

2 Samuel 16:2 niv

The king asked Ziba, "Why have you brought these?" Ziba answered, "The donkeys are for the king's household to ride on, the bread and fruit are for the men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness."

2 Samuel 16:2 esv

And the king said to Ziba, "Why have you brought these?" Ziba answered, "The donkeys are for the king's household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who faint in the wilderness to drink."

2 Samuel 16:2 nlt

"What are these for?" the king asked Ziba. Ziba replied, "The donkeys are for the king's people to ride on, and the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat. The wine is for those who become exhausted in the wilderness."

2 Samuel 16 verses

2 Samuel 16 2 Meaning

2 Samuel 16:2 describes the initial encounter between King David, fleeing from Absalom, and Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant. The verse captures David's direct question about the large provision of donkeys, bread, summer fruit, and wine that Ziba brought. Ziba provides a detailed, seemingly benevolent, explanation for each item: the donkeys are for the king's household for transportation, the food for David's young attendants, and the wine for those weakened by the journey in the wilderness. This interaction sets the stage for Ziba's cunning deception regarding Mephibosheth's loyalty and his subsequent acquisition of Mephibosheth's property.

2 Samuel 16 2 Context

2 Samuel chapter 16 opens with David's flight from Absalom, who has successfully seized Jerusalem. David and his loyal followers are in a vulnerable state, having abandoned the city. Ziba's appearance with abundant provisions — two saddled donkeys, 200 loaves of bread, 100 clusters of raisins, and 100 cakes of figs (from verse 1) along with the wine mentioned in verse 2 — would have seemed like a providential act of loyalty. This verse specifically records David's question about the purpose of these gifts and Ziba's seemingly selfless explanation. This explanation immediately precedes Ziba's calumny against Mephibosheth, accusing him of staying in Jerusalem to seek the kingdom, an accusation that leads David to prematurely grant Mephibosheth's land to Ziba. The immediate historical context is David's urgent need for supplies and transportation for his fleeing household, making Ziba's timely appearance and plausible explanation highly impactful to the distressed king.

2 Samuel 16 2 Word analysis

• And the king said to Ziba, 'And what are these for?':

  • King: Refers to David, specifically Hammelek (הַמֶּלֶךְ), the definite article emphasizing his established royal identity, even in exile.
  • said: Wayyō’mer (וַיֹּאמֶר), a common Hebrew verb, signifying direct communication.
  • Ziba: A pivotal character in this narrative, introduced in 2 Sam 9 as Mephibosheth’s servant. His motives are key to understanding this passage.
  • And what are these for?: ûmah-‘ēlleh-llāḵ (וּמָה־אֵלֶּה לָּךְ). David's question expresses natural curiosity given the significant quantity of provisions and Ziba's unusual appearance. Mah is "what," ‘ēlleh is "these," and llāḵ means "to/for you." It implies "for what purpose are these with you, or for your benefit?"
  • Significance: David, despite his plight, retains his royal authority and makes inquiries, indicating he's not entirely without caution. His question is straightforward and practical, aiming to understand Ziba's purpose in bringing the supplies.

• Ziba answered, 'The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink.':

  • answered: Wayya‘an (וַיַּעַן), signifies Ziba's direct and prompt reply.
  • donkeys: Haḥămōrīm (הַחֲמֹרִים). Crucial ancient transportation, especially for groups and baggage in rough terrain. Ziba brought "a couple of asses saddled" (2 Sam 16:1), signifying immediate readiness for travel.
  • king’s household: bêt hammelek (בֵּית הַמֶּלֶךְ). Literally "house of the king," referring to David’s family, wives, children, and close personal retinue who were fleeing with him.
  • to ride on: Essential for rapid movement, especially for women, children, and those less capable of strenuous walking.
  • bread: Wəhallaḥem (וְהַלֶּחֶם). A staple food in the ancient Near East, foundational sustenance.
  • summer fruit: ûḵêl qayits (וְכֵל קָיִץ). A variety of fresh, ripe, seasonal fruits (like figs, grapes, pomegranates). A valuable and refreshing addition, indicating thoughtful provision beyond mere survival. Its seasonality (Qayits means "summer" or "harvest") also suggests freshness.
  • young men: Lannə‘ārîm (לַנְּעָרִים). Often refers to young fighting men, attendants, or servants in a traveling company. These would be David's immediate armed guard and support staff.
  • to eat: Straightforward purpose.
  • wine: Wəhayyayin (וְהַיַּיִן). More than just a beverage; in the ancient world, it was often used for strength, a morale booster, or even medicinally.
  • those who are faint: laḥăzāqîm bammidbār (לַחֲזָקִים בַּמִּדְבָּר). This phrase is interesting. While KJV/ESV translate as "faint," the literal meaning of ḥāzāq is "strong" or "robust." The sense here is for the purpose of making strong those who are in a weakened state due to the difficult conditions of the "wilderness." It's for fortifying or strengthening those who are becoming weary.
  • wilderness: bammidbār (בַּמִּדְבָּר). Not necessarily a desert wasteland, but often refers to uncultivated grazing lands or a sparsely inhabited area suitable for travel between towns. It signifies a difficult environment, prone to exposure, heat, and lack of easy resources.
  • to drink: The immediate intended action.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And the king said to Ziba, 'And what are these for?'": This exchange quickly establishes the setting and characters. David, the royal authority, despite his crisis, acts with discernment, questioning the origin and purpose of an unexpected blessing. This shows David as still functioning as a wise leader, though perhaps susceptible to outward shows of loyalty due to his distressed state.
  • "Ziba answered, 'The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink.'": Ziba's detailed response appears very thoughtful and fitting for David's exact circumstances. Each item addresses a specific need for a fleeing king and his company: mobility (donkeys), basic sustenance (bread), refreshment and nutrients (summer fruit), and restoration for the weary (wine). This meticulous explanation enhances Ziba's perceived loyalty and foresight, paving the way for his deceptive accusation against Mephibosheth. Ziba presents himself as perfectly understanding and meeting David's critical needs during the arduous escape.

2 Samuel 16 2 Bonus section

The historical-cultural context of 2 Samuel 16:2 emphasizes the vital role of provisions for travel in ancient Israel, especially during military or flight scenarios. Kings, their households, and their accompanying military often numbered in the hundreds or thousands, necessitating substantial logistics for sustenance and movement. Donkeys were the primary mode of transportation for such groups, capable of traversing rough terrain. Food like bread was fundamental, while fruit and wine were not mere luxuries but often crucial for hydration, morale, and even as a source of energy in taxing journeys. The "wilderness" often described specific, non-arable areas between cultivated regions, demanding foresight for food and water. Ziba's act, therefore, was perceived as genuinely heroic and loyal within this challenging setting, making David's trust understandable given his dire circumstances. This vulnerability of the fleeing king contrasts sharply with Ziba's calculated generosity, exposing the cunning nature of human ambition even in times of crisis.

2 Samuel 16 2 Commentary

2 Samuel 16:2 serves as a pivotal verse, meticulously detailing the provisions Ziba offers and articulating their stated purposes to David. The scene is one of stark contrast: David is a king in flight, vulnerable and bereft, while Ziba approaches with an abundance of supplies. Ziba's explanation is precisely calculated to appeal to David's immediate needs and vulnerabilities. The donkeys address the pressing need for rapid transportation for the royal family and retinue, essential for a large group in retreat. The bread and summer fruit promise basic nourishment and welcome refreshment for the weary "young men," who would likely include David's warriors and closest attendants, tasked with protecting him. Crucially, the wine is presented as a restorative for those succumbing to the hardships of the "wilderness" – a term that encapsulates the difficult and resource-scarce journey.

Ziba's detailed, almost prescriptive, explanation of each item's use effectively constructs an image of deep loyalty and care for David's welfare. His words are not merely informative but performative, designed to build trust and paint him as an indispensable ally at a time when loyalties are tested and few offer support. This verse lays the groundwork for Ziba's subsequent deceit in 2 Sam 16:3, where he fabricates a story about Mephibosheth's disloyalty, which David, impressed by Ziba's "timely" and "thoughtful" aid, too readily accepts. This sequence highlights the danger of making swift judgments under duress and the manipulative power of seemingly generous acts when motivated by self-interest. The spiritual lesson embedded is a caution against outward appearances and the importance of discerning the heart's true intentions (Prov 26:24; Matt 7:15).