2 Samuel 16:1-23
Q.1. How generous was Ziba’s provision for the king? What report did he give concerning his master? How did David respond? – (2 Sam.16:1-4)
Ziba was the servant of Jonathan’s crippled son, Mephibosheth (2 Sam.16:1 c.f. 2 Sam.4:4; 9:1-13). David and his company had to flee Jerusalem in haste. Ziba’s contribution was generous (2 Sam.16:1-2). However, his report about his master, Mephibosheth, damaged Mephibosheth’s relationship with David. Ziba then profited at the expense of his master (2 Sam.16:3-4). Later on, Mephibosheth would claim that his servant deceived David (2 Sam.19:25-26). Whatever the truth might have been, Ziba’s provision for David was most welcome.
Q.2. Who was Shimei? How did he insult the king? What was his cousin’s response? How could David respond as he did? – (2 Sam.16:5-14)
Shimei, a Benjamite from the house of Saul, was jubilant that David was fleeing from his own son. He cursed and threw stones at David and his entourage shouting – 7 … Get out, you man of bloodshed, and worthless fellow! 8 The Lord has returned upon you all the bloodshed of the house of Saul in whose place you have reigned; and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. Behold, you are taken in your own evil, for you are a man of bloodshed! (2 Sam.16:7-8). Abishai, son of Zeruiah was about to retaliate but David responded – 10 … What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and if the Lord has told him, ‘Curse David,’ then who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’ 11 … Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for the Lord has told him. 12 Perhaps the Lord will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day (2 Sam.16:10-12). As a mature saint, David submitted to the Lord as he viewed life’s circumstances.
Q.3. Why did Absalom receive his father’s friend, Hushai? Who was Ahithophel? What counsel did he give Absalom? – (2 Sam.16:15-23)
Though Absalom was aware of the special friendship Hushai had with David, his pride made him believe that Hushai would serve as his counsellor, as he had for David. However time would show that Hushai remained faithful to David (2 Sam.16:16-19). David’s other counsellor, Ahithophel had already defected to Absalom (2 Sam.15:12; 16:15). When asked by Absalom for advice, Ahithophel suggested that Absalom sleep with David’s concubines, in order to prove his independence from his father (2 Sam.16:20-22). In this way, Nathan’s prophecy came to pass (c.f. 2 Sam.12:11-12). Ahithophel’s advice had been highly regarded by both David and Absalom (2 Sam.16:23). He was not used to being disregarded. (Later he would carefully plan his own suicide).