2 Samuel 16

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 16 of 24

1 And David had passed on a little from the top. And behold, Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, came to meet him with a team of saddled asses, and on them two hundred loaves and a hundred bunches of raisins, and a hundred of summer fruit, and a skin of wine.

2 And the king said to Ziba, What are these to you? And Ziba said, The asses are for the king's household to ride on, and the bread and the summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine for the wearied to drink in the wilderness.

3 And the king said, And where is the son of your lord? And Ziba said to the king, Behold, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, Today the house of Israel will turn back to me the kingdom of my father.

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Chapter Summary

Ziba lies to steal his master's inheritance. Shimei curses David. David abstains against revenge. Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's favor. Ahithophel's advice.

Key Hebrew Words

קָלַל to curse H7043 · TWOT 2028
עֵצָה counsel, advice H6098 · TWOT 887a
דָּם bloodshed, bloodguilt H1818 · TWOT 436
בְּלִיַּעַל worthlessness H1100 · TWOT 246g
פִּילֶגֶשׁ concubine H6370 · TWOT 1770
חֶסֶד loyal kindness H2617 · TWOT 698a

People & Context

David

Fleeing king who endures Shimei's cursing, refusing revenge and trusting Jehovah

Ziba

Servant of Mephibosheth who brings provisions and slanders his master to gain the inheritance

Absalom

David's rebel son who enters Jerusalem and seizes his father's concubines on the roof

Ahithophel

David's former counselor, now advising Absalom; his counsel is esteemed as God's word

Hushai

The Archite, David's friend, who feigns loyalty to Absalom to subvert his plans

Shimei

Son of Gera of Saul's house who curses and stones David at Bahurim

Timeline

Ziba Slanders Mephibosheth

Ziba meets David with supplies and falsely claims Mephibosheth stayed in Jerusalem hoping to regain Saul's kingdom. David grants Ziba all of Mephibosheth's property.

2 Samuel 16:1-4
Shimei Curses David

Shimei, of Saul's family, curses David, throws stones, and calls him a man of blood. Abishai offers to behead him, but David stops him, believing Jehovah ordered the cursing.

2 Samuel 16:5-14
Hushai Joins Absalom

Absalom enters Jerusalem. Hushai the Archite greets him and pledges his fealty, convincing Absalom of his loyalty.

2 Samuel 16:15-19

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