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 counseled 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.
The sixteenth chapter of the second book of Samuel in the King James Version of the Holy Bible continues the narrative of David's reign as King of Israel. This chapter primarily focuses on the events surrounding David's flight from Jerusalem and his encounter with Ziba and Shimei. It also highlights the themes of loyalty and betrayal, forgiveness and revenge, and the consequences of one's actions.
The chapter begins with David leaving Jerusalem with his household and followers, in response to Absalom's rebellion. As they were passing through Bahurim, a man named Ziba, who was a servant of Saul's house, came to meet them with a large number of supplies, including bread, wine, and summer fruits. David questioned Ziba about the whereabouts of his former master, Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. Ziba falsely claimed that Mephibosheth had stayed in Jerusalem, hoping to gain favor with David and secure his position as the new king's servant.
This section highlights the theme of loyalty and betrayal. Ziba, who had been a loyal servant of Saul's house, now betrays Mephibosheth, his master's grandson, in order to gain favor with the new king. This incident also serves as a reminder of the consequences of Saul's disobedience and how it affected his descendants.
As David and his followers continued on their journey, they were met by a man named Shimei, a member of Saul's family. Shimei cursed and threw stones at David and his men, accusing him of being a bloodthirsty and wicked king who had taken the throne through deceit and betrayal. David's men offered to kill Shimei, but David stopped them, believing that God had allowed Shimei to curse him and that God would eventually vindicate him.
This section highlights the themes of forgiveness and revenge. David, who had been wronged and insulted by Shimei, chooses to forgive him and trust in God's justice. This incident also serves as a reminder of the consequences of David's sin with Bathsheba and how it had affected his reign and reputation.
Meanwhile, Absalom and his followers had arrived in Jerusalem, and they were advised by Absalom's counselor, Ahithophel, to sleep with David's concubines in public, as a way to show his power and establish his reign. This action would also fulfill Nathan's prophecy that David's own household would be a source of conflict and turmoil.
This section highlights the consequences of David's sin with Bathsheba. Absalom's actions were a direct result of David's sin, and it serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of one's actions. It also highlights the theme of God's justice and how He uses even the actions of the wicked to fulfill His plans and prophecies.
2 Samuel 16 is a significant chapter in the narrative of David's reign as King of Israel. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience to God's commands. It also highlights the themes of loyalty and betrayal, forgiveness and revenge, and the consequences of one's actions.
The chapter also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Absalom and the restoration of David to his rightful place as king. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to bring about justice and redemption in the midst of chaos and turmoil.
Furthermore, the chapter also highlights the character of David as a humble and merciful king, who chose to forgive and trust in God's justice, rather than seek revenge. This sets him apart from his predecessor, Saul, who had been consumed by jealousy and sought to destroy anyone who threatened his throne.
There are several lessons that can be learned from 2 Samuel chapter 16. Firstly, it reminds us of the consequences of sin and how it can affect not only the individual but also their descendants and those around them. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the far-reaching consequences of our actions.
The chapter also teaches us about the character of God, who is just and faithful, and how He uses even the actions of the wicked to fulfill His plans and prophecies. It also highlights the importance of forgiveness and trusting in God's justice, rather than seeking revenge.
Lastly, 2 Samuel chapter 16 serves as a reminder of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to establish an eternal kingdom through the lineage of David. It points to the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, who would bring forgiveness, redemption, and justice to all who believe in Him.
2 Samuel chapter 16 is a powerful and significant chapter in the narrative of David's reign as King of Israel. It highlights important themes such as loyalty and betrayal, forgiveness and revenge, and the consequences of one's actions. It also serves as a reminder of the character of God and His faithfulness in fulfilling His plans and promises.
The chapter also provides valuable lessons for us as believers, reminding us of the consequences of sin, the importance of obedience, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about justice and redemption in the midst of chaos and turmoil.
As we reflect on the events in 2 Samuel chapter 16, may we be reminded of the importance of living a life of obedience to God, trusting in His justice, and forgiving others as we have been forgiven by Him. May we also look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, who will establish an eternal kingdom of peace and justice for all who believe in Him.
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