FocusConsequences and rebellion
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. David's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
interpretation 2 Samuel 16:1
KJVAnd 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.
Read it in context
David and Ziba
Start reading at 2 Samuel 16:1 (2 Samuel 16:1 to 2 Samuel 16:4).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. David's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
- 16:1 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.
- 16:2 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.
- 16:3 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.
- 16:4 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? The final compiler is unknown. Jewish tradition connects the continuation of Samuel's history with Nathan and Gad; Chronicles also names their records concerning David. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 29:29. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Samuel 15:1–18:33): Absalom, David, their respective supporters, and David's household are involved in the rebellion and civil war. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israelite readers learning about David's kingship, God's promise to his house, and the consequences of his family's actions. Biblical references: 2 Samuel 7:12; 2 Samuel 12:10; 2 Samuel 23:1. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? David and Ziba. Read 2 Samuel 16:1 through 2 Samuel 16:4 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. David's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account follows Saul's death and concerns David's reign. Its final collected episodes and songs are not all presented as a strictly sequential diary. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? David first reigns in Hebron and then in Jerusalem; campaigns and rebellions range beyond the capital. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in David and Ziba (2 Samuel 16:1 to 2 Samuel 16:4). Start reading at 2 Samuel 16:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The promise concerning David's house is taken up in the New Testament's account of Jesus' kingship. Keep the nearer historical setting of David's family and the later messianic application distinguishable. See 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Take responsibility for sin and its effects on others. God's promises should not be used to excuse a leader's conduct or silence a truthful rebuke. interpretation
Cited: 2 Samuel 16:1, 2 Samuel 16:4, 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33
Who wrote it, and how we know
Nathan and Gad (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. Chronicles refers to written records of Nathan and Gad.
1 Chronicles 29:29
Early traditionJewish tradition credits Nathan and Gad.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated in Scripture.
Related passages
- little past 2 Sam 15:30,32
- Ziba 2 Sam 9:2,9-12
- with a couple 2 Sam 17:27-29 2 Sam 19:32 1 Sam 17:17-18 1 Sam 25:18 1 Chr 12:40 Prov 18:16 Prov 29:4-5
- summer Jer 40:10,12 Amos 8:1 Mic 7:1
- a bottle 1 Sam 10:3 1 Sam 16:20
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel 16
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
2 Samuel 5:3 2 Samuel 7:12 2 Samuel 12:9
Shimei Curses David
2 Samuel 16:5–14FocusConsequences and rebellion
Connection to the wholeDavid's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
interpretation The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai
2 Samuel 16:15–23FocusConsequences and rebellion
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. David's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view.
2 Samuel 5:3 2 Samuel 7:12 2 Samuel 12:9
After Saul's death
2 Samuel 1:1–4:12FocusThe struggle over kingship
Connection to the wholeDavid's mourning and the divided kingdom lead to the ending of Ishbosheth's rule.
interpretation David's kingdom established
2 Samuel 5:1–10:19FocusJerusalem, the ark, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThe kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
interpretation FocusConsequences and rebellion
Connection to the wholeDavid's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
interpretation Closing records of David's reign
2 Samuel 21:1–24:25FocusJustice, praise, warriors, and judgment
Connection to the wholeThe final collection brings together episodes and songs that reflect on David's reign rather than supplying a simple uninterrupted chronology.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.