This is our last weekend special about the life of Mephibosheth. Today teaching is a look at Ziba from 2 Samuel chapter 9 16 19 and see what the fuze is about.
In 2 SAMUEL 9:1-5 We are introduced to Ziba. Ziba was a servant from Saul’s family. We learned later he might have been Mephibosheth, caretaker.
He told David, the information in which David wanted. We found out that Mephibosheth is now with king David. David invited him to eat from his table.
2 Samuel 9 gives us the events of the acknowledgement of Mephibosheth as Jonathon’s son.
what happened later in 2 Samuel was very wrong about Ziba. He could be taken over the entire land David has Mephibosheth.
2 Samuel 16:1-4 NCV
[1] When David had passed a short way over the top of the Mount of Olives, Ziba, Mephibosheth’s servant, met him. Ziba had a row of donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, one hundred cakes of raisins, one hundred cakes of figs, and leather bags full of wine. [2] The king asked Ziba, “What are these things for?” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for your family to ride. The bread and cakes of figs are for the servants to eat. And the wine is for anyone to drink who might become weak in the desert.” [3] The king asked, “Where is Mephibosheth?” Ziba answered him, “Mephibosheth is staying in Jerusalem because he thinks, ‘Today the Israelites will give my father’s kingdom back to me!’ ” [4] Then the king said to Ziba, “All right. Everything that belonged to Mephibosheth, I now give to you!” Ziba said, “I bow to you. I hope I will always be able to please you.”
The case in point ziba lied to David because he wanted it all for himself and his family. Maybe he was tired of being a servant and wanted more. In verse 3 and 4 lies were being told on Mephibosheth and that was far from the truth.
The real truth was told in 2 Samuel 19:24
2 Samuel 19:24-30 NCV
[24] Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet King David. Mephibosheth had not cared for his feet, cut his beard, or washed his clothes from the time the king had left Jerusalem until he returned safely. [25] When Mephibosheth came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, “Mephibosheth, why didn’t you go with me?” [26] He answered, “My master, my servant Ziba tricked me! I said to Ziba, ‘I am crippled, so saddle a donkey. Then I will ride it so I can go with the king.’ [27] But he lied about me to you. You, my master and king, are like an angel from God. Do what you think is good. [28] You could have killed all my grandfather’s family. Instead, you put me with those people who eat at your own table. So I don’t have a right to ask anything more from the king!” [29] The king said to him, “Don’t say anything more. I have decided that you and Ziba will divide the land.” [30] Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let Ziba take all the land now that my master the king has arrived safely home.”
The real information can be found in the above text. Ziba tricked him, he left Mephibosheth behind.
Deception is not right but what is greater is showing loyalty to people who have done you and your family right. It wasn’t about what he had but about a love and honesty towards people. Properly this was the first time in Mephibosheth life he was part of something big and made him feel important.
Be careful of those who are in your circle. when you are advancing they might want you to fall and go back into your old habits.
Love, truth , loyalty, honesty, were all about the weekend special. You go and read everything about David and his relationship with Jonathon. Look at the life of Mephibosheth and Ziba. Find the hidden meaning of it all and you will be surprised by what you could find.
Be aware some of your friends could be a foe and you don’t even know it.
Givin H.O.P.E. Ministry of Evangelism 