“Scavengers”

 “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 Samuel 16:1)

Introduction

King David has left Jerusalem and Absalom has entered Jerusalem. Though it appears to be a two way struggle, that is not how power struggles work. There are the scavengers who are looking for a way to maintain a little piece of the kingdom for themselves. Maybe even take a bigger piece.

Ziba, Servant of Mephibosheth

As we recall, Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, grandson of King Saul. While the Philistines were ravaging the country side after the death of Saul, Mephibosheth was dropped and became lame. King David showed Mephibosheth great kindness because of his love for Jonathan. And then comes Ziba.

Ziba was responsible for the care of Mephibosheth. Ziba is not just a servant, but the top servant, the head cheese, top dawg, of Mephibosheth. Ziba sends a gift to King David of bread, raisins, summer fruit, and a bottle of wine.

What a sweet thing for Ziba to do for King David. It is neither sweet, nor true. Ziba’s intention is to gain the favor of King David, by telling a lie.

“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.” (2 Samuel 16:3)

Ziba’s lie that Mephibosheth intends to be the King of Israel. King David in his time of weakness believes Ziba.

“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.” (2 Samuel 16:4)

Platitudes are often used to deceive, and King David gives all that was Mephibosheth to Ziba. King David will later regret this. That is for a later time.

Shimei the son of Gera.

“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.” (2 Samuel 16:5)

Shimei is having a hissy fit. A combination of anger and joy at how far King David has fallen. Shimei is cursing King David and his followers, he is throwing rocks and dirt at them.

One of King David’s followers asks the King to let him go over and cut Shimei’s head off. Not an unusual request; that is how school yard brawls get started. King David’s response is completely different.

He is of no danger to me, or my followers, let him rant. King Saul had used every opportunity to kill David, yet David did not touch a hair on Saul’s head. Saul was his own undoing. King David realized his sinfulness and the consequence that came with it. Killing Shimei would do nothing.

Conclusion

From the sneaky servant to the annoying screamer there were many that used King David’s affliction to achieve their own piece of the pie.

Stay Tuned…