When David had gone a short distance beyond the summit, there was Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, waiting to meet him. He had a string of donkeys saddled and loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred cakes of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs and a skin of wine. – 2 Samuel 16:1

Today's Scripture Reading (November 4, 2025): 2 Samuel 16

I remember a few times when I was in need. And I remember the people who stepped up to make sure that this moment did not devastate me. I also remember those who stepped up and did what they could to make sure the moment overwhelmed me; those who did not want to see me survive it. Most of the ones who stood against me only stayed for the moment, but many of those who stood with me are still my friends. It is an interesting phenomenon, and one for which I am thankful.

David is in need. He has been kicked out of Jerusalem with his supporters while his son, Absalom, takes control of the nation. There was a time when David had everything that he needed—but that time had passed. Now, David is scrounging not just for the things he needs to survive, but also for the things his entourage needs to survive. Because all of them are in the same position, all of them have moved from plenty to poverty in a matter of moments.

It is into this situation that Ziba decides to step. Ziba served Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul, who David had invited to eat daily at his table, but in this moment, he is undercutting the authority of his Master. We might wonder about the motivation or backstory behind Ziba's move, but those are questions David likely never asked. He needed Ziba's charity and gladly accepted the gift.

However, we know from the rest of the story that the gift came with strings attached. Ziba wanted David to understand that his Master had changed allegiance from David to Absalom. I will be honest: the excuse Ziba offered doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Ziba argues that Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul, believes that "Today the Israelites will restore to me my grandfather's kingdom" (2 Samuel 16:3b). Maybe Mephibosheth thinks that the people will reject Absalom in favor of him. However, I can't see the logic in that argument, especially when David is still alive. It seems more likely that Mephibosheth, who is lame in both feet, cannot leave the city with David. So, Ziba has decided to exploit Mephibosheth's limitations to advance his own cause. But that is just my opinion.

I may be critical of Ziba's argument, but David accepts it. The reality is that even at the end of the story, we, along with David, don't know the truth. It becomes a he-said, he-said situation. But whether Ziba is honestly supporting David or just a guy trying to take advantage of a terrible situation, David needs the help. And for that help, he is very thankful.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Psalm 63