Background and Context:
Ziba was a servant in the household of Saul, the first king of Israel. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel, where he plays a significant role during the reign of King David. Ziba's interactions with David and Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, highlight themes of loyalty, deception, and divine providence.

Biblical Account:
Ziba first appears in 2 Samuel 9, when King David seeks to show kindness to the house of Saul for the sake of Jonathan, his dear friend. David learns of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, who is crippled in both feet. Ziba, as a servant of Saul's household, is summoned by David to provide information about any surviving members of Saul's family. Ziba informs David of Mephibosheth's existence, who is living in Lo-debar.

David then commissions Ziba to manage the land and property that he restores to Mephibosheth. In 2 Samuel 9:9-10 , David says to Ziba, "I have given to your master’s grandson all that belonged to Saul and to all his house. You and your sons and your servants are to work the land for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will always eat at my table." Ziba, who had fifteen sons and twenty servants, agrees to this commission, thus ensuring Mephibosheth's sustenance and honoring David's covenant with Jonathan.

Ziba's Deception:
The narrative takes a complex turn in 2 Samuel 16, during Absalom's rebellion against David. As David flees Jerusalem, Ziba meets him with provisions, claiming that Mephibosheth has stayed in Jerusalem, hoping to reclaim his grandfather Saul's throne. In 2 Samuel 16:3-4 , Ziba tells David, "Behold, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my grandfather.’” David, without further inquiry, grants Ziba all that belonged to Mephibosheth, saying, "All that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours."

Resolution and Aftermath:
After Absalom's defeat, David returns to Jerusalem, and Mephibosheth comes to meet him. In 2 Samuel 19:24-30 , Mephibosheth explains that Ziba deceived him, leaving him unable to accompany David due to his disability. Mephibosheth expresses loyalty to David, stating that he had no aspirations for the throne. David, faced with conflicting accounts, decides to divide the land between Ziba and Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth, however, shows his devotion to David by saying, "Let him take it all, since my lord the king has returned safely to his own house."

Theological Implications:
Ziba's actions and the subsequent events underscore the complexities of human motives and the challenges of discerning truth. His account serves as a reminder of the potential for deceit even among those who appear loyal. The narrative also highlights David's role as a just and merciful king, who seeks to honor his commitments despite the political turmoil surrounding him. The account of Ziba and Mephibosheth ultimately reflects the biblical themes of covenant faithfulness and the providential care of God for those who are marginalized and vulnerable.