Ziba is a biblical figure introduced in the Old Testament, specifically in the narrative concerning King David and the house of Saul. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Ziba was a servant in the household of Saul, the first king of Israel, and played a significant role during the reign of King David.

Background and Role

Ziba first appears in 2 Samuel 9, where he is described as a servant of Saul's household. After the death of Saul and Jonathan, David seeks to show kindness to any remaining members of Saul's family for the sake of his covenant with Jonathan. Ziba is summoned by King David to provide information about any surviving descendants of Saul. He informs David of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, who is crippled in both feet and living in Lo-debar.

2 Samuel 9:2-3 : "Now there was a servant of Saul’s household named Ziba. They summoned him to appear before David, and the king asked him, 'Are you Ziba?' 'I am your servant,' he replied. So the king asked, 'Is there anyone left of Saul’s family to whom I can show the kindness of God?' Ziba answered, 'There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.'"

Ziba's role as a servant is pivotal in the restoration of Mephibosheth to a place of honor at David's table. David grants Mephibosheth all the land that belonged to Saul and appoints Ziba, along with his sons and servants, to work the land for Mephibosheth.

2 Samuel 9:9-10 : "Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said to him, 'I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his house. You and your sons and 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.' Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants."

Ziba's Deception

Ziba reappears in the narrative during Absalom's rebellion against David. In 2 Samuel 16, as David flees Jerusalem, Ziba meets him with provisions. He claims that Mephibosheth has stayed in Jerusalem, hoping to reclaim his grandfather's throne. David, without verifying the truth of Ziba's words, grants him all of Mephibosheth's possessions.

2 Samuel 16:3-4 : "The king then asked, 'Where is your master’s grandson?' And Ziba replied, 'Indeed, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, "Today the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my grandfather."' So the king said to Ziba, 'All that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.' 'I humbly bow,' said Ziba. 'May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king!'"

Resolution and Legacy

The truth of Ziba's deception is later revealed when David returns to Jerusalem. Mephibosheth explains that Ziba had deceived him and left him behind. David, in a moment of political pragmatism, decides to divide the land between Ziba and Mephibosheth, though Mephibosheth expresses contentment with David's safe return.

2 Samuel 19:24-29 : "Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely. When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, 'Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?' 'My lord the king,' he replied, 'because I am lame, I said, "I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king." But my servant Ziba deceived me, and he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. Yet my lord the king is like the Angel of God, so do whatever you wish. For all my father’s house deserved death from my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?' The king said to him, 'Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the land.'"

Ziba's actions and their consequences highlight themes of loyalty, deception, and the complexities of human relationships within the biblical narrative. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of truth and integrity in service to others.