2 Samuel 16

CHAPTER 16

David and Ziba (16:1–4)

1–4 As David and his company proceeded eastward from the Mount of Olives, they came upon Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1–13), waiting for them with provisions for their journey (verse 1). Ziba was clearly trying to gain David’s favor—using Mephibosheth’s resources! And yet the provisions were badly needed. God often uses people of impure motive to meet the needs of His children and to accomplish His purposes.

David wanted to know where Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth was. In answering, Ziba lied to David; Ziba said that Mephibosheth had stayed in Jerusalembecause he was hoping to get back his grandfather’s kingdom. For the time being, David chose to believe Ziba. And Ziba’s self-serving purpose in meeting David was fulfilled: he was rewarded by being given all his master’s property. Later Mephibosheth would accuse Ziba of betraying him (2 Samuel 19:26–27).

Shimei Curses David (16:5–14)

5–8 After meeting with Ziba, David next encountered a man of Saul’s clan named Shimei. Shimei began to curse David and throw stones at him and his party. Shimei, using the Lord’s name, cursed David for the blood he had shed in the household of Saul⁵⁷ (verse 8).

9–14 Abishai, David’s nephew, wanted to cut off Shimei’s head.⁵⁸ Both Abishai and his brother Joab tended to be impulsive and hotheaded. But David said he wouldn’t have anything to do with such an action.⁵⁹ Suppose the Lord Himself had led Shimei to curse David; suppose Shimei’s curse was a sign from the Lord that David’s time as king was truly finished. It would not be wise to kill a “messenger” from the Lord!

On the other hand, by patiently submitting to the Lord’s will, David hoped that the Lord would be pleased with his humility and forbearance and perhaps in the end repay [him] with good for the cursing he had endured (verse 12). Later on, David would again refuse to have Shimei put to death (2 Samuel 19:18–23); but eventually Shimei would be punished for his evil words (1 Kings 2:8–9).

The Advice of Hushai and Ahithophel (16:15–23)

15–19 Absalom and his advisor Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:12) arrived in Jerusalem at the same time David’s friend Hushai arrived (2 Samuel 15:32,37). Hushai at once went to Absalom and said, “Long live the king” (verse 16). Of course, in his own mind Hushai was thinking of King David!

Absalom chided Hushai for leaving his friend David (verse 17). But Hushai said that he was determined to serve the one chosen by the LORD (verse 18). Again Absalom assumed that Hushai was talking about him; but, in fact, Hushai knew that only David had been chosen by the Lord. Hushai’s ambiguous statements accomplished his purpose; without telling a lie, he gained the confidence of Absalom.

20–23 First Absalom asked for Ahithophel’s advice concerning how best to secure David’s throne. Ahithophel told Absalom to take David’s concubines and lay with them in public view—in the sight of all Israel (verse 22). It was customary for a new king to take possession of the former king’s wives; doing so demonstrated that the new king had firmly seized power for himself. This act would help convince the people of Jerusalem that David’s reign was truly over and that now they should side with Absalom; they would see that the break between David and Absalom was now complete.

So Absalom lay with the ten concubines David had left to take care of his palace (2 Samuel 15:16). He did this on the palace roof in plain sight, and thus Nathan’s earlier prophecy spoken to David was fulfilled (see 2 Samuel 12:11).

This time Hushai did not oppose Ahithophel’s advice; the taking of David’s concubines was not going to significantly affect David’s chances of regaining his throne. Even though Ahithophel’s advice in this matter was surely ungodly, people considered his advice to be like that of one who inquires of God (verse 23). As we shall see in the next chapter, Hushai was about to change people’s opinion of Ahithophel’s advice!