September 13 & 14, 2025
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in 2 Samuel and Acts? Here’s today’s reading:
2 Samuel 16 (NIV)
David and Ziba
1 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.……Continue Reading
How nice it is to have people on your side and who bring aid when we are feeling rejected and dejected. Ziba does this for David and it must have been a welcomed surprise. It was sad to read that Mephibosheth sided with Absalom thinking somehow his father’s throne would be reestablished. And to show just how strong the influence of Saul still was in some segments of Jewish society, we have Shimei cursing David for all the evil that he had done to Saul. Boy, there are always two sides to every story and we must be objective to hear and seek them both. And what objectivity, patience, humility and mercy David offers to Shimei. All things that we should seek to have when faced with criticism. It is helpful to see things from God’s perspective and consider what He might be doing in difficult situations. And Absalom’s first decision as the declared king is a hurtful, cruel and sinful one. It may or may not have improved his reputation with the people, but we can know it did not improve his reputation with God.
Thanks
2 Samuel 16
It is impressive that David received such cruel treatment from Shimei with such humility. There are so many sides to take and David seems to appreciate that certain people stand with someone based on their own loylaties. David also seems to still be in the mindset that he is reaping the results of his own sinful choices and therefore does not wish to allow people to stop Shinei’s cruelty. I realize that Ahithophel is known for sound advice but this doesn’t even correct and yet Absalom blindly follows it. His propensity to evil makes it an easy sell I am sure but he made no attempt to consult God before making such terrible choice showing the kind of man he really is.
2 Samuel 16
A man named Shimei curses David and calls him a man of blood. He blames David for the death and destruction of Saul and his family. Just so David could become king. When in fact David never lifted his hand against Saul but instead spared his life many times. David honored the Lord and would not take the life of the anointed king who was Saul at the time. David had to wait many years before he actually became king. Even though Samuel told him that he would be the next king. The enemy of Israel is the one that actually killed Saul and two sons. David even promised Jonathan not to destroy Saul’s line. He didn`t and spared Jonathan`s son Mephiboseth. David`s response to Shimei was let him live and to continue cursing him. David might have been grieving over his own sins and what God said would happen in his household. So, he left it in God`s hands. This reminds me that we should always leave things in God`s hands and let God deal with people the way He will. God bless.
2 Samuel 16
2 Samuel 16; Isaiah 30
2 Samuel 16
What a mess.