FRIDAY 10 June, 2016
A Reason to Remain
Then the king said, “And where is your master’s son?” And Ziba said to the king, “Indeed he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore the kingdom of my father to me.’” So the king said to Ziba, “Here, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours.” And Ziba said, “I humbly bow before you, that I may find favor in your sight, my lord, O king!” - 2 Samuel 16:3-4
Unbelievable! David hears of yet another sad treachery. In his own interest, Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, betrayed David. He was told by Ziba that Mephibosheth thought that Absalom would restore to him Saul’s kingdom. I doubt that! Absalom was too ambitious; he was too busy building his own kingdom. He certainly would not have had the same compassion as his father had towards a lame descendant of King Saul.
However, this was an insult to David, but for his friend Jonathan’s sake showed him great kindness. Apparently unlike Ziba who had returned David’s kindness with generosity, Mephibosheth returned his kindness with treachery. In a time when allegiances were being tested whose hearts were not truly with David in loyalty, were being fully exposed. But was this account told by Ziba really true?
David was still king and when he heard of Mephibosheth’s decision he immediately used his authority to transfer over the lands to Ziba. This lame son of Jonathan was now in complete poverty. His fields were ripped away from under him without him even knowing. Ziba however had found favor in the sight of the king. He was rewarded for his faithfulness and humbly bowed before him.
Ziba had destroyed Mephibosheth character and profited by gaining his property. Could this of been Ziba’s goal all along?
The test by which all conduct must finally be judged is motive.
~A. W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!