About
Ziba was the steward of King Saul and later served his grandson Mephibosheth who was lame in both feet.
Backstory
King Saul’s death left Mephibosheth, his grandson, displaced. Ziba occupied the land with his large household of 15 sons and 20 servants.
David decided to show favor to Mephibosheth, in honor of his late friend Jonathan. Not only did he invite him to eat at his table, but he also restored to him all the land that previously belonged to Saul.
The king ordered Ziba to farm the land and bring in the crops so Mephibosheth would have provisions. Now, rather that being de facto landholder, Ziba was made a servant again (2 Samuel 9).
Years later, when David fled Jerusalem during Absalom’s insurrection, Ziba had an opportunity to regain control of the land. He met David with donkeys and food for him and his men.
When David asked where Mephibosheth was, Ziba replied that he was staying in Jerusalem in the hope that the Israelites would restore his grandfather’s kingdom to him. In response, David gave Ziba all that belonged to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 16).
Upon David’s re-entry to Jerusalem, Ziba, his sons and his servants, were among the thousand Benjamines, including Shimei, who met the king to help him move back into the palace (2 Samuel 19:16-18).
Mephibosheth also came out to meet David. He explained that Ziba betrayed him by thwarting his plan to have his donkey saddled and riding out with the king. Mephibosheth also accused Ziba of slandering him (2 Samuel 19:24-28).
David ordered the two men to divide the land. But Mephibosheth said it was enough to know the king was safe (2 Samuel 19:29-30).