Ziba
“Plantation or statue”
Summary
A servant of Saul's house whom David appointed to manage the estates of Mephibosheth, but who later slandered his master to gain his property.
☩Appointment as Steward
When David sought to show kindness to any surviving member of Saul's house, Ziba informed him about Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son. David then appointed Ziba, who had fifteen sons and twenty servants, to cultivate the land and bring in its produce for Mephibosheth while the prince lived at the king's table.
☩Slander and Division
When David fled Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion, Ziba met him with provisions but claimed that Mephibosheth had stayed behind hoping to regain Saul's kingdom. David rashly gave all Mephibosheth's property to Ziba. However, when David returned, Mephibosheth accused Ziba of deceiving him and slandering him. Unable to determine the truth, David divided the estate between them.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ziba," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Ziba," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).