2Sa 16:1-4 | Clarke | STEP | Ziba, servant of Mephibosheth, meets David with provisions, and by false insinuations obtains the grant of his masters property, . Shimei abuses and curses David, who restrains Abishai from slaying him, . Hushai makes a feigned tender of his services to Absalom, . Absalom calls a council and Ahithophel advises him to go in to his father's concubines, . Character of Ahithophel as a counselor, . Verse 1 Two hundred loaves of bread - The word loaf gives us a false idea of the ancient Jewish bread; it was thin cakes, not yeasted and raised like ours. Bunches of raisins - See on (note). Summer fruits - These were probably pumpions, cucumbers, or watermelons. The two latter are extensively used in those countries to refresh travelers in the burning heat of the summer. Mr. Harmer supposes they are called summer fruits on this very account. A bottle of wine - A goat's skin full of wine; this I have already shown was the general bottle in the Eastern countries; see on (note).

2 Samuel 16:1-4

Introduction

Ziba, servant of Mephibosheth, meets David with provisions, and by false insinuations obtains the grant of his masters property, 2Sam 16:1-4. Shimei abuses and curses David, who restrains Abishai from slaying him, 2Sam 16:5-14. Hushai makes a feigned tender of his services to Absalom, 2Sam 16:15-19. Absalom calls a council and Ahithophel advises him to go in to his father's concubines, 2Sam 16:20-22. Character of Ahithophel as a counselor, 2Sam 16:23.

Verse 1

Two hundred loaves of bread - The word loaf gives us a false idea of the ancient Jewish bread; it was thin cakes, not yeasted and raised like ours.

Bunches of raisins - See on 1Sam 25:18 (note).

Summer fruits - These were probably pumpions, cucumbers, or watermelons. The two latter are extensively used in those countries to refresh travelers in the burning heat of the summer. Mr. Harmer supposes they are called summer fruits on this very account.

A bottle of wine - A goat's skin full of wine; this I have already shown was the general bottle in the Eastern countries; see on 1Sam 25:18 (note). Verse 2

The asses be for the king's household - This is the Eastern method of speaking when any thing is presented to a great man: "This and this is for the slaves of the servants of your majesty," when at the same time the presents are intended for the sovereign himself, and are so understood. It is a high Eastern compliment: These presents are not worthy of your acceptance; they are only fit for the slaves of your slaves. Verse 3

To-day shall the house of Israel - What a base wretch was Ziba! and how unfounded was this accusation against the peaceable, loyal and innocent Mephibosheth! Verse 4

Thine are all - This conduct of David was very rash; he spoiled an honorable man to reward a villain, not giving himself time to look into the circumstances of the case. But David was in heavy afflictions, and these sometimes make even a wise man mad. Nothing should be done rashly; he who is in the habit of obeying the first impulse of his passions or feelings, will seldom do a right action, and never keep a clear conscience.