2Sa 19:17-30 | TNotes | STEP | 19:17 Ziba: See 16:1-4 .

19:17 ^a Ziba: See 16:1-4 ^b.
19:20 ^c I know how much I sinned: Shimei’s repentance might have been genuine, or he might simply have been backpedaling in a desperate attempt to save his life. David’s concern for Absalom’s safety had shown that David was not a self-promoting, bloodthirsty throne-stealer, as Shimei had thought; and Absalom had not replaced him (16:8 ^d), as Shimei had charged.

• in all Israel (literally in all the house of Joseph): Just as Jacob’s name could stand for all Israel (e.g., Num 24:19 ^e; Isa 10:20 ^f), Joseph’s name could stand for all the northern tribes (e.g., see study notes on Amos 5:6; Zech 10:6).
Summary for 2Sam 19:21-22: 19:21-22 ^g Cp. 16:9-12 ^h.

• Abishai: See study note on 16:9.

• you sons of Zeruiah: See study notes on 2:18; 17:25. While it was Abishai who consistently wanted to kill those hostile to David (cp. 16:9 ⁱ; 1 Sam 26:8 ^j), David also expressed his frustration with Joab, Abishai’s brother (see 2 Sam 3:28-29 ^k, 39 ^l; 19:13 ^m; 1 Kgs 2:5-6 ⁿ).
19:23 ^o David’s oath of protection was not binding on David’s heir, Solomon, who later ordered Shimei’s execution for far less serious crimes (1 Kgs 2:36-46 ^p).
Summary for 2Sam 19:24-30: 19:24-30 ^q See 16:1-4 ^r. 19:24 ^s Mephibosheth’s inattention to grooming throughout David’s absence from Jerusalem was an act of mourning that proved his loyalty to David. If Mephibosheth had designs on the throne (16:3 ^t), he would not have retained such an unkempt appearance.
Summary for 2Sam 19:27-28: 19:27-28 ^u like an angel of God: See study note on 14:17.

• I could expect only death ... What more can I ask? If Mephibosheth had wanted to betray David, it would have been a profound show of ingratitude for all that David had done for him.
19:30 ^v Mephibosheth’s disinterest in claiming even half of his property showed conclusively that his happiness over David’s return was genuine.