Jim Gallagher

2 Samuel 16:4
“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!'”

We are first introduced to Ziba in 2 Samuel 9 where he is described as a servant of king Saul. After David was established as king he began to look for descendants of king Saul. His search led him to Ziba who in turn led him to Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan. David  treated Mephibosheth with kindness and gave him a sons portion within the kingdom. Ziba in turn was given the responsibility of caring for all that belonged to Mephibosheth.

Years later, as David flees the city, Mephibosheth is no where to be found. In his place we find Ziba who appears to bless David. When the king asks about Mephibosheth, Ziba explains that he has chosen to side with the rebellion in hopes that the kingdom would be returned to him. Once the rebellion was squashed and David returned to the throne Mephibosheth will appear bowing before the king claiming that he did not rebel and the Ziba had lied to David about him.

David is in the midst of quite a conundrum. On the one hand he has Ziba claiming that Mephibosheth rebelled and on the other he has Mephibosheth claiming that Ziba lied. Without the aid of divine intervention David is forced to make a decision. Rather than casting judgment based upon uncertainty or limited information he chooses to do the only wise thing.

2 Samuel 19:29
So the king said to him, “Why do you speak anymore of your matters? I have said, ‘You and Ziba divide the land.”

Sometimes we are forced to make decisions based solely on faith. We lack divine insight and are not privy to all the facts, yet circumstances pressure us to intervene. We can learn a great deal from the actions of David who instead of making a rash judgment chose to show mercy on both parties. Obviously if the Lord revealed the truth David could act accordingly but without that he decided to make a decision that would bless both parties. When we are unsure on the right action to take it is wise to take the road that expresses love, mercy and grace.

Pastor Jim