Definition: And the king said, And where [is] thy master’s son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 16:3. It's a pretty dramatic and confusing passage, but we can understand it in terms of what’s happening. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: King David is facing a crisis. He’s feeling very worried and uncertain about his son, Jonathan, who has been captured by Goliath (a giant). Ziba asks a crucial question: Ziba, a servant to King David, is asking where Jonathan is. This is the core of the problem. What Ziba Says – It's a Big Revelation: Ziba tells the king that Jonathan is in Jerusalem. He says, “I tell you, he dwells at Jerusalem!” The Meaning – A Secret and Powerful Message This is where it gets interesting. Ziba’s answer isn’t just a simple location; it's a profound message about God’s plan for Israel. It means: God has already prepared Jonathan for his return. He’s been waiting for this moment, and Ziba is telling the king that Jonathan is already in Jerusalem. God is working behind the scenes to restore Israel's kingdom. Jonathan’s capture was a significant event, but God intends for him to return and reclaim his throne. The “house of Israel” refers back to the entire nation of Israel. In short, this verse emphasizes that God is actively involved in restoring Israel, even before Jonathan returns. It’s a message about hope, anticipation, and God's ultimate plan for His people. It’s a bit symbolic – it’s not about a literal physical location, but about the ongoing work of God to bring about his kingdom. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (like when it was written)? Connect this verse to other Bible stories?