Definition: And [there was] of the house of Saul a servant whose name [was] Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, [Art] thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant [is he].
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 9:2. It's a really interesting and slightly surprising part of the Bible! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us about a servant who worked for David after Saul was killed. It’s a bit odd, but it highlights a crucial shift in how David treated his people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And [there was] of the house of Saul a servant whose name [was] Ziba.” This tells us that there was a specific person named Ziba who worked for Saul. It’s important to understand that Saul was a king, and this person was his servant. “And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, ‘Art’ thou Ziba?’” This is the key part. David asked Ziba if he was really his servant. “And he said, ‘Thy servant [is he.’” This is where it gets a little confusing. Ziba responded with a simple affirmation: “Yes, I am your servant.” What does this all mean? This verse suggests that David didn't just treat Ziba as a normal worker. It implies that David trusted him and gave him a special role. Why is this significant? This is a really important moment in the Bible! It shows: David’s Care: David wasn’t just giving a job; he was showing a deep level of care and attention to his servants. A Shift in Power: After Saul's death, David began to favor those who worked for him, especially those who were loyal to him. This verse suggests that this wasn’t just a normal arrangement – it felt like David was giving loyalty to someone. In short, the verse describes a servant named Ziba who was given a special position under David, and he responded by confirming his status as David's servant. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible?