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2 Samuel 16

ScriptureDepth's study of 2 Samuel 16

“The king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? Because he curses, and because Yahweh has said to him, ‘Curse David;’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”

2 Samuel 16:10

David speaks to Abishai regarding Shimei’s cursing, establishing that such disdain is permitted as part of Yahweh’s will in the unfolding events.

What 2 Samuel 16 is about

Ziba presents himself to David as he travels, bringing donkeys, bread, summer fruit, and wine for the king’s household (vv. 1-2). When David asks about Mephibosheth, Ziba claims he remains in Jerusalem, hoping for the restoration of his family's kingdom (v. 3). David grants Ziba all that belonged to Mephibosheth (v. 4). As David approaches Bahurim, Shimei, a member of Saul's family, curses him and throws stones (vv. 5-6). Shimei accuses David of bloodshed and claims Yahweh has given the kingdom to Absalom (vv. 7-8). Abishai offers to kill Shimei, but David tells him to let him curse (vv. 9-12). David and his men continue on, weary from the journey (vv. 13-14). Meanwhile, Absalom enters Jerusalem with Ahithophel (vv. 15-16). Hushai informs Absalom of his loyalty, and Ahithophel advises Absalom to sleep with his father’s concubines to strengthen his position (vv. 17-21). Absalom follows this counsel (vv. 22). Ahithophel's wisdom is highly regarded (v. 23).

David's situation remains precarious as he faces both personal attacks and political challenges.

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2 Samuel 16 at a glance

  1. 2 Samuel 16:1–4Ziba's Presentation to David
  2. 2 Samuel 16:5–12Shimei Curses David
  3. 2 Samuel 16:13–14David's Weariness
  4. 2 Samuel 16:15–19Absalom Enters Jerusalem
  5. 2 Samuel 16:20–22Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom
  6. 2 Samuel 16:23Ahithophel's Wisdom Acknowledged

Key verse: 2 Samuel 16:10

One thing to notice

Ziba reports to David in verses 2-4, bringing provisions and claiming that 'the house of Israel will restore me' to his father’s kingdom. David grants Ziba everything belonging to Mephibosheth. The truth of Ziba’s claim remains uncertain.

Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.

Chapter text

Read 2 Samuel 16 (WEB)

Ziba's Presentation to David 2 Samuel 16:1–4

Verse 1. When David was a little past the top, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him with a couple of donkeys saddled, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, and one hundred clusters of raisins, and one hundred summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.Verse 2. The king said to Ziba, “What do you mean by these?”Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that those who are faint in the wilderness may drink.”Verse 3. The king said, “Where is your master’s son?”Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is staying in Jerusalem; for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore me the kingdom of my father.’”Verse 4. Then the king said to Ziba, “Behold, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours.”Ziba said, “I bow down. Let me find favor in your sight, my lord, O king.”

Shimei Curses David 2 Samuel 16:5–12

Verse 5. When king David came to Bahurim, behold, a man of the family of Saul’s house came out, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera. He came out and cursed as he came. Verse 6. He cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. Verse 7. Shimei said when he cursed, “Be gone, be gone, you man of blood, and wicked fellow! Verse 8. Yahweh has returned on you all the blood of Saul’s house, in whose place you have reigned! Yahweh has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son! Behold, you are caught by your own mischief, because you are a man of blood!”

Verse 9. Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please let me go over and take off his head.” Verse 10. The king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? Because he curses, and because Yahweh has said to him, ‘Curse David;’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” Verse 11. David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, “Behold, my son, who came out of my bowels, seeks my life. How much more this Benjamite, now? Leave him alone, and let him curse; for Yahweh has invited him.

Verse 12. It may be that Yahweh will look on the wrong done to me, and that Yahweh will repay me good for the cursing of me today.”

David's Weariness 2 Samuel 16:13–14

Verse 13. So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him, and cursed as he went, threw stones at him, and threw dust. Verse 14. The king, and all the people who were with him, came weary; and he refreshed himself there.

Absalom Enters Jerusalem 2 Samuel 16:15–19

Verse 15. Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. Verse 16. When Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, had come to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” Verse 17. Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your kindness to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?” Verse 18. Hushai said to Absalom, “No; but whomever Yahweh, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him I will stay. Verse 19. Again, whom should I serve? Shouldn’t I serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father’s presence, so will I be in your presence.”

Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom 2 Samuel 16:20–22

Verse 20. Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your counsel what we shall do.” Verse 21. Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines that he has left to keep the house. Then all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father. Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong.” Verse 22. So they spread a tent for Absalom on the top of the house, and Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

Ahithophel's Wisdom Acknowledged 2 Samuel 16:23

Verse 23. The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God. So was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

World English Bible (public domain)

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Main themes in 2 Samuel 16

Betrayal and Loyalty

Absalom's actions create a significant betrayal within his family, as he seeks to usurp his father David's throne. Ziba, presenting provisions to David in verse 1, betrays Mephibosheth by falsely claiming his loyalty lies with Absalom in verse 3. This leads David to trust Ziba, granting him all that belonged to Mephibosheth in verse 4, highlighting the complex dynamics of loyalty and betrayal during this time of conflict.

Consequences of Sin

David faces the bitter consequences of his past sins as he is publicly cursed by Shimei in vv. 5-8. Shimei accuses David of being a 'man of blood' and attributes Yahweh's judgment on him for usurping Saul's throne. David's acceptance of the curse in v. 11, recognizing it as possibly ordained by Yahweh, highlights how his earlier actions have led to suffering and opposition from those once loyal.

Divine Sovereignty

Shimei's cursing of David is presented as being directed by Yahweh, as noted in verse 10. David recognizes this and interprets Shimei's actions as possibly a consequence of his own sins in verse 12. The chapter demonstrates how unfolding events, including Absalom's rebellion, suggest a divine influence at work amid the human choices and struggles occurring within the narrative.

Humility and Restraint

David exhibits humility and restraint in the face of Shimei's curses, choosing not to retaliate despite Abishai’s urging to kill Shimei in v. 9. David's response in v. 10 reveals his understanding that the cursing comes from Yahweh's will, leading him to allow Shimei to continue. This approach demonstrates David's willingness to bear humiliation rather than act out of anger or pride.

Chapter outline

How 2 Samuel 16 unfolds

  1. 2 Samuel 16:1–4 Ziba's Presentation to David

    Ziba, a servant of Mephibosheth, meets David with provisions for his household (vv. 1-2). When asked about Mephibosheth, Ziba claims he remains in Jerusalem, leading David to give Ziba all of Mephibosheth's possessions (vv. 3-4).

  2. 2 Samuel 16:5–12 Shimei Curses David

    As David arrives in Bahurim, Shimei, a descendant of Saul, curses him, throwing stones and accusing him of being a 'man of blood' (vv. 5-8). David refrains from retaliation, interpreting Shimei's actions as possibly divinely sanctioned (vv. 10-12).

  3. 2 Samuel 16:13–14 David's Weariness

    David and his men proceed along the way, with Shimei cursing and throwing stones at them (vv. 13). They arrive weary, and David refreshes himself there (v. 14).

  4. 2 Samuel 16:15–19 Absalom Enters Jerusalem

    Absalom and his followers arrive in Jerusalem, joined by Ahithophel, who offers counsel (vv. 15-16). Hushai, David's friend, greets Absalom in a way that raises questions about his loyalty (vv. 16-18).

  5. 2 Samuel 16:20–22 Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom

    Absalom asks Ahithophel for advice on how to proceed (v. 20). Ahithophel instructs Absalom to sleep with his father's concubines to solidify his claim to the throne (vv. 21-22).

  6. 2 Samuel 16:23 Ahithophel's Wisdom Acknowledged

    The counsel of Ahithophel is regarded as having great authority, likened to seeking guidance from the inner sanctuary of God (v. 23). His advice is accepted by both David and Absalom.

Key verses

  • 2 Samuel 16:10David speaks to Abishai regarding Shimei’s cursing, establishing that such disdain is permitted as part of Yahweh’s will in the unfolding events.

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Study questions

Questions for studying 2 Samuel 16

SummarizeObserveInterpretApply

Uses your daily Ask questions.

  1. observeIn v2, what supplies does Ziba bring to David?
  2. observeWhat does Shimei call David in v7 during his curses?
  3. interpretDavid's response to Shimei in vv. 10-12: how does he understand suffering?
  4. interpretAhithophel's advice in v21: what does going in to David's concubines signify for Absalom?
  5. applyWhen have you faced mockery or criticism like David did from Shimei?

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2 Samuel 16: frequently asked questions

What is 2 Samuel 16 about?+
Ziba presents himself to David as he travels, bringing donkeys, bread, summer fruit, and wine for the king’s household (vv. 1-2).
What is the key verse in 2 Samuel 16?+
2 Samuel 16:10: “The king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? Because he curses, and because Yahweh has said to him, ‘Curse David;’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”
What are the main themes of 2 Samuel 16?+
The main themes of 2 Samuel 16 are Betrayal and Loyalty, Consequences of Sin, Divine Sovereignty, Humility and Restraint.

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