2 Samuel, Chapter 16:

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Verses from 2 Samuel, Chapter 16 of the book of 1 Samuel in the Bible.

David and Ziba

1. When David passed over the top of the mountain, he met Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, who was waiting for him. Ziba brought with him two donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, one hundred raisin cakes, one hundred fresh fruits, and a leather vessel full of wine.
2. The king asked Ziba, “Why did you bring all these things?” Ziba replied, “These donkeys will be for the king’s family, the bread and fruit are for men to eat, and the wine will be to refresh those who are exhausted in the desert.”
3. “Where is Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “He stayed in Jerusalem because he believes that the Israelites will restore his grandfather’s kingdom to him.”
4. Then the king said to Ziba, “Everything that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.” Ziba prostrated himself and said, “May the king, my lord, find pleasure in me and be kind to me.”

5. As soon as King David arrived in Baurim, a man named Shimei, from the clan of Saul's family, came out of the city and began to insult him.
6. He threw stones at David and all his advisors, while the army and the royal guard were on the king's right and left.
7. As he insulted him, Shimei said, “Get out of here, get out of here! Murderer, bad man!
8. The Lord is repaying you for all the blood shed by the family of Saul, whom you succeeded as king. The Lord gave the kingdom into the hands of his son Absalom. Now you are facing disgrace because you are a murderer!”
9. Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why is this dead dog cursing the king, my lord? Let me cut off his head!”
10. But the king said, “What have I to do with you, sons of Zeruiah? He is cursing because the Lord told him to curse David. Who can question the will of the Lord?”
11. David said to Abishai and all his servants, “Even my own son, my own blood, is trying to kill me. How much more this Benjamite! Let him curse, for it was the Lord who commanded him to do so.
12. Perhaps the Lord will consider my affliction and return good in exchange for the curse I am receiving today.”
13. David and his men continued along the path, while Shimei walked along the mountain, cursing, throwing stones and throwing dirt.
14. The king and all the people who accompanied him arrived at their destination exhausted and rested there.

15. Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel entered Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with them.
16. Hushai, the Arachite and friend of David, approached Absalom and exclaimed: “Long live the king! Long live the king!".
17. But Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why didn’t you go with him?”
18. Hushai replied, “No, I am on the side chosen by the Lord, of this people and of all the Israelites. And with you, my lord, I will remain.
19. Besides, who else should I serve? Should I not serve the son? As I served your father, I will also serve you.”
20. Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your advice. What should we do?".
21. Ahithophel replied: “Have relations with your father's concubines, those he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will know that you have become your father's enemy, and all those who are with you will gain courage.”
22. Then they pitched a tent on the roof of the palace for Absalom, and he had relations with his father's concubines in front of all Israel.
23. At that time, both David and Absalom considered Ahithophel's advice as the word of God.