Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Samuel 16

• Ziba: See study note on 2 Samuel 9:11; also see 2 Samuel 9:1–13; 19:24–30.

• As Saul’s grandson (2 Samuel 16:3), Mephibosheth was a potential rival for the throne.

Ziba was lying to David for his own benefit. Later, Mephibosheth told the truth about what happened (2 Samuel 19:24–30).

Bahurim was in the territory of Benjamin, east of the Mount of Olives, on the road to the Jordan River. Many people from Benjamin, the tribe of Saul, likely still felt resentment toward David’s rule. In Shimei’s case, this loyalty to Saul was even stronger because Shimei belonged to Saul’s own clan within the tribe of Benjamin.

Shimei cursed David. He blamed David for the violent deaths of Saul and members of Saul’s family.

The LORD has paid you back: Shimei thought Absalom's rebellion was the Lord punishing David. However, David was innocent (see study notes on 2 Samuel 1:4, 15–16).

Abishai was David’s nephew (1 Chronicles 2:13–16) and likely part of his personal guard. He thought no one should speak to the king disrespectfully and survive (compare 2 Samuel 19:21). David was more cautious in making judgments (compare 1 Kings 2:8–9).

• If he curses me because the LORD told him: David thought it might be punishment for past sins.

• David was actually reducing the violence around him, despite Shimei's accusations.

How much more: David understood why someone who supported Saul might hate him.

Long live the king!: Hushai's words were intentionally unclear. He was actually serving the true king, David, who was truly "the one chosen by the LORD" (2 Samuel 16:18). Hushai avoided mentioning the king's name, making Absalom think Hushai was loyal to him instead of David.

whom should I serve: (literally and second, to whom will I do service? Not before his son?): The unclear language continues. Hushai expressed his loyalty as a question, not a promise. He intended to serve David while tricking Absalom into believing he had switched sides. Similarly, As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours literally means, as I served before your father, so I will [serve your father] before you.

Sleep with your father's concubines: A usurper (someone who takes power by force) would take a previous ruler's harem to strengthen his claim to the throne (see 2 Samuel 3:7). Absalom's action violated Deuteronomy 22:30.

Absalom wanted to show the people he had taken the throne and its royal powers. His disgraceful act mirrored David’s affair with Bathsheba, which also started on that roof (2 Samuel 11:2–4). This event fulfilled Nathan’s prophecy (2 Samuel 12:11–12).

was like the consultation of the word of God: Compare with 2 Samuel 17:14.