Bible Figure
Ziba
male human biblical figure in 2 Samuel 9:2-12
Ziba was a servant of Saul's household whom David appointed to manage Saul's property for Jonathan's disabled son Mephibosheth.
Biography
Second Samuel 9 introduces Ziba when David seeks a survivor of Saul's family to whom he can show kindness for Jonathan's sake. Ziba tells David about Mephibosheth, and David orders Ziba and his household to farm Saul's restored estate for him. During Absalom's rebellion, Ziba met the fleeing David with supplies and claimed that Mephibosheth had remained in Jerusalem hoping Saul's kingdom would be restored to him. David immediately awarded Ziba Mephibosheth's property. After David returned, Mephibosheth accused Ziba of deceiving and abandoning him, and David divided the land between them.
Biblical Significance
Ziba's conflicting account with Mephibosheth creates deliberate uncertainty about motives and loyalty during Absalom's rebellion. The episode also shows the danger of making judgments in crisis before hearing both sides.