And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over Jordan before the king.

2 SAMUEL 19:17KJV
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2 Samuel 19:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 19:17 mean?

2 Samuel 19:17 describes how a group of a thousand men from the tribe of Benjamin, along with Ziba (the servant of Saul’s family), his fifteen sons, and his twenty servants, crossed the Jordan River ahead of King David. This verse highlights the support and actions of these individuals as David was returning to Jerusalem after Absalom’s rebellion.

The scene takes place as David is coming back to reclaim his throne. Ziba, who had previously served Saul’s household, brings his large family and servants, showing loyalty and perhaps seeking favor with David. The mention of the thousand Benjaminites is significant because Saul was from Benjamin, and their presence signals a shift in allegiance back to David after a period of division.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 19:17

  • בֶּן־יָמִין (Binyamin, "Benjamin"): This word refers to the tribe of Benjamin, which was Saul’s tribe. Their support for David at this moment is notable because it shows reconciliation and unity after the civil conflict.
  • עָבַר (avar, "over"): This word is used for crossing over the Jordan River. It emphasizes the physical act of moving ahead of the king, which can also symbolize readiness or eagerness to support David’s return.
  • לִפְנֵי (lifnei, "before"): This word means "before" or "in the presence of." It highlights that Ziba and his group went ahead of David, possibly to honor him or to demonstrate their loyalty publicly.

Why 2 Samuel 19:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that not all of Saul’s former supporters remained opposed to David; some, like Ziba and the Benjaminites, actively supported his return.
  • The verse underscores the importance of public displays of loyalty in the ancient world, especially during times of political transition.
  • It connects to the broader narrative of David’s restoration, showing how different groups and individuals responded as he reclaimed his kingship.

Where else these words appear

“Ziba” Hebrew H6717 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 9:2 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.
  • 2 Samuel 9:10 Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
  • 2 Samuel 16:2 And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

“Benjamin” Hebrew H1145 · used in 18 verses

  • Judges 3:15 But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.
  • Judges 20:43 Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.
  • 2 Samuel 19:16 And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.

“over” Hebrew H6743 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:11 Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.
  • Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.