And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

2 SAMUEL 19:29KJV
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2 Samuel 19:29 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 19:29 mean?

2 Samuel 19:29 shows King David telling Mephibosheth that he does not want to hear any more arguments about the dispute with Ziba, and that he has decided both men should share the land. David’s response is brief and final, settling the matter without further discussion.

In this scene, King David is speaking to Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul, after David’s return to Jerusalem following Absalom’s rebellion. Earlier, Ziba, Mephibosheth’s servant, had accused Mephibosheth of disloyalty, leading David to give Ziba all of Mephibosheth’s land. Now, Mephibosheth explains his side, but David cuts off the conversation and orders the land to be divided between them, showing a desire to resolve the conflict quickly.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 19:29

  • "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): This word emphasizes David’s authority in making the decision. The verse reminds the reader that David’s word is final in this matter.
  • "divide" (חָלַק, ḥalaq): This word means to split or share. David’s use of this word shows he is not fully siding with either party but is instead choosing a compromise.
  • "land" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh): This word refers to the property or fields in question, making it clear that the dispute is about tangible inheritance and resources.

Why 2 Samuel 19:29 matters

  • 2 Samuel 19:29 clears up that David does not fully trust either Mephibosheth or Ziba’s story, so he chooses a middle ground instead of restoring all the land to one side.
  • The verse highlights David’s practical approach to resolving disputes during a tense time, showing his focus on peace and moving forward after the civil conflict.
  • This decision connects to the larger narrative about loyalty, justice, and the challenges David faces as king in dealing with divided loyalties among his people.

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.

“divide” Hebrew H2505 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
  • Proverbs 7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.