Bible Dictionaries
Ziba

Holman Bible Dictionary

(zi' buh) Personal name, perhaps Aramaic for “branch.” Servant of Saul. When David desired to show kindness to surviving members of Jonathan's family, Ziba directed David to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-8 ). David placed Ziba in charge of Mephibosheth's restored property (2 Samuel 9:9-13 ). During Absalom's rebelliion, Ziba assisted David with supplies and (falsely) accused Mephibosheth of treason (2 Samuel 16:1-4 ). David rewarded Ziba with Mephibosheth's property. Mephibosheth met David on his return to power in Jerusalem and accused Ziba of deception (2 Samuel 19:24-29 ). David, either uncertain whom to believe or else desiring to leave no strong rivals, divided Saul's property between Ziba and Mephibosheth.