ZIBA . A servant, probably a freedman, of Saul. He appears before David ( 2 Samuel 9:1-11 ), possessing 15 sons and 20 servants, and is consulted as to the existence of any members of the house of Saul. He informs David of the retreat of Mephibosheth , to whom David restores the lands of his father and appoints Ziba steward. On David’s flight from Jerusalem ( 2 Samuel 16:1-4 ) Ziba followed him with provisions, and accused Mephibosheth of treachery. He received a grant of his master’s lands, but on David’s return Mephibosheth was able to clear himself and was allowed to retain a half ( 2 Samuel 19:24-30 ).
W. F. Boyd.