What does 2 Samuel 19:17 mean?
"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 19:17
2 Samuel 19:17 (KJV): "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."
Context:
This verse comes from the book of 2 Samuel, which is part of the historical books in the Old Testament. The Book of Samuel tells the story of the transition of leadership from the judges to the kings in Israel. In this particular verse, King David is returning to Jerusalem after a period of exile, during which his son Absalom attempted to overthrow him. As David returns, he is met by various individuals, including those mentioned in this verse, who are joining him as he crosses the Jordan River to reclaim his throne.
Meaning:
In this verse, we see an account of the men of Benjamin, along with Ziba, the servant of the house of Saul, and his sons and servants, accompanying King David on his return to Jerusalem. The mention of the men of Benjamin is significant because the tribe of Benjamin was closely associated with Saul, the previous king of Israel. Their decision to support David in his return symbolizes a shift in loyalty and a unified Israel under David's reign. Additionally, the inclusion of Ziba and his sons and servants highlights the restoration of David's authority over the house of Saul.
Symbolism:
This verse holds several layers of symbolism that convey important themes in the biblical narrative. Firstly, the crossing of the Jordan River holds symbolic significance in the Bible as a representation of transition and new beginnings. In this context, David's crossing of the Jordan River signifies a new chapter in his reign and the restoration of his authority. It also foreshadows the fulfillment of God's promises to the people of Israel.
The presence of the men of Benjamin with David also reflects the theme of reconciliation and unity. Despite the previous allegiance of the tribe of Benjamin to Saul, their support for David now signals a coming together of the divided kingdom under David's leadership. This foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for a united Israel under the rule of a righteous king.
Additionally, Ziba's inclusion in this verse represents the theme of loyalty and betrayal. Ziba was originally the steward of Saul's household, but he later plays a complicated role in David's story, involving a conflict with Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. Ziba's presence in this verse serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges David faced as he sought to establish his kingship and consolidate his power.
Overall, this verse holds several layers of symbolism and thematic significance related to the themes of loyalty, unity, and restoration. It also contributes to the broader narrative of David's rise to power and the establishment of the unified kingdom of Israel under his rule.
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2 Samuel 19:17 - "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."
"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 19:17
2 Samuel 17:19 - "And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known."
1 Samuel 17:19 - "Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines."
2 Samuel 19:8
2 Samuel 19:8
2 Samuel 19:8
2 Samuel 19:8
2 Samuel 19:24
"And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known." - 2 Samuel 17:19
2 Samuel 1. 17-27
2 Samuel 22:17-20
2 Samuel 17:26 - "So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead."
2 Samuel 19:1 - "And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom."
2 Samuel 17:4 - "And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel."
2 Samuel 2:17 - "And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David."
2 Samuel 22:19 - "They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay."
2 Samuel 1:17 - "¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:"
2 Samuel 24:19 - "And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded."
2 Samuel 2:19 - "And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner."
2 Kings 19:17 - "Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,"
2 Samuel 1:19 - "The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!"
2 Samuel 17:17 - "Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by En-rogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David."
2 Samuel 8:17 - "And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;"
2 Samuel 17:7 - "And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time."
2 Samuel 19:2 - "And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son."
2 Samuel 15:17 - "And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off."
"Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines." - 1 Samuel 17:19
2 Samuel 17:24 - "Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him."
2 Samuel 16:17 - "And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?"