Remarkable in Their Own Ways

“Keep those donkeys in line,” called Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth.

“The loaves and cakes are falling off their backs,” one of his sons called in reply. “We’re trying to keep everything intact!”

“Well, there wasn’t much time to prepare all this, now was there. We’ve got to keep going. Surely soon our path will intersect with that of King David. Then the donkeys will all be unloaded.”

“Look, father. See the large crowd coming over the Mount of Olives? Wouldn’t they be the companions of the king?”

“I expect so. Hurry! Grab hold of the donkeys and make a run for it!”

Ziba and his sons were a comical sight for those who descended the mountain. The harder the donkeys were driven, the more they resisted. They brayed furiously, planting their forelegs into the sand as their masters tried to pull them forward. Others attempted to turn in directions of their own choosing, causing the loads to slide from their backs.

“Is King David among you?” called Ziba.

“He is behind us,” replied a man, pointing over his shoulder.

“Come along, sons,” Ziba said, unaware of the laughs and stares.

By now, the king had been informed that a group of men was heading toward him, bringing provisions. David’s special guard intercepted them and then parted. Ziba and his sons bowed before David.

“This is Ziba, O king. He is the overseer of the property of Mephibosheth, the grandson of King Saul and son of Jonathan.”

“My lord, the king,” began Ziba, “please accept from the hand of your servant these two hundred loaves, two hundred cakes, and this skin of wine. Once the donkeys are unloaded, they are for you and your family to ride.”

“Thank you. I am most honored to receive them. But, tell me, why do I not see your master, Mephibosheth, riding among the donkeys? Shouldn’t he have been your first concern?”

“Oh, of course. Certainly he was my first concern. As soon as I heard the news, I felt sure my master would be among those who are leaving the city. I went to him immediately to prepare him for the journey.”

Ziba’s sons exchanged confused and puzzled glances.

“But, and how deeply it grieves me to be who informs you, O king, he chose to remain in the city,” continued Ziba. “He believes he will gain a better position in the palace with Prince Absalom.”

David remained silent as disloyalty and betrayal inflicted their stings once again. “Well, if that’s the case, let him rely on King Absalom to provide an office which is more to his liking. And you, consider the fields and herds you maintain for him to now be your own.”

Ziba masked his satisfaction behind a humble expression as he bowed to the ground before David.