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Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 19 - Verse 29

19:29
And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

Meaning

In this verse from the Bible, King David is speaking to a man named Mephibosheth about a property dispute. Mephibosheth had previously been promised all the land that belonged to his grandfather Saul, but Ziba, a servant of Saul's household, had also made a claim to the land. In a moment of decision, King David decides to settle the matter by dividing the land between Mephibosheth and Ziba. The king's words reflect his desire to bring resolution to the situation quickly and decisively. By instructing the two parties to divide the land, King David shows his wisdom in finding a fair and equitable solution to the dispute. The verse highlights the importance of wise judgment and fair treatment in resolving conflicts, a lesson that can still be applied in modern times.

Theological Overview

In this verse from 2 Samuel 19:29, King David is speaking to Barzillai, a wealthy man who had supported him during his time of exile. The king tells Barzillai to share the land with Ziba, a servant of Saul's grandson, Mephibosheth. This exchange highlights the complexity of power dynamics in ancient Israel, as well as the importance of land ownership and inheritance. The theological interpretation of this verse could focus on themes of justice, stewardship, and loyalty. By dividing the land between two individuals, King David is demonstrating his desire to be fair and equitable in his judgments, even in matters of property. This passage could also be seen as a lesson in humility and generosity, as Barzillai willingly shares his resources with others. Word studies on "divide the land" and "thy matters" could further illuminate the nuances of this conversation, shedding light on the cultural context and linguistic subtleties of the original Hebrew text.

American Standard Version

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