Generous Offer

David had befriended Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan. When David was driven from Jerusalem by Absalom Mephibosheth did not follow David. Ziba, servant of Mephibosheth, said his master hoped, as a descendant of Saul, to regain the throne for himself. But David was not defeated by Absalom and returned to his capital. He wondered why the man he befriended did not follow him and told Ziba he could have the property of his master.

Mephibosheth explained he could not follow him because he was lame, not because of a lack of loyalty, and Ziba had slandered him. . David then divided the property between Ziba and Mephibosheth, probably not knowing which was telling the truth.

But Mephibosheth said to let Ziba have it all. He was only glad that David had come back (2 Samuel 19: 30). This showed his loyalty to David and his generous spirit. Some say he was not sincere, but it looks to me that he was.