2 Samuel 16:3
ESV
And the king said, "And where is your master 's son?" Ziba said to the king, "Behold, he remains in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will give me back the kingdom of my father.’"
NIV
The king then asked, "Where is your master’s grandson?" Ziba said to him, "He is staying in Jerusalem, because he thinks, ‘Today the Israelites will restore to me my grandfather’s kingdom.’ "
NASB
Then the king said, 'And where is your master’s son?' And Ziba said to the king, 'Behold, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore the kingdom of my father to me.’?'
CSB
"Where is your master’s grandson?" the king asked. "Why, he’s staying in Jerusalem," Ziba replied to the king, "for he said, ‘Today, the house of Israel will restore my grandfather’s kingdom to me.’"
NLT
And where is Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson?' the king asked him. 'He stayed in Jerusalem,' Ziba replied. 'He said, ‘Today I will get back the kingdom of my grandfather Saul.’'
KJV
And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.
NKJV
Then the king said, “And where is your master’s son?” And Ziba said to the king, “Indeed he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore the kingdom of my father to me.’ ”
What does 2 Samuel 16:3 mean?
David and his people are fleeing Absalom's invading forces (2 Samuel 15:13–17). They've climbed the Mount of Olives on their way to the ford at the Jordan River. Suddenly, Ziba appears with saddled donkeys, food, and wine (2 Samuel 16:1–2).David is grateful but confused. Ziba is the servant of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son. When David discovered Mephibosheth existed, he was glad he could honor his late friend. He gave him all of Saul's estate and told Ziba to care for it since Mephibosheth is lame and can't work for himself. Mephibosheth, however, eats at David's table as an honored guest (2 Samuel 9).
Several people who are particularly loyal to David have offered to come with him, but Mephibosheth is nowhere in sight. It's normal for a new king to destroy all the old king's heirs, especially if they're from a different family. David had made a vow to Jonathan that he wouldn't touch his friend's sons (1 Samuel 20:14–15). Absalom would have no problem killing Mephibosheth. There's no logical reason for Mephibosheth to be absent.
When David asks, Ziba says Mephibosheth has decided to stay in Jerusalem, believing that with David gone, the people will rise to put the rightful heir of Saul on the throne. This would be more than an act of gross ungratefulness to David. It would also be extremely ambitious for a man crippled in both of his feet and unable to get around easily without help. David is so hurt and angry that he gives Ziba Mephibosheth's property (2 Samuel 16:4).
Later, when David is back in Jerusalem, he'll meet with Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth will point out that with his feet, he couldn't saddle or mount his own donkey, and Ziba refused to do it for him. He spent David's entire absence in mourning. David realizes his mistake and returns half his estate (2 Samuel 19:24–30).
