Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, meets David with provisions and claims his master stayed to regain Saul's kingdom; David grants him all Mephibosheth's property. Shimei son of Gera from Saul's clan curses David, throws stones, and calls him a man of blood. When Abishai offers to remove Shimei's head, David forbids it—perhaps the LORD will repay him good for this cursing. In Jerusalem, Hushai hails Absalom as king; Ahithophel advises Absalom to take David's concubines publicly on the roof, confirming the breach with his father and strengthening supporters' resolve.
Read 2 Samuel Chapter 16 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
David
King of Israel whose reign is chronicled with both triumphs and failures
Bathsheba
Woman with whom David committed adultery, later mother of Solomon
Nathan
Prophet who confronted David about his sin and delivered God's covenant
Absalom
David's son who rebelled and tried to take the throne
Joab
David's military commander, loyal but sometimes ruthless
Saul
First King of Israel
Places in This Chapter
The Wilderness
View on MapThe wilderness refers to the desert regions of Sinai and Judea. Israel wandered here for 40 years after the Exodus. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, and Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. It represents testing, preparation, and encounter with God.
Position in Book
David's Rise to PowerChapters 1-5
David's TriumphsChapters 6-10
David's Sin and ConsequencesChapters 11-20
Sin with Bathsheba, Nathan's rebuke, death of the child, Absalom's rebellion and death.
EpilogueChapters 21-24