Ziba in the Bible — Hidden Meaning & Symbolism

Ziba, zi'–bå (Heb.)-- placed; stationed; left standing; statue; plantation; fixed; settled; determined; firmness; strength. A servant of Saul's. He enabled David to get into touch with Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, and Jonathan's son, to whom David restored the land that had belonged to Saul. Ziba and his sons and servants were appointed to till this land for Mephibosheth (II Sam. 9:2–11). Later Ziba testified falsely against Mephibosheth to David and was given the property for himself (II Sam. 16:1–4). When Mephibosheth explained the matter to David, David gave him back half the land (II Sam. 19:24–29). Meta. After Saul's household was destroyed, only Ziba, a servant, and Mephibosheth, a grandson who was crippled, were left. Ziba means a statue. This shows that the old–time fire that animated the will has burned itself out, leaving nothing but a form. Ziba represents only a remembrance of former experiences after the personal will has yielded to the divine will.