Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. The asses be for the king's household] This is the Eastern method of speaking when any thing is presented to a great man: "This and this is for the slaves of the servants of your majesty," when at the same time the presents are intended for the sovereign himself, and are so understood. It is a high Eastern compliment: These presents are not worthy of your acceptance; they are only fit for the slaves of your slaves.
John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 2. And the king said unto Ziba, what meanest thou by these ? etc.] Are they to be said, or are they presents? and Ziba said, the asses [be] for the king’s household to ride on ; for himself, his wives
, and children, his courtiers, and the principal officers of his house; it being usual in those times and countries for great personages to ride on asses, (see Judges 5:10); and the bread and summer fruits for the young men to eat ; the king’s menial servants, his guards and his soldiers: and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink ; where no water was to be had, that their fainting spirits might be revived, and they be able whether to fight or march.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-4 - Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 המלך4428 אל413 ציבא6717 מה4100 אלה428 לך ויאמר559 ציבא6717 החמורים2543 לבית1004 המלך4428 לרכב7392 ולהלחם3899 והקיץ7019 לאכול398 הנערים5288 והיין3196 לשׁתות8354 היעף3287 במדבר׃4057
