2 Samuel 19:17
“There were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of Saul’s house, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went through the Jordan in the presence of the king.”
What does 2 Samuel 19:17 mean?
When King David returned to Jerusalem after fleeing his son Absalom's rebellion, many people rushed to meet him and show their loyalty. Shimei, a man from Benjamin's territory, came with a thousand of his countrymen, along with Ziba (who had once served King Saul's household) and his extended family and servants. This was a significant show of support, especially since Benjamin was Saul's tribe and historically had reasons to be wary of David's rule. By crossing the Jordan River together in the king's presence, these people were publicly demonstrating their allegiance and welcoming David back to power, which mattered deeply in a culture where honor and public recognition were vital to a leader's authority and security.