2 Samuel 16:2

And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king’s household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

Cross-reference

2 Samuel 15:23 Historical context

In 2 Samuel 15:23, David crosses the Kidron Valley in flight — this moment of exile provides the immediate context for Ziba's provisions.

In 2 Samuel 17:29, supporters bring David food and supplies in exile — a later parallel showing ongoing provision during his flight.

2 Samuel 19:26 reveals Ziba's deception about the donkeys, contradicting his earlier statement in 16:2 that they were for the king's household.

2 Samuel 17:28 Historical context

2 Samuel 17:28 describes others bringing provisions to David in the wilderness — here Ziba does the same, a similar act of support during the same crisis.

In 1 Samuel 25:27, Abigail brings a gift of food to David — a parallel act of provision during a crisis, similar to Ziba's gift here.

In 1 Samuel 16:20, David himself brought bread and wine on a donkey to Saul — here Ziba brings similar items to David, a reversal of roles.

Genesis 33:8 shows Esau asking about Jacob's gifts intended to find favor; Ziba offers gifts to David to gain favor, with a similar explanation.