2 Samuel 16:2

“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 <070510>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.”

“The asses be for the king's household to ride on--The royal fugitives were moving on foot, not from inability to procure conveyances, but as being suitable to their present state of humiliation and penitence.”

“What meanest: Gen 21:29, Gen 33:8; Eze 37:18; The asses. This is the eastern mode of speaking when presenting anything to a great man: "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 it is so understood. Sa2 15:1, Sa2 19:26; Jdg 5:10, Jdg 10:4 for the young: Sa1 25:27 that such: Sa2 15:23, Sa2 17:29; Jdg 8:4, Jdg 8:5; Sa1 14:28; Pro 31:6, Pro 31:7 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 16:3”