2 Samuel 9

And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”

Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.”

And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.”

The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”

Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.

And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.”

And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.”

And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”

Then the king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson.

And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master’s grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons.

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba’s house became Mephibosheth’s servants.

So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both his feet.

← Previous chapter Next chapter →

2 Samuel 9

David's covenant loyalty to Jonathan's memory and his establishment of Mephibosheth, Saul's surviving heir, at his table introduces the theme of covenantal grace and the extension of mercy to those who might have been David's enemies. The chapter opens with David's inquiry about whether anyone remains from the house of Saul to whom he may show kindness for Jonathan's sake. David's decision to restore Mephibosheth's inheritance and seat him at the royal table appears as an act of pure grace and the fulfillment of David's covenantal obligation to Jonathan. Yet the chapter introduces a complication in Ziba, whose potential influence over Mephibosheth creates a dynamic of dependency and political manipulation that will be exploited in the account of Absalom's rebellion. The theological significance lies in its demonstration that covenantal grace involves concrete action and the redistribution of resources; David's care for Mephibosheth stands as a counterpoint to his later actions and suggests his capacity for profound loyalty and mercy. Yet the chapter also suggests that even acts of grace can become entangled with the exercise of power and manipulation.

2 Samuel 9:4

Ziba said to him, 'There is still a son of Jonathan; his name is Mephibosheth. He is crippled in his feet.' - Ziba reveals that Jonathan's son Mephibosheth survives, crippled in feet. The disability marks his vulnerability.

2 Samuel 9:5

'Where is he?' The king said. Ziba said to him, 'He is in the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.' - Mephibosheth lives in exile at Lo-debar, hidden from potential threat. The exile reflects the danger that Jonathan's heir faced after David's rise.

2 Samuel 9:6

King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir son of Ammiel - David summons Mephibosheth. The bringing from exile marks covenant restoration.

2 Samuel 9:7

David said, 'Mephibosheth!' He answered, 'Yes, your servant.' - The encounter begins with respectful acknowledgment. Mephibosheth approaches David with fear, unsure of the king's intentions.

2 Samuel 9:3

'Is there not still someone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?' - David frames his intention in covenant language: the kindness of God will flow through David to Saul's survivors.

2 Samuel 9:1

David asked, 'Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I may show kindness for Jonathan's sake?' - David's thought turns to covenant obligation. Years have passed since Jonathan's death; David now seeks opportunity to honor that covenant friendship. The question initiates David's quest for Mephibosheth.

2 Samuel 9:2

Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba - Ziba is an old retainer who served Saul's house. David questions Ziba about surviving members of Saul's family.

2 Samuel 9

2 Samuel 9:8

2 Samuel 9:9

2 Samuel 9:10

2 Samuel 9:11

2 Samuel 9:12

2 Samuel 9:13