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The Histories · Old Testament

2 Samuel 9

David shows kindness to Mephibosheth

General context

David asks whether anyone remains from Saul's house to whom he can show kindness for Jonathan's sake. Ziba tells him about Jonathan's son Mephibosheth, who is living with Machir at Lo-debar. David brings him to court, promises to restore Saul's land to him and gives him a continuing place at the king's table. Ziba's household is assigned to work the land. The chapter ends with Mephibosheth living in Jerusalem and eating at David's table.

Cited passages: 2 Samuel 9:1, 2 Samuel 9:2, 2 Samuel 9:3, 2 Samuel 9:4, 2 Samuel 9:5, 2 Samuel 9:6, 2 Samuel 9:7, 2 Samuel 9:8, 2 Samuel 9:9, 2 Samuel 9:10, 2 Samuel 9:11, 2 Samuel 9:12, 2 Samuel 9:13

2 Samuel 9 (KJV)

1And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?

2And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.

3And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.

4And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.

5Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar.

6Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!

7And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.

8And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?

9Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master’s son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.

10Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master’s son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

11Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons.

12And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.

13So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.

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Historical context

Mephibosheth is identified as Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. The account names his host Machir, his own son Micha, and Ziba's fifteen sons and twenty servants. Land administration and access to the royal table are distinct parts of David's provision. Mephibosheth's impaired feet are mentioned at both ends of the account; the narrative records welcome and material support, not a healing.

Cited passages: 2 Samuel 9:3, 2 Samuel 9:4, 2 Samuel 9:5, 2 Samuel 9:6, 2 Samuel 9:7, 2 Samuel 9:8, 2 Samuel 9:9, 2 Samuel 9:10, 2 Samuel 9:11, 2 Samuel 9:12, 2 Samuel 9:13

Literary context

The opening question seeks a survivor for kindness, and David later gives Jonathan as the reason for his promise. Mephibosheth describes himself in abject terms, but David answers through restored property and a seat like that of a king's son. Repeated references to the table make his continuing place in the royal household the chapter's closing emphasis.

Cited passages: 2 Samuel 9:1, 2 Samuel 9:6, 2 Samuel 9:7, 2 Samuel 9:8, 2 Samuel 9:9, 2 Samuel 9:10, 2 Samuel 9:11, 2 Samuel 9:12, 2 Samuel 9:13

Key moments

  1. Kindness for Jonathan's sake (2 Samuel 9:1). David asks about survivors of Saul's house so he can show kindness.
  2. A son of Jonathan located (2 Samuel 9:4). Ziba names the household at Lo-debar where Mephibosheth is staying.
  3. Land and a place at the table (2 Samuel 9:7). David promises restoration of Saul's land and continuing meals with him.
  4. The land entrusted to workers (2 Samuel 9:10). David assigns Ziba's household to cultivate the land.
  5. Life in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 9:13). Mephibosheth lives in Jerusalem and eats continually at the king's table.

For reflection

How does David's kindness take concrete form in both material provision and a continuing place at his table?

People in this chapter

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