2 Samuel 9
This chapter tells the story of King David’s kindness toward Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. Despite Saul’s previous hostility toward David, David seeks to show kindness to Saul’s family in honor of his friendship with Jonathan. The chapter highlights David’s sense of loyalty, mercy, and covenant-keeping as he restores Mephibosheth’s inheritance and welcomes him to eat at the king’s table.
2 Samuel 9:1 (NKJV)
1 Now David said, "Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
David remembers his covenant with Jonathan and desires to extend kindness to any remaining member of Saul's family. His inquiry shows his deep loyalty to Jonathan, even after his death. David’s heart is one of reconciliation, not vengeance, toward Saul's house, demonstrating the importance of keeping promises and showing mercy.
2 Samuel 9:2-3 (NKJV)
2 And there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba. So when they had called him to David, the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" He said, "At your service!"
3 Then the king said, "Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?" And Ziba said to the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet."
David’s search leads him to Ziba, a former servant of Saul, who informs him of Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son. David’s desire to show “the kindness of God” reflects divine compassion, going beyond mere obligation. Mephibosheth’s condition as lame emphasizes his vulnerability, which heightens the significance of David’s grace toward him.
2 Samuel 9:4-5 (NKJV)
4 So the king said to him, "Where is he?" And Ziba said to the king, "Indeed he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar."
5 Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar.
David immediately takes action upon learning of Mephibosheth’s location. Lo Debar, a place of desolation and isolation, symbolizes Mephibosheth’s lowly and forgotten status. David’s command to bring him to the palace signals a dramatic change in Mephibosheth’s fortunes, as he is about to be restored from obscurity to a place of honor.
2 Samuel 9:6 (NKJV)
6 Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then David said, "Mephibosheth?" And he answered, "Here is your servant!"
Mephibosheth approaches David with fear and humility, unsure of David’s intentions. His posture reflects the typical fear that Saul’s descendants might feel before David, given the history between Saul and David. However, David’s gentle address, calling him by name, immediately disarms any potential fear, showing that his intentions are kind.
2 Samuel 9:7 (NKJV)
7 So David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually."
David reassures Mephibosheth that he has no reason to fear. He not only spares Mephibosheth’s life but also restores Saul’s land to him and gives him a permanent place at the royal table. This gesture of kindness reflects David’s loyalty to Jonathan and is a powerful act of restoration, dignity, and inclusion.
2 Samuel 9:8 (NKJV)
8 Then he bowed himself, and said, "What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?"
Mephibosheth’s response is one of deep humility. By calling himself a “dead dog,” he acknowledges his unworthiness and lowly state, which contrasts sharply with David’s kindness. His self-perception reflects the shame and fear he likely carried, living as a crippled descendant of a fallen king. David’s grace toward him is a dramatic reversal of his situation.
2 Samuel 9:9-10 (NKJV)
9 And the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "I have given to your master's son all that belonged to Saul and to all his house.
10 You therefore, and your sons and your servants, shall work the land for him, and you shall bring in the harvest, that your master's son may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth your master's son shall eat bread at my table always." Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
David not only restores Saul’s land to Mephibosheth but also commands Ziba, along with his large household, to work the land for him. However, David makes it clear that Mephibosheth will not need this provision because he will always eat at David’s table. This highlights both Mephibosheth’s new status and David’s ongoing provision for him.
2 Samuel 9:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Then Ziba said to the king, "According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so will your servant do." "As for Mephibosheth," said the king, "he shall eat at my table like one of the king's sons."
12 Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Micha. And all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth.
Ziba affirms his obedience to the king's commands. David elevates Mephibosheth to the status of one of his own sons, giving him a place of honor and dignity. Additionally, the mention of Mephibosheth’s son Micha underscores the continuation of Saul’s lineage, despite the odds. David’s generosity extends not only to Mephibosheth but to future generations.
2 Samuel 9:13 (NKJV)
13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king's table. And he was lame in both his feet.
The chapter closes by reaffirming Mephibosheth’s place at David’s table. Despite his physical disability, Mephibosheth enjoys the honor and security of being part of David’s household. His disability is a constant reminder of his weakness, but David’s kindness overcomes any social stigma attached to it, highlighting the king’s grace and mercy.