9:1ffMost kings in David’s day tried to wipe out the families of their rivals in order to prevent any descendants from seeking the throne. But David showed kindness to Mephibosheth, whose father was Jonathan and whose grandfather was King Saul. David was kind, partly because of his loyalty to God’s previously anointed king (see the note on t Samuel 24:5, 6); partly for political reasons—to unite Judah and Israel (see the notes on 3:13, 14 and 3:29); and mainly because of his vow to show kindness to all of Jonathan's descendants (1 Samuel 20:14-17).
Life Application Study Bible2 SamuelChapter 9
2 Samuel 9
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 476, 477
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92 Samuel 9
David's Kindness to Mephibosheth
1One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul's family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?” 2He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul's servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked. “Yes sir, lam,” Ziba replied. 3The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God's kindness to them.” Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.” 4Where is he?” the king asked. 6In Lo-debar,” Ziba told him, “at the home of Makir son of Ammiel.” 5So David sent for him and brought him from Makir’s home. SHis name was Mephibosheth*; he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.” Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.” ? 7“Don't be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!” 8Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?” 9Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 10You and your sons and servants are to farm the land for him to produce food for-your master’s househoid.* But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will eat here at my table.” (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) Ziba replied, 11” Yes, my lord the king; I am your servant, and I will do all that you have commanded.” And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David’s table,* like one of the king’s own sons. 12Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. From then on, all the members of Ziba’s household were Mephibosheth’s servants. 13And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem and ate regularly at the king’s table.
Textual footnotes
- manuscripts and Greek and Syriac versions (see also 8:14; 1 Chr 18:11); most Hebrew manuscripts read Aram.
- manuscripts read Arameans, 8:18a Hebrew of the Kerethites and Pelethites.
- priests; compare parallel text at 1 Chr 18:17.
- 9:6 Mephibosheth is another name for Merib-baal.
- 9:10 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads your master's grandson.
- 9:11 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads my table.
Life Application Notes 4 notes
9:3How Mephibosheth became crippled is recorded in 4:4. Mephibosieth was five years old when Saul and Jonathan died.
9:5,6Mephibosheth was afraid to visit the king, who wanted to treat him like a prince. Although Mephibosheth feared for his life and may have felt unworthy, that didn't mean he should refuse David's gifts. When God graciously offers us forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven, we may feel unworthy, but we will receive these gifts if we accept them. A reception even warmer than the one David gave Mephibosheth waits for all who receive God's gifts through trusting Jesus Christ, not because we deserve it, but because of God’s promise (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
9:7His treatment of Mephibosheth shows David's integrity as a leader who accepted his obligation to show love and mercy. His generous provision for Jonathan’s son goes beyond any political benefit he might have received. Are you able to forgive those who have wronged you? Can you be generous with those less deserving? Each time we show compassion, our character is strengthened.
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Study feature · page 477
DAVID AND THE AMMONITES Ammon gathered together its troops from the north; Joab brought the Israelite army to attack them near Rabbah. Joab returned to Jerusalem victorious, but the enemy recruited additional forces and regrouped at Helam. David himself led the next victorious attack,