2 Samuel Chapter 9 — David's Kindness to Mephibosheth
King David seeks out a descendant of Saul to show him kindness, finding Jonathan's son Mephibosheth and restoring his family's land.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
2 Samuel 9:1
“David said, “Is there yet any who is left of Saul’s house, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?””
This verse establishes David's motivation for seeking out Mephibosheth, rooted in his friendship with Jonathan.
2 Samuel 9:7
“David said to him, “Don’t be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your father. You will eat bread at my table continually.””
This verse captures the climax of the chapter, detailing the specific ways David chose to honor and provide for Mephibosheth.
Chapter Summary
David inquires if any members of Saul's family remain so that he can demonstrate the kindness of God to them, fulfilling a previous covenant with his friend Jonathan. Ziba, a former servant of Saul, informs David of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, who lives in Lo Debar and is lame in both feet. David summons Mephibosheth to the palace and reassures him, promising to restore all the land that belonged to Saul to him. In addition to this restoration of wealth, David grants Mephibosheth a permanent place of honor at the king's table in Jerusalem, treating him as one of his own sons. David also commands Ziba and his family to farm the land on Mephibosheth's behalf to provide for his household. The chapter concludes by noting that Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem and ate continually at the king's table, despite his physical disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of King Saul. The text notes that he was lame in both feet and was living in Lo Debar when King David sent for him.
David wanted to show kindness to Saul's descendants because of the deep friendship and covenant he had made with Jonathan, Saul's son, years earlier.
David restored all the land that had belonged to Saul to Mephibosheth. He also arranged for Saul's former servant Ziba to farm the land for him and granted Mephibosheth a permanent place to eat at the king's table.
Study Note
The location 'Lo Debar' literally translates to 'no word' or 'nothing' in Hebrew, highlighting the humble and obscure circumstances in which Mephibosheth was living before David summoned him.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.