The Second Book of Samuel, otherwise called the Second Book of the Kings
2 Samuel 9
Chapter IX · Vol. II, pp. 687–689
1 David by Ziba sendeth for Mephibosheth. 7 For Jonathan's sake he entertaineth him at his table, and restoreth him all that was Saul's. 9 He maketh Ziba his farmer.
1 And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for aJonathan's sake?1
B.C. 1037.
a 1 Sa.18.1-3; 20.14,15. ch.1.26. Pr.27.10. 1 Pe.3.9.
1 This was a fulfilment of David's covenant with Jonathan, 1 Sa.20.15. The precise time of the inquiry is not mentioned; but it is not likely a man of David's warmth of affection would long overlook so important a duty.—Note, There is always danger of the heart being spoiled by prosperity; and then forgetting former engagements, or neglecting former acquaintances. The grace that keeps men humble in prosperity, can alone keep them faithful either to God or man.—C.
2 And bthere 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.
3 And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show cthe kindness of God2 unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is dlame on his feet.
2 The kindness to which he was bound by the oath of God which Jonathan made him swear, 1 Sa.20.17.—C.
c 1 Sa.20.14,15. Lu.6.36. Mat.5.44. 1 Pe.3.9.
d 1 Ch.8.34-38; 9.40-44. ch.4.4; 19.24-30.
4 And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of eMachir, the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.3
A.M. 2967. B.C. 1037.
e ch.17.27.
3 Lodebar was a town of Gilead, not far distant from Mahanaim, and consequently near the banks of the Jabbok. Its site is now unknown. It is a remarkable fact that when David fled from Jerusalem, at the time of Absalom's rebellion, and settled at Mahanaim, Machir of Lodebar was among the first to supply the wants of the royal refugee.—P.
5 Then king David sent and ffetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar.
6 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he gfell on his face,4 and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth! And he answered, Behold thy servant!
g Ge.18.2; 19.1; 33.3. Ru.2.10.
4 Still an eastern salutation, not merely to kings, but even to subordinate rulers. To most Europeans it appears abject in him that offers, and arrogant in those who receive it. But one country or era can badly judge of the customs of another. The Christian must, of all things not immoral, always judge charitably.—C.
7 And David said unto him, hFear not; for I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt ieat bread at my table continually.
h Ge.50.21. Is.35.3,4. Ru.1.8; 2.11,12. Mat.5.7. 2 Ti.1.17,18.
i Mat.6.11. Je.52.33,34. Is.33.16.
8 And he kbowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?
k ver.6. Ru.2.10. ch.19.28; 3.8; 16.9. 1 Sa.24.14; 26.20.
9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, lI have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul, and to all his house.
10 Thou 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:5 but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table.6 Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
5 He gave Ziba and his family to be servants to Mephibosheth, who was to reside with David at court, while the rents of his land were to support his household.—C.
6 This eating at a king's table was of two kinds, the one public and ceremonious, the other private. Sir John Chardin understands these passages which speak of a right to eat at the royal table as meaning only a right to a seat there when the repast was public and solemn. Thus in a MS. note on 1 Ki. 2. 7 he tells us that it was to be understood of the mejlis? (the term for an assembly of lords?), and not of the daily and ordinary repast. Hence, though Mephibosheth was to eat at all public times at the king's table, yet he would require the produce of his own lands for food at other times.—I.
11 Then said Ziba unto the king, mAccording 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.
m ch.16.1-4; 19.26,27.
12 And nMephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micah: and all that dwelt in the house7 of Ziba were oservants unto Mephibosheth.
13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.
Notes
Reflections.—How quickly sin nearly extirpates the most flourishing families! How often good men, amidst the hurry of business, are too long forgetful of their former friends! But we should not only be ready to do good to such as need, but even seek out opportunities, and inquire after proper objects. Yea, we should be peculiarly earnest in showing kindness to such as have injured us, or to such as have befriended us in our distress. Nor should our kindness die with our friends, but extend to their relations and posterity. Advancement to high stations should make us remember poor friends and poor objects with more readiness and tender care. Unexpected favours ought to be received with the warmest gratitude, and the most self-denying humility of mind and behaviour. Honours sit most gloriously on the most humble and modest. But how amazing is it that, for Jesus' sake, God should seek out us deformed sinners of mankind, restore to us our eternal inheritance, and appoint us to feast continually on, and with, Jesus at his table!