Thematic Bible

2 Samuel 9:1

One day, David thought: I wonder if any of Saul's family is still alive. If they are I will be kind to them. This is because I made a promise to Jonathan.

2 Samuel 9:2

There was a servant of Saul's family named Ziba. He was told to go to David. Are you Ziba? The king asked. I am at your service. He answered.

2 Samuel 9:3

The king asked him: Is there anyone left of Saul's family to whom I can show loyalty and kindness? I promised God I would. Ziba answered: There is still one of Jonathan's sons. He is crippled.

2 Samuel 9:4

Where is he? The king asked. Ziba answered: At the home of Machir son of Ammiel in Lodebar.

2 Samuel 9:5

King David sent for him.

2 Samuel 9:6

Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul arrived. He bowed down before David in respect. David said: Mephibosheth. He answered: I am here to serve.

2 Samuel 9:7

David replied: Do not be afraid. I will be kind to you for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will give you back all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul. You will always be welcome at my table.

2 Samuel 9:8

Mephibosheth bowed again and said: I am no better than a dead dog! Why should you be so good to me?

2 Samuel 9:9

The king called Ziba, Saul's servant, and said: I am giving Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, everything that belonged to Saul and his family.

2 Samuel 9:10

You, your sons, and your servants will farm the land for your master Saul's family and bring in the harvest. This will provide food for them. Mephibosheth will always be a guest at my table. Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

2 Samuel 9:11

Ziba answered: I will do everything Your Majesty commands. So Mephibosheth ate at the king's table, just like one of the king's sons.

2 Samuel 9:12

Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. Everyone who lived at Ziba's home became Mephibosheth's servant.

2 Samuel 9:13

Mephibosheth was disabled. He lived in Jerusalem. He always ate at the king's table.