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2 Samuel 9

13 verses

TL;DR

David fulfills a promise to Jonathan by restoring Saul’s son Mephibosheth to land and a seat at the king’s table, showing mercy and loyalty to Saul’s house.

Summary

David seeks a surviving member of Saul’s lineage out of respect for Jonathan. Ziba, a servant of Saul, informs him that Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s lame son, is alive in Lodebar. David brings Mephibosheth to Jerusalem, where he pledges to restore Saul’s land, grant him continuous meals at the king’s table, and appoint Ziba’s household to provide food. Mephibosheth, though humbled by his condition, accepts the king’s kindness. The chapter concludes with Mephibosheth living in Jerusalem, serving at the table, and the loyalty of Ziba’s sons and servants toward him.

Outline
  1. David searches for a remnant of Saul’s house and finds Mephibosheth
  2. David restores Saul’s land and grants Mephibosheth a place at the table
  3. Ziba’s household serves Mephibosheth and he dwells in Jerusalem
Themes
mercy and kindnessloyalty to family promisesrestoration of legacy
Keywords
mercykindnessloyaltyrestorationservitudelamenessinheritancehospitality
People
DavidZibaMephiboshethJonathanSaulMachirAmmielMichaZiba’s sonsZiba’s servants
Places
LodebarJerusalem
Things
land of Saulking’s tablebreadfruitsMephibosheth’s lameness
Key Verses
  • 2 Samuel 9:7: David’s promise to restore Saul’s land and give Mephibosheth a seat at the table.
  • 2 Samuel 9:8: Mephibosheth’s humble response highlights his condition and the magnitude of David’s mercy.
  • 2 Samuel 9:10: David’s directive to Ziba ensures Mephibosheth’s support and sustenance.
Questions
  • What motivates David to seek out a remnant of Saul’s house?
  • How does Mephibosheth’s response reflect the social context of the time?
  • In what ways does the chapter illustrate the theme of loyalty to a family promise?
  • How does David’s action towards Ziba’s household impact their status?
  • What does Mephibosheth’s continued residence in Jerusalem symbolize?
  • How does the chapter convey the balance between humility and gratitude?
  • What lessons about hospitality and service can be drawn from Ziba’s sons and servants?
  • How might Mephibosheth’s lameness affect his role in the community?
  • What does the provision of a continuous meal at the king’s table signify?
  • How does this narrative reflect Israel’s treatment of former enemies or rivals?
  • What does the restoration of Saul’s land represent in a broader theological sense?
  • How does this chapter prepare the reader for subsequent events in 2 Samuel?
  • What is the significance of Micha, Mephibosheth’s son, in the narrative?
  • How does David’s promise to Mephibosheth echo themes of covenantal faithfulness?
  • How is the concept of “remnant” used in biblical texts?
  • What does this chapter suggest about the role of servants like Ziba in ancient Israel?
  • How does the narrative reflect the societal attitudes towards disability?
  • What might the phrase ‘dead dog’ (Mephibosheth’s self-description) indicate about his self-perception?
  • What does the narrative suggest about the king’s responsibility toward his subjects?
Sentiment

mixed
David’s actions are merciful and positive, while Mephibosheth’s self‑deprecation adds a negative tone, resulting in an overall mixed sentiment.