2 Samuel 9
Meaning of 2 Samuel 9
2 Samuel 9 is a chapter in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. This chapter focuses primarily on David’s kindness toward Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, former King of Israel.
The story begins with King David asking if there is anyone remaining from the house of Saul to whom he can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake. He is told that Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, is still alive but he is disabled in his feet.
David decides to show kindness and grants Mephibosheth all the land that belonged to his grandfather, Saul, as well as welcoming him to eat at his table like one of his own sons. David also instructs Ziba, Saul’s servant, and his family to work the land for Mephibosheth.
Despite Mephibosheth’s physical disabilities and low self-esteem (he refers to himself as a “dead dog”), David treats him with respect and kindness, keeping his promise to Jonathan to show kindness to his descendants.
Significantly, this chapter highlights the strong covenant friendship between David and Jonathan and shows David’s commitment to honor his promise even after Jonathan’s death. It also exhibits David’s generosity and kindness to those in need, regardless of their status. It’s a powerful portrayal of God’s kind of love and faithfulness, encouraging readers to show the same love and kindness to others.
2 Samuel 9 kjv
2 Samuel Chapter 9 in the King James Version (KJV) Bible is about King David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, the disabled son of Jonathan, David’s late friend. Jonathan was the son of Saul, the previous king of Israel, who had tried to kill David. Despite Saul’s persecution of David, he tries to find anyone left from Saul’s household so as to demonstrate loyal love because of his covenant with Jonathan.
In the beginning of the chapter (verses 1-4), David asks if there is anyone of Saul’s family left so that he may show them kindness on behalf of Jonathan. Ziba, a servant of Saul’s household, tells David that there is a surviving son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth, who is crippled in both feet.
In verses 5-8, David calls for Mephibosheth to be brought before him. Mephibosheth pays respect to David and humbles himself, recognizing his low status. David reassures Mephibosheth that he means him no harm and tells him that he will give him all the land that belonged to his grandfather, Saul.
In verses 9-12, David tells Ziba and his sons and servants that they will work the land for Mephibosheth, but Mephibosheth will always eat at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons.
The chapter ends (verses 13) with reporting that Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem and ate always at the king’s table, and he was lame in both his feet.
This chapter is significant because it shows David’s kindness and faithfulness to his covenant with Jonathan, by providing for his disabled son despite the risk that could pose to his reign, as Mephibosheth was technically a potential rival to the throne.
2 Samuel 9 nkjv
2 Samuel 9 in the New King James Version (NKJV) recounts the story of David’s kindness towards Mephibosheth, who was the son of Jonathan, David’s friend, and the grandson of King Saul.
Here is a brief summary:
1. David’s Pledge (2 Samuel 9:1–2): In the opening verses, David, the king of Israel, asks if there are any living relatives of Saul’s family left. He inquires this because he wants to show kindness to them for Jonathan’s sake, remembering the covenant he made with his friend Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-15).
2. Mephibosheth introduced (2 Samuel 9:3–4): The servant Ziba informs David about Mephibosheth, who is crippled in both feet. He was injured as a child when his nurse dropped him while fleeing upon hearing the news of Saul and Jonathan’s death (2 Samuel 4:4).
3. David’s Kindness (2 Samuel 9:5-8): David summons Mephibosheth, who fears he might be killed, as it was usual for new kings to kill any potential heirs to the throne. Instead, David informs him that he will restore all lands belonging to Saul’s family to him and Mephibosheth will always eat at David’s table.
4. Restitution and Honor (2 Samuel 9:9-13): David commands Ziba and his sons to farm those lands for Mephibosheth. Ziba is assigned to maintain the property and bring in harvests for Mephibosheth, who will be living in Jerusalem and eating regularly with the king.
The chapter, therefore, portrays David’s faithfulness to his covenant with Jonathan and his kindness and respect to his late friend and his father Saul, despite the frequent hostility Saul showed him.
2 Samuel 9 niv
2 Samuel 9 NIV, a book in the Old Testament of the Bible, is the story of David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, David’s predecessor as king of Israel.
In the beginning of this chapter, David asks if there is anyone still alive from the house of Saul so that he can show God’s kindness to them. David is told about Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet. David then orders his servants to bring Mephibosheth to him.
When Mephibosheth arrives, David greets him warmly and promises to restore to him all the land that belonged to Saul, his grandfather. Moreover, David invites him to always eat at his table, a sign of fellowship and a way of honoring his friend Jonathan.
David commands Ziba, Saul’s servant and his fifteen sons and twenty servants, to work the land for Mephibosheth, bring in the crops, so that Mephibosheth’s family, now only consisting of his young son, will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth will be eating at the king’s table.
Finally, Mephibosheth lives in Jerusalem, because he always eats at the king’s table. This chapter ends by reminding the readers that he was lame in both feet, emphasizing his dependency on the king’s kindness.
This chapter essentially shows David’s faithfulness to his promise to Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:15), and his kindness, generosity, and commitment to doing right by those who came before him, even though Saul had tried to kill him. It also reveals David’s commitment to God’s covenant by caring for the needy and vulnerable in society.
What is 2 Samuel 9 all about?
2 Samuel 9 is a story about David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul.
David had made a covenant with Jonathan, Saul’s son and his close friend, that he would look after his family. After Saul and Jonathan were both killed in battle, David became king. In 2 Samuel 9, David asks if there is anyone left of Saul’s household to whom he can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake.
David is told about Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son who is crippled in both feet. David sends for him and establishes him as a royal family member. He allows him to eat at his table like one of his own sons, and he also gives to Mephibosheth all the land that belonged to Saul and his family.
Ziba, Saul’s servant, was given the responsibility of farming the land for Mephibosheth, and Mephibosheth himself was given a permanent place at the king’s table. Despite his condition (he was lame in both feet), he was shown kindness and generosity by David because of his promise to Jonathan.
This chapter is often taken as a metaphor of God’s grace and kindness to us; despite our unworthiness and inadequacy, He adopts us as His children and provides for our needs.
What does 2 Samuel 9 teaches?
2 Samuel 9 is a chapter in the Bible, in the Old Testament. It tells the story of King David and Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, David’s dear friend.
King David, having established a secure kingdom, remembered his promise to Jonathan to show kindness to his family. Upon learning that Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, is still alive, David didn’t just restore all the land that belonged to Saul (Mephibosheth’s grandfather) as a rightful inheritance, but David also brought him into his own household, to eat at his table as one of the king’s sons. Mephibosheth is crippled, and in the historical context, people with disabilities were often seen as less worthy.
This passage teaches several lessons:
1. The Importance of Keeping Promises: David had made a covenant with Jonathan that he would look after his family. Despite the long time that had passed and the potential threat that Mephibosheth might pose to David’s rule, David still kept his promise.
2. The Concept of Grace: Mephibosheth did nothing to earn or deserve David’s kindness—it was a gift, not unlike the grace we receive from God.
3. How to Treat Others: David’s treatment of Mephibosheth showed that there should be no discrimination or segregation. Every person is deserving of love and respect, regardless of their physical condition or status.
4. The Nature of God’s Love: The chapter gives us a description of the nature of God’s love and mercy toward us. We have been invited to eat at God’s table, not because we deserved it, but because of His grace and mercy.
A Sermon on 2 Samuel 9
2 Samuel 9 is a touching chapter in the Bible that speaks about kindness and dignity- specifically, King David’s kindness towards Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul.
In this story, after King Saul and Jonathan died in battle, David wanted to honor his promise to Jonathan to take care of his family. David asked if anyone was left from the house of Saul to whom he could show “the kindness of God.” He learned about Mephibosheth, who was disabled.
The sermon on this chapter might focus on several key themes, such as:
1. **Promise and Covenant:** David’s decision to seek out Mephibosheth and show him kindness can be seen as a demonstration of David’s integrity and his commitment to keeping his promises. David had promised Jonathan that he would show kindness to his family, and he kept that promise even after Jonathan’s death.
2. **God’s Grace and Kindness:** Just as David showed kindness to Mephibosheth, God shows kindness to us. Even though Mephibosheth was unable to repay David’s kindness or earn his favor, David treated him with grace because of his covenant with Jonathan. This is often seen as a representation of God’s grace towards us- we don’t deserve His love and yet He gives it freely.
3. **Restoration and Dignity:** David restored to Mephibosheth the land that belonged to Saul and he ate at the king’s table like one of the king’s sons. This restoration of property and position represents the love and grace of God, restoring the dignity and honor that had been lost.
The story of David and Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 is a powerful sermon of kindness, promise keeping, grace, and restoration that often mirrors God’s love towards humanity.
Key people in 2 Samuel 9
1. David: David is the King of Israel at this time. He is known for his goodness, justice, and mercy, fulfilling his promise to his friend Jonathan by showing kindness to Mephibosheth.
2. Mephibosheth: Mephibosheth is the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul (the previous King of Israel). He is crippled in both feet due to an accident that happened when he was a child. Despite his disadvantaged position, he is shown great mercy and kindness by King David, who restores to him all the land that belonged to his grandfather Saul.
3. Ziba: Ziba is a servant of King Saul’s family. He is the one who informs King David about Mephibosheth. Later, David assigns him and his sons and servants to farm the land for Mephibosheth.
4. Jonathan: Although Jonathan isn’t alive during the events that take place in 2 Samuel 9, his covenant friendship with David and his kindness are recalled. This is the reason David seeks to show kindness to Mephibosheth.
5. Saul: Saul is the previous King of Israel, though he is not alive during these events. Saul is the grandfather of Mephibosheth. His lands are restored to his grandson by King David as a way of honoring Jonathan’s memory.
These are the key people in the story as the events revolve around them. Everything that happens in this chapter links back to them in some way or another.
Real world examples on 2 Samuel 9
In 2 Samuel 9, we see an account of Mephibosheth, who was the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, being presented to King David. Despite Saul’s attempts to kill David and Jonathan’s death, David showed kindness to Mephibosheth by restoring all land that belonged to Saul to him and granting him the privilege to eat at the King’s table.
This story can be paralleled with real-world instances of benevolence and empathy. Here are two examples:
1. Forgiveness of Debt: For instance, it may be compared to a person who has been burdened with debts which they cannot pay. In a gesture of goodwill and kindness, the person who they owe chooses to absolve the debt, not because the debtor can provide anything in return but simply out of kindness.
2. Helping the disabled: Mephibosheth was lame in both his feet and thus was not as productive or active as others in society. There are many instances in the real world where people extend their help to those people who are physically challenged, either providing financial help, physical assistance, or even creating employment opportunities.
Remember, in both these examples, the giver does not expect anything in return, but is motivated by love, kindness, or compassion, as was King David’s gesture towards Mephibosheth.
Brief Explanation of 2 Samuel 9
2 Samuel 9 is a chapter in the Bible’s Old Testament. The chapter narrates the story of King David and Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, David’s friend, and grandson of Saul, David’s predecessor and enemy.
David, wanting to honor his deceased friend Jonathan, asks if there is any surviving member of Saul’s household to whom he could show kindness. Ziba, a servant of Saul, informs him about Mephibosheth, who is crippled in both feet. King David brings Mephibosheth to his palace, restores to him all the land that had belonged to Saul, and invites him to eat at his table like one of the king’s sons, showing kindness to Mephibosheth for the sake of his father Jonathan. Furthermore, he instructs Ziba and his sons and servants to farm the land for Mephibosheth.
This chapter exemplifies David’s character and generosity, as well as his loyalty to his friend Jonathan, by showing kindness to Mephibosheth despite his disability and his descent from David’s former enemy, Saul.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Samuel 9
1. Who is Mephibosheth and why is he significant in 2 Samuel 9?
Mephibosheth is the son of Jonathan and the grandson of King Saul. He becomes significant in 2 Samuel 9 when King David honors a previous promise to Jonathan by showing kindness to Mephibosheth, who is lame in both feet. David restores to him all the land of his grandfather Saul and also invites him to eat at his table regularly.
2. What promise did David make to Jonathan?
In 1 Samuel 20:15, David promised Jonathan, his best friend, that he would show kindness to his future descendants. This promise is fulfilled in 2 Samuel 9 when David shows kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son.
3. What is the significance of David’s kindness towards Mepibosheth?
David’s kindness towards Mephibosheth demonstrates his loyalty and sense of honor. Despite the fact that Mephibosheth could technically be seen as a political rival, David treats him as a member of his own family. This act contrasts greatly with the usual practice in the ancient Near East of killing all potential claimants to the throne.
4. Why was Mephibosheth lame?
In 2 Samuel 4:4, it tells us that Mephibosheth was lame because he fell when he was five years old. This happened on the day that news about Saul and Jonathan’s death in battle reached their household and in the ensuing panic, his nurse dropped him while fleeing.
5. What does 2 Samuel 9 say about David’s character?
David’s actions in 2 Samuel 9 demonstrate his humility, kindness, and faithfulness. Even though he was under no obligation to honor his promise to Jonathan, particularly as Jonathan was no longer there to hold him accountable, David willingly expresses mercy and kindness to Mephibosheth, showing his commitment to his word and his righteous character as a king.
6. Who is Ziba in context to 2 Samuel 9?
Ziba is the servant of Saul’s household. After Saul and Jonathan’s death, Ziba remained faithful to the house of Saul and served Mephibosheth. David entrusted all of Saul’s properties to Ziba and his 15 sons and 20 servants, with the instruction to farm the land for Mephibosheth’s benefit.
Possible References for 2 Samuel 9
2 Samuel 9 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Second Book of Samuel.
1. David and Mephibosheth (Verses 1-13): This chapter primarily revolves around David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. Here, David practices ‘hesed,’ a Hebrew term for kindness or mercy, reflecting his promise to Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:15. David restores to Mephibosheth all the land that belonged to Saul, his grandfather, and ensures he eats at David’s table like one of the king’s sons, a great honor in these times.
2. Story of Ziba (Verses 1-4, 9-11): Ziba is a servant of Saul’s household. David talks to Ziba about Mephibosheth and makes arrangements for him to farm the land that was Saul’s and provide for Mephibosheth, who has been crippled since he was five and is unable to work the land himself.
3. Demonstrating God’s Kindness (Verses 5-7): David’s promise to Mephibosheth and his subsequent benevolence towards him demonstrates the biblical principle of rewarding good for good and serving others selflessly. It reflects God’s loving-kindness.
This chapter overall chapter serves as a narrative illustration of the faithfulness and kindness that David extended towards the house of Saul, despite the enmity between them, honoring his covenant with Jonathan. It shows David’s compassion, magnanimity, and adherence to his promises.
Conclusion on 2 Samuel 9
2 Samuel 9 conclusion essentially conveys the kindness and grace David exuded in his kingship.
After ascending to the throne, instead of doing away with anyone linked to the previous regime (a common practice), David does the opposite. He seeks out any remaining family of his friend Jonathan, who was also King Saul’s son, intending to honor his covenant with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-17).
Mephibosheth, the surviving son of Jonathan who is crippled in both legs, is brought to David. The king restores all the land of Saul to him and invites him to dine at his table like one of his sons, a symbolic gesture indicating Mephibosheth was part of David’s household and under his protection. David then instructs Ziba, Saul’s servant, and his family to farm the land for Mephibosheth, ensuring provision for him.
In conclusion, the story in 2 Samuel 9 is an illustration of David’s kindness and justice. As a King, David chooses to show God’s kindness by honoring his promise to Jonathan. This not only demonstrates David’s personal integrity but also depicts the nature of God’s grace through his actions. David’s treatment of Mephibosheth is, thus, a vivid reminder of undeserved grace, both in David’s time and in the broader biblical message.