2 Samuel 19:30

KJV

And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Mephibosheth {H4648} said {H559} unto the king {H4428}, Yea, let him take {H3947} all, forasmuch {H310} as {H834} my lord {H113} the king {H4428} is come again {H935} in peace {H7965} unto his own house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

M'fivoshet said to the king, "Indeed, let him take it all; for me it's enough that my lord the king has come home in peace."

Berean Standard Bible

And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Instead, since my lord the king has safely come to his own house, let Ziba take it all!”

American Standard Version

And Mephibosheth said unto the king, yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come in peace unto his own house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mephibosheth's declaration in 2 Samuel 19:30 powerfully concludes his defense before King David, who has just returned to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion. Despite being unjustly deprived of half his inheritance by Ziba's deception, Mephibosheth willingly relinquishes all claims to property, expressing that the safe return and restoration of King David to his throne is of paramount importance, far outweighing any personal material gain or grievance. This statement underscores his profound loyalty, humility, and prioritization of the king's well-being and the nation's peace above his own possessions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Mephibosheth's poignant encounter with David upon the king's return to Jerusalem following the defeat of Absalom's rebellion. The preceding verses [2 Samuel 19:24-29](/2_samuel/19-24 "2 Samuel 19:24-29 - Mephibosheth's Encounter with David") detail Mephibosheth's appearance—unwashed, unshaven, and unkempt—a clear sign of deep mourning and loyalty during David's exile. David questions why Mephibosheth did not accompany him, to which Mephibosheth explains Ziba's deceit and his own inability to travel due to his lameness. David's response in [2 Samuel 19:29](/2_samuel/19-29 "2 Samuel 19:29 - David's Decision Regarding Mephibosheth and Ziba") is to divide the land between Mephibosheth and Ziba, a compromise that still leaves Mephibosheth with less than what was originally promised. Verse 30 is Mephibosheth's immediate, heartfelt reply to this decision, demonstrating his true priorities and character, contrasting sharply with Ziba's self-serving actions and revealing a profound devotion to David.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the immediate aftermath of a devastating civil war, Absalom's rebellion, which had fractured the kingdom and forced King David into exile. David's return to Jerusalem signifies the restoration of legitimate authority and a return to a semblance of peace and order. In ancient Israelite society, land was intricately tied to identity, inheritance, and covenantal blessing, making Mephibosheth's willingness to forgo his portion particularly significant. The concept of loyalty to the king was paramount, often tested in times of crisis. Mephibosheth, as the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, was a potential threat to David's throne, yet David had shown him great kindness by bringing him to his table [2 Samuel 9:7](/2_samuel/9-7 "2 Samuel 9:7 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"). This context of a recently quelled rebellion and the fragile peace underscores the weight of Mephibosheth's declaration, which prioritizes the king's stability and well-being over personal property disputes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the book of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David"). Firstly, it highlights **loyalty and covenant faithfulness**, echoing the deep bond between David and Jonathan [1 Samuel 20](/1_samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Covenant with David"). Mephibosheth's actions demonstrate a commitment that transcends personal loss, reflecting the spirit of the covenant David made with Jonathan to show kindness to his descendants [2 Samuel 9:1](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1 - David Seeks Jonathan's Descendants"). Secondly, it explores the theme of **justice and injustice**, as Mephibosheth is a victim of Ziba's slander and David's seemingly incomplete restoration of his rights. Yet, Mephibosheth's response elevates **humility and contentment** above material gain, finding his ultimate satisfaction in the king's return. Finally, the verse underscores the **priority of relationships and peace over possessions**, a recurring wisdom theme found throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true well-being is not found in wealth but in right relationships and the restoration of order under righteous leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Yea (Hebrew, _hēn'_):** This particle often introduces an emphatic affirmation or concession. Here, it conveys Mephibosheth's immediate, unreserved agreement and willingness to accept David's decision, even if it means personal loss. It signals a complete surrender of his own rights in favor of the king's peace of mind.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** More than just an absence of conflict, _shalom_ encompasses wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and restoration. David's return "in peace" signifies the re-establishment of order, divine favor, and the well-being of the kingdom after the chaos of rebellion. Mephibosheth's joy is rooted in this comprehensive _shalom_ of the king and his house.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Mephibosheth said unto the king":** This sets the scene for Mephibosheth's direct address to David, emphasizing the personal and profound nature of his response to the king's judgment. It highlights his agency and the clarity of his declaration.
* **"Yea, let him take all":** This is a powerful statement of relinquishment and selflessness. "Him" refers to Ziba. Mephibosheth is not merely accepting David's compromise but actively giving up his claim to the remaining half of his property, indicating that material possessions are secondary to his primary concern.
* **"forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house":** This clause provides the profound reason for Mephibosheth's generosity and contentment. His joy and satisfaction are entirely bound up in David's safe return, the restoration of his throne, and the re-establishment of peace and order. The king's well-being and the nation's stability are his highest priorities, demonstrating a loyalty that transcends personal grievance or material loss.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Irony**, as Mephibosheth, the lame and vulnerable descendant of Saul, demonstrates far greater loyalty and selfless devotion than Ziba, his able-bodied servant, who actively slandered him for personal gain. There is also strong **Contrast** between Mephibosheth's genuine concern for David's welfare and Ziba's opportunistic betrayal. The phrase "let him take all" functions as **Hyperbole** to emphasize Mephibosheth's absolute surrender of his rights, highlighting his profound humility and the depth of his devotion. The use of "my lord the king" is a form of **Appellation**, reinforcing Mephibosheth's deference and submission to David's authority and person, even in a moment of personal injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mephibosheth's response transcends a simple act of generosity; it embodies a profound theological truth about the nature of true devotion and the prioritization of spiritual realities over temporal possessions. His joy in the king's return, even at personal cost, reflects a heart that understands where true security and blessing lie. This echoes the biblical principle that the presence and peace of God (or His anointed representative) are far more valuable than any earthly inheritance. It challenges believers to consider their ultimate allegiance and what truly brings them contentment: personal gain or the flourishing of God's kingdom and His people. Mephibosheth's selflessness serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing human tendency towards self-interest and materialism.

* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7 "Paul's Renunciation of Earthly Gain")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Warning Against Covetousness")
* [Proverbs 15:16](/proverbs/15-16 "Better a Little with the Fear of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mephibosheth's profound statement in 2 Samuel 19:30 offers a timeless and challenging lesson for contemporary believers. In a world often consumed by the pursuit of material wealth, personal rights, and perceived injustices, Mephibosheth exemplifies a radical reorientation of priorities. His willingness to forgo half his inheritance, despite being the wronged party, demonstrates that true contentment and joy are found not in what we possess or what is "owed" to us, but in the peace, stability, and well-being of the one we serve—ultimately, God Himself. His example calls us to examine our own hearts: are we quick to defend our entitlements, or are we willing to surrender them for the sake of a greater good, for peace, or for the flourishing of God's kingdom? This verse encourages a spirit of humility, selfless devotion, and a profound trust that God's ultimate justice and provision far outweigh any temporary earthly loss. It reminds us that our greatest treasure is found in the presence and reign of our true King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are you most willing to "let go of" for the sake of peace or the well-being of others, especially those in authority?**
* **How does Mephibosheth's attitude challenge modern notions of personal rights and material accumulation?**
* **In what ways might prioritizing the "return in peace" of our King (Christ's reign) impact our daily decisions and responses to perceived injustices?**

### FAQ
**Why did David not fully restore Mephibosheth's property?**

Answer: David's decision to divide the land between Mephibosheth and Ziba [2 Samuel 19:29](/2_samuel/19-29 "2 Samuel 19:29 - David's Compromise") is a point of scholarly debate. Some suggest David, weary from the rebellion, sought a quick resolution to a complex dispute, perhaps unable to fully discern the truth between Mephibosheth's and Ziba's conflicting accounts. Ziba had provided David with provisions during his flight [2 Samuel 16:1-4](/2_samuel/16-1 "2 Samuel 16:1-4 - Ziba's Deception and Provision"), which may have influenced David's judgment or made him hesitant to fully condemn Ziba without irrefutable proof. Others propose it was a pragmatic political compromise aimed at maintaining stability, as Ziba represented a faction or had proven useful. Regardless of David's precise motivation, Mephibosheth's selfless response in [2 Samuel 19:30](/2_samuel/19-30 "2 Samuel 19:30 - Mephibosheth's Loyalty") highlights his character in contrast to the king's imperfect justice.

**What does Mephibosheth's statement "let him take all" reveal about his character?**

Answer: Mephibosheth's declaration reveals profound humility, unwavering loyalty, and a remarkable sense of contentment. Despite being unjustly slandered and deprived of half his inheritance, his primary concern is not his personal gain or grievance, but the safe return and restoration of King David. This demonstrates that his devotion to the king and his desire for the kingdom's peace far outweighed any material possessions or personal rights. It underscores a spirit of selflessness, echoing the covenant loyalty between David and Jonathan, and portrays him as a man whose heart was truly aligned with the well-being of his sovereign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mephibosheth's selfless declaration, "Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house," serves as a profound Old Testament foreshadowing of Christ's kingdom and the believer's response to Him. Just as Mephibosheth, a descendant of a deposed king and physically lame, was shown undeserved kindness by David [2 Samuel 9:7](/2_samuel/9-7 "2 Samuel 9:7 - David's Grace to Mephibosheth"), so too are we, spiritually lame and alienated by sin [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love"), recipients of God's boundless grace through Jesus Christ. Mephibosheth's willingness to relinquish all earthly claims for the sake of his king's peace beautifully mirrors the believer's call to count everything as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord [Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - Counting All Things as Loss for Christ"). Our ultimate joy and peace are not found in earthly possessions or perceived rights, but in the reality that our true "Lord the King is come again in peace unto his own house"—that Christ has triumphed over sin and death, established His eternal kingdom, and reigns in glory [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness"). Our response, like Mephibosheth's, should be one of complete surrender and joyful contentment in His sovereign rule, recognizing that His return and reign are our greatest treasure and the source of all true _shalom_ [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 1:26

I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.

Acts 20:24

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Philippians 1:20

According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.