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Commentary on 2 Samuel 9 verses 1–8
Here is, I. David's enquiry after the remains of the ruined house of Saul, Sa2 9:1. This was a great while after his accession to the throne, for it should seem that Mephibosheth, who was but five years old when Saul died, had now a son born, Sa2 9:12. David had too long forgotten his obligations to Jonathan, but now, at length, they are brought to his mind. It is good sometimes to bethink ourselves whether there be any promises or engagements that we have neglected to make good; better do it late than never. The compendium which Paul gives us of the life of David is this (Act 13:36), that he served his generation according to the will of God, that is, he was a man that made it his business to do good; witness this instance, where we may observe,
1.That he sought an opportunity to do good. He might perhaps have satisfied his conscience with the performance of his promise to Jonathan if he had been only ready, upon request or application made to him by any of his seed, to help and succour them. But he does more, he enquires of those about him first (Sa2 9:1), and, when he met with a person that was likely to inform him, asked him particularly, Is there any yet left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness? Sa2 9:3. "Is there any, not only to whom I may do justice (Num 5:8), but to whom I may show kindness?" Note, Good men should seek opportunities of doing good. The liberal deviseth liberal things, Isa 32:8. For, the most proper objects of our kindness and charity are such as will not be frequently met with without enquiry. The most necessitous are the least clamorous.
2.Those he enquired after were the remains of the house of Saul, to whom he would show kindness for Jonathan's sake: Is there any left of the house of Saul? Saul had a very numerous family (Ch1 8:33), enough to replenish a country, and was yet so emptied that none of it appeared; but it was a matter of enquiry, Is there any left? See how the providence of God can empty full families; see how the sin of man will do it. Saul's was a bloody house, no marvel it was thus reduced, Sa2 21:1. But, though God visited the iniquity of the father upon the children, David would not. "Is there any left that I can show kindness to, not for Saul's own sake, but for Jonathan's?" (1.) Saul was David's sworn enemy, and yet he would show kindness to his house with all his heart and was forward to do it. He does not say, "Is there any left of the house of Saul, that I may find some way to take them off, and prevent their giving disturbance to me or my successor?" It was against Abimelech's mind that any one was left of the house of Gideon (Jdg 9:5), and against Athaliah's mind that any one was left of the seed royal, Ch2 22:10, Ch2 22:11. Those were usurped governments. David's needed no such vile supports. He was desirous to show kindness to the house of Saul, not only because he trusted in God and feared not what they could do unto him, but because he was of a charitable disposition and forgave what they had done to him. Note, We must evince the sincerity of our forgiving those that have been any way unjust or injurious to us by being ready, as we have opportunity, to show kindness both to them and theirs. We must not only not avenge ourselves upon them, but we must love them, and do them good (Mat 5:44), and not be backward to do any office of love and good-will to those that have done us many an injury. Pe1 3:9, - but, contrari-wise, blessing. This is the way to overcome evil, and to find mercy for ourselves and ours, when we or they need it. (2.) Jonathan was David's sworn friend, and therefore he would show kindness to his house. This teaches us, [1.] To be mindful of our covenant. The kindness we have promised we must conscientiously perform, though it should not be claimed. God is faithful to us; let us not be unfaithful to one another. [2.] To be mindful of our friendships, our old friendships. Note, Kindness to our friends, even to them and theirs, is one of the laws of our holy religion. He that has friends must show himself friendly, Pro 18:24. If Providence has raised us, and our friends and their families are brought low, yet we must not forget former acquaintance, but rather look upon that as giving us so much the fairer opportunity of being kind to them: then our friends have most need of us and we are in the best capacity to help them. Though there be not a solemn league of friendship tying us to this constancy of love, yet there is a sacred law of friendship no less obliging, that to him that is in misery pity should be shown by his friend, Job 6:14. A brother is born for adversity. Friendship obliges us to take cognizance of the families and surviving relations of those we have loved, who, when they left us, left behind them their bodies, their names, and their posterity, to be kind to.
3.The kindness he promised to show them he calls the kindness of God; not only great kindness, but, (1.) Kindness in pursuance of the covenant that was between him and Jonathan, to which God was a witness. See Sa1 20:42. (2.) Kindness after God's example; for we must be merciful as he is. He spares those whom he has advantage against, and so must we. Jonathan's request to David was (Sa1 20:14, Sa1 20:15), "Show me the kindness of the Lord, that I die not, and the same to my seed." The kindness of God is some greater instance of kindness than one can ordinarily expect from men. (3.) It is kindness done after a godly sort, and with an eye to God, and his honour and favour.
II. Information given him concerning Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. Ziba was an old retainer to Saul's family, and knew the state of it. He was sent for and examined, and informed the king that Jonathan's son was living, but lame (how he came to be so we read before, Sa2 4:4), and that he lived in obscurity, probably among his mother's relations in Lo-debar in Gilead, on the other side Jordan, where he was forgotten, as a dead man out of mind, but bore this obscurity the more easily because he could remember little of the honour he fell from.
III. The bringing of him to court. The king sent (Ziba, it is likely) to bring him up to Jerusalem with all convenient speed, Sa2 9:5. Thus he eased Machir of his trouble, and perhaps recompensed him for what he had laid out on Mephibosheth's account. This Machir appears to have been a very generous free-hearted man, and to have entertained Mephibosheth, not out of any disaffection to David or his government, but in compassion to the reduced son of a prince, for afterwards we find him kind to David himself when he fled from Absalom. He is named (Sa2 17:27) among those that furnished the king with what he wanted at Mahanaim, though David, when he sent for Mephibosheth from him, little thought that the time would come when he himself would gladly be beholden to him: and perhaps Machir was then the more ready to help David in recompence for his kindness to Mephibosheth. Therefore we should be forward to give, because we know not but we ourselves may some time be in want, Ecc 11:2. And he that watereth shall be watered also himself, Pro 11:25. Now,
1.Mephibosheth presented himself to David with all the respect that was due to his character. Lame as he was, he fell on his face, and did homage, Sa2 9:6. David had thus made his honours to Mephibosheth's father, Jonathan, when he was next to the throne (Sa1 20:41, he bowed himself to him three times), and now Mephibosheth, in like manner, addresses him, when affairs are so completely reversed. Those who, when they are in inferior relations, show respect, shall, when they come to be advanced, have respect shown to them.
2.David received him with all the kindness that could be. (1.) He spoke to him as one surprised, but pleased to see him. "Mephibosheth! Why, is there such a man living?" He remembered his name, for it is probable that he was born about the time of the intimacy between him and Jonathan. (2.) He bade him not be afraid: Fear not, Sa2 9:7. It is probable that the sight of David put him into some confusion, to free him from which he assures him that he sent for him, not out of any jealousy he had of him, nor with any bad design upon him, but to show him kindness. Great men should not take a pleasure in the timorous approaches of their inferiors (for the great God does not), but should encourage them. (3.) He gives him, by grant from the crown, all the land of Saul his father, that is, his paternal estate, which was forfeited by Ishbosheth's rebellion and added to his own revenue. This was a real favour, and more than giving him a kind word. True friendship will be generous. (4.) Though he had thus given him a good estate, sufficient to maintain him, yet for Jonathan's sake (whom perhaps he saw some resemblance of in Mephibosheth's face), he will take him to be a constant guest at his own table, where he will not only be comfortably fed, but have company and attendance suitable to his birth and quality. Though Mephibosheth was lame and unsightly, and does not appear to have had any great fitness for business, yet, for his good father's sake, David took him to be one of his family.
3.Mephibosheth accepts this kindness with great humility and self-abasement. He was not one of those that take every favour as a debt, and think every thing too little that their friends do for them; but, on the contrary, speaks as one amazed at the grants David made him (Sa2 9:8): What is thy servant, that thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am? How does he vilify himself! Though the son of a prince, and the grandson of a king, yet his family being under guilt and wrath, and himself poor and lame, he calls himself a dead dog before David. Note, It is good to have the heart humble under humbling providences. If, when divine Providence brings our condition down, divine grace brings our spirits down with it, we shall be easy. And those who thus humble themselves shall be exalted. How does he magnify David's kindness! It would have been easy to lessen it if he had been so disposed. Had David restored him his father's estate? It was but giving him his own. Did he take him to his table? This was policy, that he might have an eye upon him. But Mephibosheth considered all that David said and did as very kind, and himself as less than the least of all his favours. See Sa1 18:18.
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SUMMARY
2 Samuel 9:1 marks a profound turning point in King David's reign, revealing his character not through military conquest or political maneuvering, but through an extraordinary act of grace. Having consolidated his kingdom and established peace, David proactively seeks out any surviving member of King Saul's household, not to eliminate potential rivals as was customary in the ancient Near East, but to extend loyal love and covenantal kindness (Hebrew: chesed) to them for the sake of his deep friendship and solemn oath with Jonathan, Saul's son. This verse sets the stage for one of the most poignant demonstrations of unmerited favor in the Old Testament, showcasing David's faithfulness to his word and his heart after God.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. A Rhetorical Question ("Is there yet any that is left...?") is used not to gain information, but to express David's firm intention and initiate a deliberate, compassionate action. It signals a proactive search driven by moral obligation rather than curiosity. There is profound Irony in David's question; contrary to the expected practice of systematically eliminating rival dynasties to consolidate power, David seeks out Saul's descendants specifically to show them favor and kindness. This reversal of expectation highlights David's unique character as a king "after God's own heart," whose reign is marked by grace rather than ruthless ambition. The central use of the term "chesed" (kindness) is a powerful example of Covenant Language, evoking the deep, loyal love and faithfulness that characterized the bond between David and Jonathan, and ultimately, between God and His people. This act also serves as Foreshadowing, pointing to a greater act of unmerited grace that God would extend to humanity through His own "house" and His Beloved Son.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 9:1 is a profound theological statement, illustrating God's character through David's actions. David's proactive search for Saul's descendants, motivated by chesed for Jonathan's sake, mirrors God's own initiative in extending grace and covenant faithfulness to humanity. Just as David sought out the "lame" and "forgotten" (as Mephibosheth is later revealed to be), God actively seeks out those who are spiritually broken, alienated from Him, and utterly undeserving of His favor. This passage underscores the enduring nature of covenants, both human and divine, emphasizing that true faithfulness transcends circumstances and personal gain. It teaches that genuine loyalty is not merely passive adherence but active, compassionate pursuit of the well-being of others, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked or considered adversaries. David's act is a tangible demonstration of what it means to love one's neighbor as oneself, even when that neighbor is from a "rival" house.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's inquiry in 2 Samuel 9:1 serves as a powerful model for believers today, challenging us to embody God's character in our own lives. It calls us to remember and honor our commitments, not just when it's convenient or beneficial, but with unwavering integrity, even years after the initial promise was made. More profoundly, it compels us to extend unmerited kindness and loyal love (chesed) to others, especially to those who might be considered "outsiders," "enemies," or those from whom we expect nothing in return. Just as David sought out a remnant of a former adversary's house, we are called to actively seek opportunities to show grace, forgiveness, and compassion, reflecting the boundless chesed God has shown us. This act of grace reminds us that true love transcends self-interest and political expediency, prioritizing covenantal faithfulness and compassionate action, and demonstrating the transformative power of God's love through our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was it so unusual for David to seek out Saul's house for kindness?
Answer: In the ancient Near East, it was standard practice for a new king or dynasty to systematically eliminate all surviving members of the previous ruling house. This brutal custom was intended to prevent any potential challenges to the throne or future rebellions. By seeking out Saul's descendants, David was acting against the prevailing political norms and expectations, demonstrating a radical act of grace and covenant faithfulness rather than political expediency. His motivation was rooted in his personal oath to Jonathan, as recorded in 1 Samuel 20:14-17, rather than a desire to secure his own power through violence. This act set David apart from other ancient Near Eastern monarchs and highlighted his unique character, shaped by his relationship with God.
What is the significance of the word "kindness" (chesed) in this verse?
Answer: The Hebrew word chesed (חֶסֶד) is a rich theological term meaning "loyal love," "steadfast affection," "mercy," or "covenant devotion." It describes an active, unwavering commitment within a relationship, often extended to those who are vulnerable or dependent. David's desire to show chesed goes beyond mere politeness; it signifies his intention to uphold the deep, enduring bond of his covenant with Jonathan, extending that loyal love to Jonathan's surviving family member, Mephibosheth, who is introduced in the subsequent verses (2 Samuel 9:3 and 2 Samuel 4:4). This act of chesed powerfully reflects God's own character, as He consistently shows chesed to His people despite their unfaithfulness, demonstrating His unwavering covenant loyalty.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's extraordinary act of chesed in 2 Samuel 9:1 serves as a profound Old Testament type pointing directly to the ultimate grace of God in Jesus Christ. Just as David, the king, sought out a "lame" and "forgotten" descendant from a rival, condemned house (Mephibosheth, as revealed in 2 Samuel 9:3), so too does God, the King of Kings, actively seek out humanity, who are spiritually lame, alienated by sin, and inherently part of a "condemned" lineage (Romans 3:23). We, like Mephibosheth, have no inherent claim on God's favor, yet through the "sake" of a greater Son—Jesus Christ—we are not merely shown kindness but are brought into the King's presence. Christ, the true Son of David, fulfills the covenant of grace by taking our place on the cross, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice (John 1:29). Through faith in Him, we are not only forgiven but are adopted into God's family (Ephesians 1:5) and granted a permanent place at the King's table, sharing in His inheritance (Romans 8:17). David's chesed to Mephibosheth, bringing him from Lo-Debar ("no pasture" or "no word") to eat at the king's table continually (2 Samuel 9:7), beautifully illustrates the spiritual journey of every believer: brought from spiritual destitution into the abundance and fellowship of God's kingdom, all for the sake of Christ, our faithful covenant partner (Hebrews 8:6).