2 Samuel 9:10

Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in [the fruits], that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

Thou therefore, and thy sons {H1121}, and thy servants {H5650}, shall till {H5647} the land {H127} for him, and thou shalt bring {H935} in the fruits, that thy master's {H113} son {H1121} may have food {H3899} to eat {H398}: but Mephibosheth {H4648} thy master's {H113} son {H1121} shall eat {H398} bread {H3899} alway {H8548} at my table {H7979}. Now Ziba {H6717} had fifteen {H2568}{H6240} sons {H1121} and twenty {H6242} servants {H5650}.

You are to work the land for him, you, your sons and your slaves. Harvest the crops, so that your master's [grand]son will have food to feed his family; but M'fivoshet your master's [grand]son will always eat at my table."Tziva had fifteen sons and twenty slaves.

You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

And thou shalt till the land for him, thou, and thy sons, and thy servants; and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master’s son may have bread to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

Commentary

2 Samuel 9:10 details the practical implementation of King David's extraordinary kindness and covenant faithfulness towards Mephibosheth, the grandson of King Saul and son of David's beloved friend, Jonathan. This verse outlines the specific arrangements made for Mephibosheth's care and provision within David's kingdom.

Context

This verse is part of a significant narrative in David's reign, showcasing his character and commitment to his promises. After securing his throne, David sought out any survivors from the house of Saul, not for retribution, but to show "kindness for Jonathan's sake" (2 Samuel 9:1). This act was a fulfillment of the solemn covenant David had made with Jonathan, promising enduring loyalty to each other's descendants (1 Samuel 20:14-17). Mephibosheth, who was lame in both his feet (2 Samuel 4:4), was found, and David immediately initiated a plan to restore his family's land and ensure his well-being. Ziba, a former servant of Saul's household, was appointed to manage Mephibosheth's ancestral lands, utilizing his considerable household (fifteen sons and twenty servants) to cultivate the property and bring in its produce.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Faithfulness: David's actions are a powerful demonstration of his unwavering commitment to the covenant he made with Jonathan. He goes beyond mere obligation, extending genuine kindness to the last surviving heir of the previous royal house.
  • Royal Grace and Provision: The most significant decree in this verse is that Mephibosheth "shall eat bread alway at my table." This was a profound gesture of royal favor, signifying permanent security, honor, and integration into the king's own family. It elevated Mephibosheth's status to that of one of the king's own sons (2 Samuel 9:11), reversing his former vulnerability and fear.
  • Restoration of Inheritance: David not only provided for Mephibosheth's personal needs but also restored his family's land, ensuring economic stability and a legacy. Ziba's role was crucial in managing this restoration, ensuring the land produced sustenance for Mephibosheth.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "eat bread alway at my table" carries significant cultural weight. In the ancient Near East, sharing a meal at a king's table was an unparalleled privilege, a mark of deep trust, favor, and inclusion within the royal inner circle. It symbolized perpetual provision and protection, offering a stark contrast to Mephibosheth's earlier obscurity and fear. The repetition of "thy master's son" underscores Mephibosheth's lineage from Saul, a lineage David chose to honor rather than suppress, demonstrating his secure and gracious rule.

Practical Application

This passage offers a profound illustration of grace and unconditional love. David's treatment of Mephibosheth, who was physically impaired and from a lineage that could be seen as a threat, mirrors God's divine grace towards humanity. Like Mephibosheth, who was brought from a place of obscurity and weakness into the king's presence and provided for, believers are brought into God's family and receive His abundant provision through Christ, despite our spiritual infirmities and past separation from Him. It encourages us to extend similar compassion, faithfulness, and restorative grace in our own lives and relationships, fulfilling our commitments and showing kindness even to those who might be considered adversaries or burdens.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 9:7

    And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.

  • 2 Samuel 19:28

    For all [of] my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?

  • Luke 14:15

    ¶ And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed [is] he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

  • 2 Kings 25:29

    And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life.

  • 2 Samuel 9:11

    Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, [said the king], he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons.

  • 2 Samuel 9:13

    So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.
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