2 Samuel 9:2

KJV

And [there was] of the house of Saul a servant whose name [was] Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, [Art] thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant [is he].

KJV (with Strong's)

And there was of the house {H1004} of Saul {H7586} a servant {H5650} whose name {H8034} was Ziba {H6717}. And when they had called {H7121} him unto David {H1732}, the king {H4428} said {H559} unto him, Art thou Ziba {H6717}? And he said {H559}, Thy servant {H5650} is he.

Complete Jewish Bible

In Sha'ul's household there had been a servant named Tziva, and they summoned him to David. The king asked him, "Are you Tziva?" and he answered, "At your service."

Berean Standard Bible

And there was a servant of Saul’s family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied.

American Standard Version

And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him unto David; and the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 9:2 introduces Ziba, a former servant of King Saul's household, whom David summons as he initiates a profound search for any surviving members of Saul's family. This verse is pivotal, serving as the immediate answer to David's heartfelt inquiry in the preceding verse, setting the stage for the king's remarkable demonstration of covenant faithfulness and grace towards Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son. It highlights David's character as a king who remembers and honors his solemn oaths, thereby laying the groundwork for one of the Old Testament's most moving narratives of redemption and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's poignant question in [2 Samuel 9:1](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1 - David's Inquiry for Saul's House"): "Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" This inquiry marks a significant thematic and narrative shift in 2 Samuel. Chapters 1-8 meticulously detail David's consolidation of power, his anointing as king over all Israel, and his military victories, establishing his kingdom and securing peace. With the kingdom firmly established, David now turns his attention from matters of state and war to matters of covenant and personal integrity. His question and the subsequent introduction of Ziba are the direct outworking of the deep, unconditional covenant David made with Jonathan, Saul's son, as recounted in [1 Samuel 20:12-17](/1_samuel/20-12-17 "1 Samuel 20:12-17 - Jonathan's Covenant with David"). The narrative flow here is deliberately crafted to showcase David's righteous character and his unwavering commitment to promises, even when the beneficiary (Jonathan) is long deceased and political expediency might suggest otherwise.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was a common and brutal practice for a new dynasty to utterly exterminate the previous ruling family to prevent any future claims to the throne or rebellions. David's inquiry, therefore, is highly unusual and counter-cultural, demonstrating a radical departure from typical royal behavior. His motivation is not political calculation but covenant loyalty, often termed `hesed`. Servants like Ziba often held significant positions within royal households, acting as stewards or administrators, and would possess intimate knowledge of the family's affairs and whereabouts, including any surviving members. The act of "calling him unto David" signifies the king's absolute authority and the expectation of immediate obedience from any subject, especially a former servant of the deposed house. Ziba's humble and immediate response, "Thy servant is he," reflects the deferential protocol expected when addressing a monarch, acknowledging the immense power disparity.

* **Key Themes:** The introduction of Ziba in [2 Samuel 9:2](/2_samuel/9-2 "2 Samuel 9:2 - Ziba is Summoned") immediately brings several key themes to the forefront. Foremost is **Covenant Faithfulness**, particularly David's unwavering commitment to the oath he made with Jonathan, which transcends death and political advantage. This exemplifies the concept of `hesed`, a steadfast love and loyalty that is often associated with God's own character, as seen in [Psalm 89:28](/psalm/89-28 "Psalm 89:28 - God's Steadfast Love and Covenant"). Another significant theme is **Royal Grace and Kindness**. David's proactive search for Saul's descendants is not born of obligation but of a genuine desire to extend kindness, mirroring the divine initiative in extending grace to humanity. This act sets David apart as a king who rules not just with power but with compassion, a quality that resonates throughout the [Davidic covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Remnants and Restoration**. The very existence of a "servant of the house of Saul" and the subsequent discovery of Mephibosheth hint at the preservation of a remnant and the potential for the restoration of what was lost or broken, a recurring motif throughout biblical history, from the preservation of [Noah's family](/genesis/7-1 "Genesis 7:1 - Noah and His Family") to the return from exile, and ultimately culminating in the new creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This term (H1004) refers not merely to a physical dwelling but to a dynasty, a lineage, or a family entity. "The house of Saul" signifies his entire extended family and descendants, not just his immediate household. David's inquiry is about the survival of Saul's dynastic line, and Ziba's connection to this "house" makes him the key to locating any remaining members.
* **servant (Hebrew, _'ebed'_):** This term (H5650) is rich in meaning, ranging from a literal slave or bond-servant to a high-ranking official or devoted attendant. In Ziba's case, it indicates his long-standing allegiance and integration into Saul's royal household, suggesting he was a trusted steward or administrator with intimate knowledge of the family's affairs. His identity as an `'ebed` of Saul's house is crucial, as it is precisely this connection that makes him valuable to David's inquiry.
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** David is explicitly referred to as "the king" (H4428), emphasizing his supreme authority and the formal nature of the summons. His position as `melek` grants him the right to summon anyone and expect an immediate and truthful response, underscoring the power dynamic at play in this encounter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [there was] of the house of Saul a servant whose name [was] Ziba."**: This opening clause introduces the character Ziba, establishing his identity and his crucial connection to the former royal family. The passive construction "there was" suggests he was discovered or brought forward, implying David's proactive search. His name is explicitly stated, marking him as an individual of significance for the unfolding narrative, the one who holds the key to David's inquiry.
* **"And when they had called him unto David,"**: This indicates that Ziba was not merely found but formally summoned into the king's presence. The use of "they" (likely David's servants or officials) highlights the formal royal procedure involved in such an important inquiry, emphasizing the king's initiative and the thoroughness of the search for any remaining members of Saul's household.
* **"the king said unto him, [Art] thou Ziba?"**: David's direct question serves as an immediate identification and confirmation. It is a concise, authoritative inquiry, cutting straight to the purpose of the summons. It also implies that Ziba's name had been brought to David's attention as the one who could provide the necessary information, confirming his reputation as a knowledgeable figure from Saul's past.
* **"And he said, Thy servant [is he]."**: Ziba's response is a model of humble submission and immediate affirmation. "Thy servant is he" is a deferential acknowledgment of David's kingship and his own subordinate position. It signifies his readiness to obey and provide whatever information the king requires, without hesitation or evasion, setting the stage for the revelation of Mephibosheth.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity and directness of 2 Samuel 9:2 are themselves a literary choice, creating a sense of immediate action and purpose. The verse employs **Dialogue** as its primary literary device, with the concise exchange between David and Ziba. This dialogue is highly functional, serving to establish Ziba's identity and his immediate submission to the king's authority. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Ziba's introduction hints at the imminent revelation of Mephibosheth and the subsequent unfolding of David's extraordinary kindness. The very act of summoning Ziba, a servant of the former house, creates a subtle **Contrast** between the typical brutal transition of power in the ancient world and David's unique, covenant-driven approach. The scene is set with a sense of quiet anticipation, building suspense for the revelation of Saul's surviving heir.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse is deeply imbued with theological significance, primarily revolving around the themes of covenant, grace, and divine faithfulness. David's proactive search for Saul's descendants, motivated by his oath to Jonathan, powerfully mirrors God's own initiative in remembering and upholding His covenants with humanity. Just as David seeks out the forgotten and vulnerable, God consistently demonstrates His `hesed`—His steadfast love and covenant loyalty—towards His people, even when they are undeserving or seemingly beyond hope. This act of seeking out and extending kindness to a member of a defeated house, rather than exterminating them, reflects a divine principle of restorative grace that transcends human justice or political expediency. It underscores that true kingship, as exemplified by David's actions, is not merely about power, but about righteousness, compassion, and the keeping of sacred promises, echoing the very character of God.

* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")
* [Psalm 89:28](/psalm/89-28 "Psalm 89:28 - God's Steadfast Love and Covenant")
* [Proverbs 20:6](/proverbs/20-6 "Proverbs 20:6 - The Value of Steadfast Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 9:2, though brief, provides a powerful model for how we, as followers of Christ, are called to live out our faith in practical ways. David's unwavering commitment to his oath, even years after Jonathan's death and when there was no political benefit, challenges us to reflect on the integrity of our own promises and commitments. Are we people of our word, even when circumstances change or when fulfilling a promise is inconvenient or costly? Furthermore, David's proactive search for someone to show kindness to compels us to move beyond passive benevolence. Instead of waiting for needs to come to us, are we actively seeking out opportunities to extend grace, compassion, and practical help to those who are marginalized, forgotten, or in need, especially those who might be overlooked by society? Ziba's humble and immediate response also serves as a poignant reminder of the value of humility and a willingness to serve, recognizing legitimate authority and responding with a spirit of cooperation and readiness. This passage ultimately calls us to embody the `hesed` of God in our daily lives, transforming our communities through acts of intentional kindness and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's initiative challenge our own willingness to seek out opportunities for kindness and reconciliation in our lives?**
* **In what specific ways can we demonstrate `hesed` (covenant loyalty and steadfast love) in our relationships today, especially when it's not convenient or expected?**
* **What does Ziba's humble response teach us about our posture before authority, both human and divine, and our readiness to serve?**

### FAQ
**Who was Ziba before this verse, and why was he important?**

Answer: Ziba was a servant, likely a steward or administrator, in the household of King Saul. His importance stems from his intimate knowledge of Saul's family and their whereabouts. As a long-standing member of the royal household, he would have been privy to information about surviving descendants, making him the key individual David's servants sought out to answer the king's inquiry about Saul's lineage. His existence was crucial for the unfolding narrative of David's covenant faithfulness.

**Why did David need to ask "Art thou Ziba?" if his servants had already called him?**

Answer: David's direct question, "Art thou Ziba?", serves multiple purposes in a royal court setting. Firstly, it is a formal and authoritative confirmation of identity, essential where impersonation or misidentification could have serious consequences. Secondly, it establishes the king's direct engagement and personal authority in the matter, signaling the gravity of the inquiry. It also ensures that the person standing before him is indeed the one capable of providing the crucial information David seeks regarding the house of Saul, fulfilling his covenant with Jonathan (see [2 Samuel 9:1](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1 - David's Inquiry")).

**What is the significance of Ziba's immediate response, "Thy servant is he"?**

Answer: Ziba's response, "Thy servant is he," is a profound expression of humility, submission, and immediate recognition of David's absolute authority as king. This deferential language was customary when addressing a monarch and indicates Ziba's readiness to serve and provide information without question or hesitation. It signifies his acknowledgment of David's kingship and his own subordinate position, setting the stage for his pivotal role in revealing Mephibosheth's existence and location (as seen in [2 Samuel 9:3](/2_samuel/9-3 "2 Samuel 9:3 - Ziba Reveals Mephibosheth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative initiated by [2 Samuel 9:2](/2_samuel/9-2 "2 Samuel 9:2 - Ziba is Summoned"), where David actively seeks out a remnant of Saul's house to show kindness for Jonathan's sake, powerfully foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. David's `hesed` (covenant love and loyalty) in remembering his oath and extending grace to Mephibosheth, a lame and forgotten descendant of a rival house, beautifully mirrors God's own divine initiative in seeking out humanity. We, like Mephibosheth, were spiritually lame and alienated from the King, deserving of judgment due to our sin, part of a "house" (humanity) that rebelled against God. Yet, God, in His boundless `hesed`, did not exterminate us but, in Christ, sought us out. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners") declares that "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Through Christ, we are brought into the King's presence, not as enemies or strangers, but as adopted children, invited to sit at His table forever. This act of grace transforms our status, bringing us from a place of fear and destitution into a position of honor and inheritance, reflecting the spiritual adoption we receive through faith in Jesus, as highlighted in [Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption Through Christ") and [Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons and Heirs"). David's kindness to Mephibosheth is a tangible Old Testament picture of the ultimate reconciliation and restoration offered through the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), inviting all who believe to the eternal banquet at the King's table.

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 19:17

And [there were] a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over Jordan before the king.

2 Samuel 16:1

¶ And when David was a little past the top [of the hill], behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred [loaves] of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

2 Samuel 16:4

Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine [are] all that [pertained] unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee [that] I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.

Genesis 39:6

And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was [a] goodly [person], and well favoured.

Genesis 24:2

And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:

2 Samuel 19:27

And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king [is] as an angel of God: do therefore [what is] good in thine eyes.

2 Samuel 19:29

And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.