2 Samuel 9:4

KJV

And the king said unto him, Where [is] he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he [is] in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto him, Where {H375} is he? And Ziba {H6717} said {H559} unto the king {H4428}, Behold, he is in the house {H1004} of Machir {H4353}, the son {H1121} of Ammiel {H5988}, in Lodebar {H3810}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king said to him, "Where is he?" and Tziva answered, "He's there in the house of Makhir the son of 'Ammi'el, in Lo-D'var."

Berean Standard Bible

“Where is he?” replied the king. And Ziba said, “Indeed, he is in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.”

American Standard Version

And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 9:4 is a pivotal verse that unveils the hidden whereabouts of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, setting the stage for King David's profound act of covenant faithfulness and grace. It marks the culmination of David's earnest search for any surviving heir of Saul's house, specifically for Jonathan's sake, revealing Mephibosheth's obscure dwelling in Lodebar and initiating his journey from forgottenness to a place of honor at the king's table.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the direct answer to King David's inquiry in [2 Samuel 9:1](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1 - David's Search for Jonathan's Descendants"): "Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" Following his ascension to the throne and the consolidation of his kingdom, David remembered the solemn covenant he made with Jonathan, Saul's son, promising to show steadfast love to his descendants ([1 Samuel 20:14-17](/1_samuel/20-14 "1 Samuel 20:14-17 - Jonathan's Covenant with David")). Ziba, a former servant of Saul's household, is introduced in [2 Samuel 9:2](/2_samuel/9-2 "2 Samuel 9:2 - Ziba Introduced") and identifies Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet from an incident in his childhood ([2 Samuel 4:4](/2_samuel/4-4 "2 Samuel 4:4 - Mephibosheth's Injury")). The narrative then swiftly moves from David's compassionate inquiry to the revelation of Mephibosheth's obscure location, preparing for his dramatic summoning to Jerusalem and subsequent restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was common practice for a new king to eliminate all potential threats from the previous dynasty to secure his reign. David's actions, therefore, stand in stark contrast to typical royal behavior. His pursuit of Saul's descendant was not for eradication but for the demonstration of *chesed* (steadfast love/covenant loyalty), a concept deeply embedded in Israelite covenant theology. Mephibosheth's lameness, in that culture, would have rendered him particularly vulnerable and disqualified from any position of leadership, often leading to social marginalization. His dwelling in Lodebar, a place likely east of the Jordan River, suggests a remote, desolate, and forgotten location, far from the centers of power and influence, further emphasizing his obscurity and vulnerability.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, as David's proactive search for Jonathan's heir demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the oath he swore to his beloved friend, even years after Jonathan's death. Secondly, it exemplifies **Unmerited Grace and Kindness** (*chesed*), as David extends favor to Mephibosheth, who, as a surviving member of the former royal house, would typically be seen as a threat, not a recipient of blessing. This act is purely out of David's benevolent will, not Mephibosheth's merit. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Redemption from Obscurity and Desolation**, as Mephibosheth is found in "Lodebar" (a place signifying "no pasture" or "no word") and is about to be brought into the king's presence, moving from a state of forgottenness and vulnerability to one of honor and provision at the royal table, as seen in [2 Samuel 9:7](/2_samuel/9-7 "2 Samuel 9:7 - Mephibosheth's Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lodebar (Hebrew, לֹא דְבָר - _Lo Debar_):** This place name is highly symbolic. It literally means "no pasture" or "no word/thing," suggesting a barren, desolate, or insignificant place. Its name underscores the forgotten, impoverished, and marginalized state of Mephibosheth. It is a place of spiritual and physical emptiness, a "nowhere" from which he is called by the king's grace.
* **Machir, the son of Ammiel (Hebrew, מָכִיר בֶּן־עַמִּיאֵל - _Machir ben Ammiel_):** Machir is introduced here as Mephibosheth's host. He appears again later in David's life, showing loyalty and providing provisions during David's flight from Absalom ([2 Samuel 17:27-29](/2_samuel/17-27 "2 Samuel 17:27-29 - Machir's Loyalty to David")). His role here highlights that even in Mephibosheth's obscurity, he was not utterly abandoned but had a guardian, albeit in a remote location. Machir's name means "one who sells" or "sold," perhaps hinting at a provider or one who deals in goods, which aligns with his later role.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said unto him, Where [is] he?":** This opening clause emphasizes David's proactive and earnest desire to locate Jonathan's descendant. It's not a casual inquiry but a determined search, driven by his covenant commitment. David is not waiting for Mephibosheth to appear but is actively seeking him out.
* **"And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he [is] in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.":** Ziba's response provides the crucial information David seeks. The mention of "Machir, the son of Ammiel" gives a specific, verifiable location, lending credibility to Ziba's report. The revelation of "Lodebar" is key, immediately signaling Mephibosheth's humble, forgotten, and perhaps desperate circumstances, far removed from the royal court.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent in the name "Lodebar," which serves as a potent symbol of desolation, forgottenness, and spiritual barrenness, representing Mephibosheth's marginalized existence. The contrast between this "nowhere" and the king's palace to which he is called creates a vivid picture of transformation. There is also an element of **Irony** in David, the new king, actively seeking out a potential rival from the old dynasty, not to eliminate him, but to show him kindness, subverting typical ancient Near Eastern political norms. This unexpected grace **Foreshadows** the greater grace of God, who seeks out the lost and brings them from spiritual barrenness into His kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of David seeking out Mephibosheth in Lodebar is a profound theological illustration of God's unmerited grace and covenant faithfulness towards humanity. Just as David remembered his covenant with Jonathan and extended kindness to Mephibosheth, God, in His steadfast love, remembers His covenant promises and extends grace to those who are spiritually "lame" and dwelling in "Lodebar"—places of spiritual destitution, obscurity, and helplessness, far from His presence. This act of seeking and restoring highlights God's initiative in salvation, reaching out to the undeserving and bringing them into His family and fellowship. It underscores that our standing before God is not based on our merit or ability, but solely on His sovereign grace and faithful love.

* [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Love for Israel")
* [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Mercy and Grace")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Sinners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of David and Mephibosheth, particularly the discovery in Lodebar, serves as a powerful mirror for our own spiritual condition and God's redemptive work. We, too, were once in a "Lodebar"—a place of spiritual emptiness, estranged from God, crippled by sin, and forgotten in our lostness. Yet, like David, God actively sought us out, not because of our worthiness, but because of His covenant love and boundless grace. This narrative compels us to embrace the depth of God's unmerited favor in our own lives, recognizing that our place at His table is a gift, not an achievement. Furthermore, it challenges us to embody this same grace in our interactions with others, seeking out the marginalized, the forgotten, and the vulnerable, extending kindness and compassion as reflections of the divine love we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might "Lodebar" exist in my own life, or in the lives of those around me, representing a place of forgottenness, brokenness, or spiritual barrenness?**
* **How does David's proactive search for Mephibosheth inspire me to actively seek out and show kindness to those who are marginalized or overlooked?**
* **In what ways does Mephibosheth's journey from Lodebar to the king's table illustrate my own spiritual journey and relationship with God?**

### FAQ

**Who was Mephibosheth and why was he in Lodebar?**

Answer: Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, King Saul's son, and thus the grandson of King Saul. He was crippled in both feet from an accident when he was five years old, occurring when his nurse fled with him upon hearing of Saul and Jonathan's deaths ([2 Samuel 4:4](/2_samuel/4-4 "2 Samuel 4:4 - Mephibosheth's Injury")). He was living in Lodebar, a remote and desolate place, likely to hide from David, as it was common for new kings to eliminate all potential claimants from the previous dynasty to secure their reign. His lameness also meant he was not a threat, but his survival still put him in a precarious position, making Lodebar a place of obscurity and safety.

**What is the significance of Lodebar's name?**

Answer: The name Lodebar (לֹא דְבָר) literally means "no pasture" or "no word/thing." This name is highly symbolic, emphasizing the barren, desolate, and insignificant nature of the place. It underscores Mephibosheth's forgotten and impoverished state, living in a "nowhere" far from the royal court and any position of influence. The name highlights the depth of his obscurity from which David's grace would rescue him.

**How does David's action towards Mephibosheth contrast with typical ancient Near Eastern kingship?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, it was a common and often ruthless practice for a new king to consolidate power by eliminating all surviving members of the previous royal family. This was done to prevent any future claims to the throne or rebellions. David's action of actively seeking out Mephibosheth, not to harm him, but to show him "kindness" (*chesed*) and restore his inheritance, stands in stark contrast to this norm. It demonstrates David's unique character, his faithfulness to his covenant with Jonathan ([1 Samuel 20:14-17](/1_samuel/20-14 "1 Samuel 20:14-17 - Jonathan's Covenant with David")), and his embodiment of divine grace, setting a powerful example of merciful rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's pursuit of Mephibosheth in Lodebar serves as a profound Old Testament type pointing to the greater work of Christ. Just as Mephibosheth was a "dead dog" ([2 Samuel 9:8](/2_samuel/9-8 "2 Samuel 9:8 - Mephibosheth's Humility")), crippled and dwelling in a place of "no pasture" or "no word," so humanity, in its fallen state, is spiritually crippled by sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")) and alienated from God, dwelling in a "Lodebar" of spiritual barrenness and hopelessness ([Ephesians 2:12](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12 - Without Hope and God")). Yet, Christ, the greater Son of David, did not wait for us to come to Him; He proactively sought us out in our lostness and obscurity ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He fulfilled the ultimate covenant of grace, bringing us from death to life ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - From Death to Life")), from alienation to adoption ([Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons")), and from the desolate "Lodebar" of sin to a permanent place at His heavenly table, feasting in His presence forever ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). He restores our inheritance, not based on our merit, but solely on His unmerited favor and steadfast love.

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 17:27

And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

2 Samuel 17:29

And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that [were] with him, to eat: for they said, The people [is] hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.