2 Samuel 9:6

KJV

Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!

KJV (with Strong's)

Now when Mephibosheth {H4648}, the son {H1121} of Jonathan {H3083}, the son {H1121} of Saul {H7586}, was come {H935} unto David {H1732}, he fell {H5307} on his face {H6440}, and did reverence {H7812}. And David {H1732} said {H559}, Mephibosheth {H4648}. And he answered {H559}, Behold thy servant {H5650}!

Complete Jewish Bible

M'fivoshet the son of Y'honatan, the son of Sha'ul, came to David, fell on his face and prostrated himself. David said, "M'fivoshet!" and he answered, "Here is your servant!"

Berean Standard Bible

And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied.

American Standard Version

And Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came unto David, and fell on his face, and did obeisance. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold, thy servant!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 9:6 presents the poignant encounter between King David and Mephibosheth, the sole surviving son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. This pivotal moment, characterized by Mephibosheth's profound humility and David's surprising grace, marks the fulfillment of a solemn covenant made years earlier between David and Jonathan. It vividly portrays David's commitment to unconditional kindness, extending mercy where judgment might have been expected, and setting the stage for Mephibosheth's restoration to a place of honor within the king's household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the narrative climax of 2 Samuel 9, which opens with King David's inquiry, "Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" ([2 Samuel 9:1](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1 - David's Inquiry")). After securing his kingdom and establishing Jerusalem as his capital, David, now a powerful monarch, remembers the covenant of *hesed* (covenant loyalty or kindness) he made with Jonathan in [1 Samuel 20](/1_samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - David and Jonathan's Covenant"). The chapter introduces Ziba, a former servant of Saul's house, who reveals Mephibosheth's existence and his physical disability, having been crippled in both feet during a hasty flight after news of Saul and Jonathan's death ([2 Samuel 4:4](/2_samuel/4-4 "2 Samuel 4:4 - Mephibosheth's Injury")). The summoning of Mephibosheth to David's court, culminating in this verse, is a deliberate act of Davidic grace, contrasting sharply with the typical eradication of former royal lines in the ancient Near East.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, it was common practice for a newly established dynasty to eliminate all potential rivals from the previous ruling house to prevent future insurrections or claims to the throne. Saul's remaining descendants, particularly his grandson, would have been considered a significant threat. Mephibosheth, as a lame individual, was also culturally disadvantaged, often seen as a sign of divine disfavor or a burden. His lameness would have prevented him from leading a military challenge or even performing many daily tasks, further emphasizing his vulnerability. David's actions, therefore, were radically counter-cultural, driven not by political expediency or fear, but by a deep sense of covenant obligation and personal affection for Jonathan. This act of *hesed* would have been astonishing to contemporary audiences, demonstrating a king who operated by a higher moral and spiritual code.
* **Key Themes:** The encounter in [2 Samuel 9](/2_samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth") powerfully illustrates several profound themes. **Covenant Faithfulness** is paramount, as David's actions directly fulfill his solemn oath to Jonathan to show kindness to his descendants ([1 Samuel 20:14-17](/1_samuel/20-14 "1 Samuel 20:14-17 - Jonathan's Request for Kindness")). This highlights the sacredness and enduring nature of promises made before God. **Unmerited Grace and Kindness** are central; Mephibosheth, expecting punishment or death due to his lineage, receives extraordinary favor. David extends *hesed* to someone who is not only a potential rival but also physically impaired, symbolizing God's unmerited favor toward the undeserving. **Humility and Reverence** are evident in Mephibosheth's posture and words, acknowledging David's absolute sovereignty and his own vulnerable position. Finally, the theme of **Restoration** is initiated here, as David's subsequent actions will restore Mephibosheth's ancestral lands and grant him a permanent place at the king's table, symbolizing full acceptance and honor within the royal family ([2 Samuel 9:7-13](/2_samuel/9-7 "2 Samuel 9:7-13 - Mephibosheth's Restoration")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reverence (Hebrew, _shachah'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁחָה (*shachah*) means "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to worship." It denotes an act of profound submission, respect, and often adoration. In this context, Mephibosheth's act of "falling on his face and doing reverence" signifies his complete acknowledgment of David's supreme authority and his own abject humility. It is a posture of utter deference, conveying his understanding of David's power over his life and his readiness to accept whatever fate the king decreed. This posture is often used in the Old Testament for worship before God, underscoring the king's divinely appointed authority.
* **Servant (Hebrew, _'eved'_):** Mephibosheth's self-identification as "thy servant" (עֶבֶד, *'eved*) is a common expression of humility and submission in the presence of a superior, especially a king. It acknowledges a subordinate status and expresses readiness to obey. For Mephibosheth, who might have expected to be enslaved or executed, this declaration underscores his vulnerability and his willingness to accept any role, however lowly, that David might assign him. It contrasts sharply with the royal lineage he carries, further emphasizing his profound humility before the reigning monarch.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David":** This clause establishes the identity of the individual and the setting of the encounter. The full lineage—son of Jonathan, son of Saul—is emphasized to highlight the very reason for his apprehension and David's extraordinary kindness. Mephibosheth is not merely an individual but a representative of the former royal house, a potential threat. His "coming unto David" signifies the moment of truth, a summons that could lead to life or death.
* **"he fell on his face, and did reverence":** This describes Mephibosheth's immediate and profound physical response upon entering David's presence. Falling on his face (prostration) is the ultimate gesture of submission, fear, and respect in the ancient Near East. It signifies a complete surrender of self and an acknowledgment of the king's absolute power. The act of "doing reverence" (Hebrew *shachah*) further emphasizes this deep deference, indicating that Mephibosheth recognized David's authority as divinely ordained and held his own life in the king's hands.
* **"And David said, Mephibosheth":** David's direct address, using Mephibosheth's name, is significant. It is not a question but a statement, a recognition, and perhaps a gentle invitation to rise or to speak. It breaks the tension of the moment, signaling that David is aware of who stands before him and is ready to engage. The simplicity of the address carries weight, as the king could have chosen a harsher or more formal tone.
* **"And he answered, Behold thy servant!":** Mephibosheth's immediate and humble reply reinforces his posture of submission. His declaration "Behold thy servant!" is a common formula expressing readiness to serve or obey, and it underscores his complete dependence on David's will. It conveys a sense of availability and a recognition of his subordinate status, anticipating the king's command. This response is born out of fear and humility, yet it opens the door for David's subsequent display of grace.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Samuel 9:6 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Mephibosheth, a descendant of the former king and thus a potential rival, expects judgment or death but receives an astonishing display of grace and restoration. His prostration, typically a sign of fear before an unpredictable monarch, becomes the prelude to unexpected favor. **Symbolism** is also at play: Mephibosheth's lameness symbolizes humanity's spiritual infirmity and inability to approach God on its own terms, while David's outstretched hand of kindness symbolizes God's unmerited favor. The act of "falling on his face" is not just a physical posture but a symbolic representation of complete humility and dependence. Furthermore, there is a strong **Contrast** between the expected cultural norm of eliminating rival royal lines and David's covenant-driven *hesed*, highlighting the exceptional nature of David's character and, by extension, God's character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The encounter between David and Mephibosheth serves as a profound theological parable, illustrating God's boundless grace and covenant faithfulness. Just as David, a powerful king, sought out a crippled and vulnerable descendant of his former adversary to show him undeserved kindness for the sake of a covenant, so too does God seek out humanity, which is spiritually crippled by sin and alienated from His kingdom. Our natural inclination, like Mephibosheth's, might be to expect judgment or to hide in fear, yet God, motivated by His eternal covenant of grace, extends an invitation to reconciliation and restoration. This narrative beautifully prefigures the New Testament concept of salvation by grace through faith, where God brings us into His family and seats us at His table, not because of our merit, but because of His loving-kindness and faithfulness to His promises.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Compassion and Grace")
* [Psalm 103:8-11](/psalm/103-8 "Psalm 103:8-11 - God's Steadfast Love")
* [Ephesians 2:4-7](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-7 - God's Rich Mercy and Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of David and Mephibosheth offers a powerful mirror for our own spiritual journey. Like Mephibosheth, we are born into a lineage of spiritual rebellion, crippled by sin, and utterly dependent on the King's mercy. We have no inherent claim to His favor, and our natural expectation might be condemnation. Yet, the King of kings, out of His unfathomable love and faithfulness to His covenant, seeks us out. Our appropriate response, as demonstrated by Mephibosheth, is profound humility, acknowledging our unworthiness and His absolute sovereignty. This encounter reminds us that God's grace is not earned but freely given, transforming our fear into gratitude and our status from outcast to beloved child, seated at His table. It calls us to embrace our identity as "servants" in humility, yet simultaneously to rejoice in the astonishing privilege of being adopted into His royal family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, like Mephibosheth, feel crippled or unworthy in God's presence, and how does this story challenge those feelings?**
* **How does David's proactive search for Mephibosheth reflect God's pursuit of us, even when we are hiding or feel undeserving?**
* **What does Mephibosheth's humble response teach me about approaching God with reverence and acknowledging His sovereign authority?**
* **How can I extend "covenant kindness" (hesed) to others in my life, particularly those who might be overlooked, marginalized, or even considered adversaries?**

### FAQ
**Why did David seek out Mephibosheth after so many years?**

Answer: David sought out Mephibosheth primarily to fulfill a solemn covenant he had made with Jonathan, Saul's son, years earlier. In [1 Samuel 20:14-17](/1_samuel/20-14 "1 Samuel 20:14-17 - Jonathan's Covenant with David"), Jonathan asked David to show "the kindness of the Lord" to his house forever. After establishing his kingdom and securing peace, David, a man after God's own heart, remembered this sacred oath. His inquiry in [2 Samuel 9:1](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1 - David's Inquiry") demonstrates his commitment to this promise, even though culturally, a new king would typically eliminate all remnants of the previous dynasty to prevent future challenges to the throne. David's actions were driven by personal loyalty and a deep sense of *hesed* (covenant loyalty/kindness), reflecting God's own faithfulness to His promises.

**What was the significance of Mephibosheth being "lame in both his feet"?**

Answer: Mephibosheth's lameness, mentioned in [2 Samuel 4:4](/2_samuel/4-4 "2 Samuel 4:4 - Mephibosheth's Injury") and reiterated in [2 Samuel 9:3](/2_samuel/9-3 "2 Samuel 9:3 - Mephibosheth's Condition"), is highly significant. Physically, it would have prevented him from leading a military revolt or even performing many daily tasks, making him a perceived burden or an object of pity. Spiritually and culturally, physical infirmity was sometimes associated with divine disfavor or a lack of wholeness. His lameness highlights his utter vulnerability and dependence, emphasizing the radical nature of David's grace. It symbolizes humanity's spiritual brokenness and inability to approach God on its own terms, making David's unmerited kindness even more profound.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David and Mephibosheth is a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate grace extended by King Jesus. David, the earthly king, sought out Mephibosheth, a crippled descendant of a rejected king, to bring him into his royal household and seat him at his table, not based on merit but on covenant faithfulness. In an infinitely greater way, Jesus Christ, the true King of kings, seeks out humanity, spiritually crippled by sin and alienated from God's kingdom ([Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins")). We, like Mephibosheth, are undeserving and could only expect judgment, but Christ, motivated by the Father's eternal covenant of grace and His own boundless love, extends an invitation to reconciliation. Through His atoning sacrifice, He takes away our sin and infirmity, not merely restoring our inheritance but granting us an eternal seat at His heavenly banquet table ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Just as David's *hesed* transformed Mephibosheth's life, so Christ's unmerited favor transforms us from enemies into beloved children, co-heirs with Him, and members of His eternal family, fulfilling the ultimate covenant of grace ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ"); [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")).

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

1 Chronicles 8:34

And the son of Jonathan [was] Meribbaal; and Meribbaal begat Micah.

1 Chronicles 9:40

And the son of Jonathan [was] Meribbaal: and Meribbaal begat Micah.

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.

2 Samuel 19:24

¶ And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came [again] in peace.

2 Samuel 19:30

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.

1 Samuel 25:23

And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,

1 Samuel 20:41

[And] as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of [a place] toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.