2 Samuel 9:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto him, Fear {H3372} not: for I will surely {H6213} shew {H6213} thee kindness {H2617} for Jonathan {H3083} thy father's {H1} sake, and will restore {H7725} thee all the land {H7704} of Saul {H7586} thy father {H1}; and thou shalt eat {H398} bread {H3899} at my table {H7979} continually {H8548}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David said to him, "Don't be afraid, for I am determined to be kind to you for the sake of Y'honatan your father. I will restore to you all the land of Sha'ul your [grand]father, and you will always eat at my table."

Berean Standard Bible

“Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”

American Standard Version

And David said unto him, Fear not; for I will surely show 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 9:7 encapsulates King David's profound demonstration of covenant loyalty and unmerited kindness towards Mephibosheth, the son of his beloved friend Jonathan and grandson of the late King Saul. Despite Mephibosheth's physical lameness and his familial connection to David's predecessor, David pledges to restore all of Saul's land to him and grant him a perpetual place at the royal table. This verse highlights David's faithfulness to his oath, his compassionate character, and sets a powerful precedent for grace and restoration within the Davidic kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the pivotal moment in 2 Samuel 9, a chapter that interrupts the broader narrative of David's consolidation of power and military victories (chapters 8 and 10). Following David's establishment of Jerusalem as his capital and his victories over surrounding nations, the text shifts to an internal act of Davidic justice and mercy. Chapter 9 begins with David's inquiry, "Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, to whom I may show kindness for Jonathan's sake?" (/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1 - David's Inquiry"). This question sets the stage for the discovery of Mephibosheth, a lame man living in obscurity, and culminates in David's gracious pronouncements in verse 7. The preceding chapter, 2 Samuel 8, details David's military triumphs, making his subsequent act of kindness in 2 Samuel 9 a striking contrast, emphasizing that his reign is not merely about power but also about righteousness and covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was common practice for a new dynasty to eliminate all potential rivals from the previous ruling house to secure its power. Saul's descendants, particularly a male heir, would have been seen as a threat. Mephibosheth himself, having been dropped by his nurse in a panicked flight after news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths (/2_samuel/4-4 "2 Samuel 4:4 - Mephibosheth's Injury"), would have lived in constant fear for his life. David's actions directly counter this cultural norm, demonstrating a radical departure from expected royal behavior. His commitment to the covenant made with Jonathan (/1_samuel/20-14 "1 Samuel 20:14 - Jonathan's Request for Kindness") transcends political expediency, showcasing a king whose rule is grounded in loyalty and divine principles rather than mere human power. The restoration of land was also significant, as land represented identity, inheritance, and economic security in Israelite society.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Samuel 9:7 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in the broader narrative of David's reign and the book of Samuel. It vividly illustrates **covenant faithfulness**, as David honors his solemn oath to Jonathan, even years after his death. This act of loyalty echoes God's own covenant faithfulness to Israel. It also showcases **unmerited kindness** or **grace (hesed)**, as Mephibosheth, a descendant of a rival house and physically disabled, receives favor not based on his merit but on the basis of another's righteousness (Jonathan's). This foreshadows God's grace to humanity. Furthermore, the verse highlights **restoration and inheritance**, as Mephibosheth's ancestral lands are returned, symbolizing a reversal of fortune and the re-establishment of dignity. Finally, the theme of **table fellowship and security** is prominent, signifying Mephibosheth's permanent inclusion in the king's inner circle, protected and provided for, much like the promise of God's provision and presence for His people, as seen in passages like [Psalm 23:5](/psalm/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - God Prepares a Table").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kindness (Hebrew, _ḥesed'_):** This is a profound theological term, often translated as "loyal love," "mercy," "steadfast love," or "covenant faithfulness." It describes a deep, enduring commitment that goes beyond mere pity or charity, reflecting an active, unwavering loyalty within a relationship, particularly a covenantal one. David's use of _ḥesed_ here is not a casual offer but a deliberate act rooted in his unbreakable oath to Jonathan, mirroring the very nature of God's own covenantal love for His people, which is steadfast and enduring.
* **Restore (Hebrew, _šûḇ'_):** While often meaning "to return" or "to turn back," in this context, _šûḇ_ carries the strong connotation of "to give back," "to restore," or "to cause to return." It implies a reversal of a previous state, bringing back what was lost or taken away. For Mephibosheth, this meant the return of the ancestral lands of Saul's house, which would have been confiscated by the new regime. This act of restoration was not just economic but also symbolic, restoring his status, dignity, and connection to his heritage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said unto him, Fear not:"** Mephibosheth, as a descendant of King Saul, would have naturally approached David with trepidation, expecting judgment or death, as was customary for new monarchs. David's opening words immediately address and dispel this deep-seated fear, establishing a tone of reassurance and benevolence that sets the stage for his subsequent radical acts of grace. This phrase underscores the unexpected nature of David's intentions.
* **"for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake,"** This is the core declaration of David's motivation. The "kindness" (ḥesed) is explicitly stated to be "for Jonathan thy father's sake," not for any merit or action on Mephibosheth's part. This highlights the covenant David made with Jonathan, demonstrating David's unwavering faithfulness to his oath and his deep affection for his friend. It establishes the basis of the grace Mephibosheth is about to receive.
* **"and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father;"** This is a concrete and significant act of restoration. The land of Saul, likely confiscated upon his death, represented wealth, status, and inheritance. By returning it, David not only provides for Mephibosheth's material well-being but also symbolically reinstates his position and dignity within the kingdom, reversing the expected outcome for a member of a deposed dynasty.
* **"and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually."** This promise signifies the highest level of favor, security, and inclusion. To "eat bread at the king's table continually" meant permanent provision, protection, and honor, treating Mephibosheth as one of the king's own sons. It removed him from obscurity and fear, placing him directly within the king's inner circle, a powerful symbol of intimate fellowship and unshakeable security.

#### Literary Devices
2 Samuel 9:7 is rich in **Symbolism**, particularly with the imagery of "eating bread at my table continually." The **table** symbolizes intimate fellowship, provision, protection, and acceptance within the king's family. For Mephibosheth, a lame and fearful descendant of a rival house, this was the ultimate sign of unmerited favor and secure belonging. The phrase "continually" emphasizes the permanence and unwavering nature of this provision. The narrative also employs **Irony**, as Mephibosheth, who expected punishment or death due to his lineage and disability, receives instead radical grace, land restoration, and royal fellowship. This subversion of expectations highlights David's unique character and the divine nature of his kingdom. Furthermore, the entire chapter, culminating in this verse, functions as a **Type** or foreshadowing of God's grace towards humanity, bringing the "lame" and undeserving into His royal family through a covenant of love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 9:7 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical concept of grace, demonstrating how a king, through covenant faithfulness, extends unmerited favor to one who could reasonably expect judgment. David's actions toward Mephibosheth mirror God's own _ḥesed_ (loyal love) towards humanity. Just as Mephibosheth's lameness and lineage made him an unlikely recipient of royal favor, so too are humanity's sin and brokenness the very conditions under which God extends His saving grace. This narrative underscores that true kindness is not earned but freely given, rooted in a prior commitment or relationship, and leads to restoration, security, and intimate fellowship. It challenges believers to reflect this divine attribute in their own interactions, extending grace and mercy to the "unworthy" or those on the margins.

* [Psalm 23:5](/psalm/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - The Lord Prepares a Table")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of David and Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:7 offers a profound mirror for our own spiritual condition and God's boundless grace. Like Mephibosheth, we are often spiritually "lame" and alienated from the King due to our sin and brokenness, deserving of judgment rather than favor. Yet, through His covenant of grace, God, like David, seeks us out, dispels our fears, restores our lost inheritance (our relationship with Him and our purpose), and invites us to a permanent place at His table. This narrative calls us to embrace the radical nature of God's unmerited favor, recognizing that our standing before Him is not based on our merit but on His steadfast love and the covenant established through Christ. Furthermore, it challenges us to embody this _ḥesed_ in our daily lives, extending radical kindness, forgiveness, and inclusion to those who are marginalized, broken, or considered "unworthy" by societal standards, thereby reflecting the very heart of God to a hurting world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you identify with Mephibosheth's fear and sense of unworthiness before the King?**
* **How does David's _ḥesed_ toward Mephibosheth illuminate your understanding of God's grace towards you?**
* **What "land" or "inheritance" has God restored to you through His kindness?**
* **How can you extend "table fellowship" and unmerited kindness to others in your sphere of influence, especially those who might feel alienated or "lame"?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Mephibosheth's lameness?**

Answer: Mephibosheth's lameness, resulting from a childhood accident (/2_samuel/4-4 "2 Samuel 4:4 - Mephibosheth's Injury"), was significant on several levels. Physically, it made him dependent and vulnerable in a society where physical wholeness was often valued. Symbolically, it underscored his weakness and inability to pose a threat to David, making David's kindness even more remarkable as it was clearly not for any perceived strength or merit. Theologically, his lameness serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity's spiritual brokenness and inability to approach God on our own terms, highlighting that God's grace is extended to the weak and undeserving.

**Why was David so determined to show kindness to Saul's household?**

Answer: David's determination stemmed primarily from a solemn covenant (an oath sworn before God) he made with Jonathan, Saul's son, years earlier. Jonathan, knowing David would become king, asked David to "show me the kindness of the Lord, that I may not die; and you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever" (/1_samuel/20-14 "1 Samuel 20:14 - Jonathan's Request for Kindness"). David, a "man after God's own heart," meticulously honored his oath, demonstrating his integrity, faithfulness, and deep personal loyalty to his deceased friend, reflecting God's own covenant faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 9:7 is a beautiful prefigurement of the ultimate grace offered by the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Just as Mephibosheth, a lame descendant of a rival house, was sought out by David and brought into royal favor not by his own merit but "for Jonathan thy father's sake," so too are fallen humanity—spiritually lame and alienated by sin—sought out by God. We are brought into His family and given an eternal inheritance not by our works, but "for Jesus our Lord's sake" (/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Did Not Spare His Own Son"). Jesus, the true Davidic King, fulfills this promise of grace, restoring our lost spiritual inheritance through His atoning sacrifice on the cross (/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood"). He invites us, the undeserving, to perpetual fellowship at His table, symbolizing intimate communion and eternal security in the Kingdom of God, a promise beautifully depicted in the Lord's Supper (/1_corinthians/11-23 "1 Corinthians 11:23 - The Lord's Supper") and the ultimate marriage supper of the Lamb (/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"). Through Christ, our fear is dispelled, our brokenness is redeemed, and we are adopted as sons and daughters, seated with Him in heavenly places (/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ").

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 9:1

¶ And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?

1 Kings 2:7

But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

2 Samuel 9:3

And the king said, [Is] there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, [which is] lame on [his] feet.

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?

Ruth 2:11

And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and [how] thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

Ruth 2:12

The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Luke 1:29

And when she saw [him], she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.