2 Samuel 4:4

And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son [that was] lame of [his] feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name [was] Mephibosheth.

And Jonathan {H3083}, Saul's {H7586} son {H1121}, had a son {H1121} that was lame {H5223} of his feet {H7272}. He was five {H2568} years {H8141} old {H1121} when the tidings {H8052} came {H935} of Saul {H7586} and Jonathan {H3083} out of Jezreel {H3157}, and his nurse {H539} took him up {H5375}, and fled {H5127}: and it came to pass, as she made haste {H2648} to flee {H5127}, that he fell {H5307}, and became lame {H6452}. And his name {H8034} was Mephibosheth {H4648}.

Now Y'honatan the son of Sha'ul's had a son, and he was lame in both legs. He had been five years old when the news about Sha'ul and Y'honatan came from Yizre'el. His nurse had gathered him up and fled; but as she was hurrying to get away, he fell and became lame. His name was M'fivoshet.

And Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to escape, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.

Now Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel; and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.

Commentary

2 Samuel 4:4 introduces a pivotal character, Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. This verse explains the tragic origin of his lifelong lameness, an event that profoundly shaped his life and future interactions within the unfolding narrative of David's reign.

Context

This verse is set during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, immediately following the devastating defeat at the Battle of Mount Gilboa, where King Saul and his sons, including Jonathan, were killed. The "tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel" refers to the news of their death reaching the royal household. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the death of a king often led to purges of the former dynasty to prevent rival claims to the throne. The nurse's hurried flight was an attempt to save Mephibosheth from potential execution, highlighting the extreme danger faced by remnants of Saul's house.

Key Themes

  • Tragedy and Vulnerability: The verse starkly portrays the sudden and lasting impact of a single accident. Mephibosheth's lameness, acquired at just five years old, symbolizes the vulnerability of the royal family in a period of political upheaval.
  • Consequences of Chaos: The accident itself is a direct result of the panic and instability surrounding the news of Saul's death. It illustrates how broader societal or political turmoil can have deeply personal and lasting consequences.
  • Preservation of Lineage: Despite the tragedy, Mephibosheth's survival ensures the continuation of Jonathan's direct line. This becomes crucial later in the narrative, particularly in relation to David's covenant with Jonathan.

Linguistic Insights

The name Mephibosheth (Hebrew: מְפִיבֹשֶׁת, Mephiboshet) is significant. While some scholars interpret it as "dispeller of shame" or "from the mouth of shame," it highlights a potential irony given his physical condition and the shame often associated with disability in ancient cultures. His later restoration by David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 9:7, powerfully reverses this potential shame, demonstrating grace and covenant faithfulness.

Reflection and Application

Mephibosheth's story begins with an unexpected fall that leaves him permanently disabled, a poignant reminder that life's most challenging circumstances can arise suddenly and without warning. Yet, this initial tragedy sets the stage for a remarkable display of grace and covenant keeping. Just as David, years later, sought out Mephibosheth to show him kindness for Jonathan's sake (2 Samuel 9:1), this narrative foreshadows God's own initiative to extend grace to us, even in our "lameness" or brokenness, bringing us into His presence and providing for us. It encourages us to look beyond immediate misfortune to the greater plan of divine providence and the enduring power of faithfulness.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 9:3 (7 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:34 (4 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 9:6 (4 votes)

    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!

  • 1 Chronicles 9:40 (4 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 29:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which [is] in Jezreel.

  • 1 Samuel 31:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.

  • 1 Samuel 31:10 (3 votes)

    And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan.