2 Samuel 9:11

Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, [said the king], he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons.

Then said {H559} Ziba {H6717} unto the king {H4428}, According to all that my lord {H113} the king {H4428} hath commanded {H6680} his servant {H5650}, so shall thy servant {H5650} do {H6213}. As for Mephibosheth {H4648}, said the king, he shall eat {H398} at my table {H7979}, as one {H259} of the king's {H4428} sons {H1121}.

Tziva said to the king, "Your servant will do everything my lord the king commands his servant, although M'fivoshet has been eating at my table as one of the king's descendants."

And Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do all that my lord the king has commanded.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s own sons.

Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king commandeth his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons.

Commentary

Context

2 Samuel 9 records a beautiful demonstration of King David's covenant faithfulness and profound grace. After establishing his kingdom, David inquired if anyone from Saul's house remained, not to eliminate them (as was common practice for new dynasties), but to show kindness "for Jonathan's sake." He discovered Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, who was lame in both feet (2 Samuel 4:4) and living in obscurity. David restored all the land that belonged to Saul and his family to Mephibosheth and commanded Ziba, Saul's former servant, and his household to cultivate it and bring its produce to Mephibosheth.

Verse 11 is Ziba's confirmation to David, affirming his compliance with the king's command. The latter part of the verse reiterates David's most significant decree concerning Mephibosheth's status: he would not merely receive land but would be perpetually welcomed at the royal table, enjoying the status and privileges "as one of the king's sons." This solidified Mephibosheth's position within the royal household, far beyond simple provision.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Faithfulness: David's actions are a direct fulfillment of the solemn covenant he made with Jonathan, demonstrating loyalty that transcends political expediency or personal gain.
  • Unmerited Grace and Mercy: Mephibosheth, as a descendant of Saul, could have been seen as a threat or an object of scorn. Instead, David extended extraordinary kindness (Hebrew: chesed, often translated as steadfast love or mercy) to one who had no claim or merit.
  • Restoration and Inclusion: From a state of fear and obscurity, Mephibosheth is brought into the king's immediate presence, granted full provision, honor, and security. He is elevated from exile to intimate fellowship.
  • Symbolism of the King's Table: Eating at the king's table signifies fellowship, acceptance, provision, protection, and a shared identity. It represents a permanent place within the royal family, regardless of one's past or physical condition.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "he shall eat at my table" is highly significant. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal, especially at a king's table, was a profound act of covenantal fellowship and hospitality. It symbolized a bond of loyalty, protection, and shared life. For Mephibosheth, who was lame and likely felt marginalized, this invitation was not just about food; it was about full acceptance and restoration to a place of honor and belonging within the royal family, treated "as one of the king's sons," despite being a descendant of the former, rival dynasty.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful illustration of God's grace towards humanity. Like Mephibosheth, we are often spiritually "lame" or broken by sin, with no inherent claim to God's favor. Yet, through His unmerited kindness, God brings us into His presence, not merely as servants, but as adopted children, granting us a permanent place at His table. This concept resonates with the New Testament teaching on salvation by grace through faith and our adoption into God's family (Galatians 4:5). It reminds us that our worth and security come not from our own abilities or lineage, but from the King's gracious invitation and covenant love.

Furthermore, David's example challenges us to extend grace and mercy to others, particularly to those who may be marginalized, overlooked, or even perceived as "enemies." It calls us to seek out opportunities for inclusion and restoration, reflecting the heart of our gracious God.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 19:26 (4 votes)

    And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant [is] lame.

  • 2 Samuel 16:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 19:17 (2 votes)

    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.