2 Samuel 9:12

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name [was] Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba [were] servants unto Mephibosheth.

And Mephibosheth {H4648} had a young {H6996} son {H1121}, whose name {H8034} was Micha {H4316}. And all that dwelt {H4186} in the house {H1004} of Ziba {H6717} were servants {H5650} unto Mephibosheth {H4648}.

M'fivoshet had a young son whose name was Mikha. Everyone living in Tziva's house was a servant of M'fivoshet.

And Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth.

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:12

2 Samuel 9:12 provides a brief but significant detail about Mephibosheth's restored status and the continuation of his lineage. It notes that Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, had a young son named Micha. Furthermore, it explicitly states that all those who lived in the house of Ziba, Saul's former servant, were now servants to Mephibosheth. This verse solidifies Mephibosheth's re-established position of honor and authority under King David's benevolent rule.

Context

This verse is part of a moving narrative in 2 Samuel chapter 9, where King David, demonstrating remarkable covenant faithfulness and kindness, sought to honor his promise to his dear friend Jonathan. David inquired if any of Saul's house remained, specifically to show them "kindness for Jonathan's sake." He discovered Mephibosheth, who was lame in both his feet (2 Samuel 9:3). David then restored to Mephibosheth all the land that belonged to Saul and his house (2 Samuel 9:7) and commanded Ziba, along with his sons and servants, to cultivate the land and bring in its produce for Mephibosheth's household (2 Samuel 9:9-10). Mephibosheth was also granted the immense privilege of eating continually at King David's own table, effectively treating him as one of the king's sons. Verse 12 confirms the practical implications of this restoration, detailing Mephibosheth's family and the transfer of Ziba's household to his service.

Key Themes

  • Restoration and Grace: The verse underscores David's extraordinary kindness and grace, extending favor to the descendant of a rival king. Mephibosheth, once destitute and fearing for his life, was not only spared but elevated to a position of wealth and honor.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: David's actions are a direct fulfillment of the solemn covenant he made with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-15). This highlights the importance of keeping promises, especially sacred agreements.
  • Dynastic Continuity: The mention of Mephibosheth's son, Micha, signifies that the line of Jonathan, and by extension Saul, would continue. However, this continuity is now firmly established under the benevolent umbrella of David's reign, rather than in opposition to it.
  • Transferred Authority and Stewardship: The fact that Ziba's household now served Mephibosheth illustrates the complete transfer of resources and social standing. Mephibosheth was no longer just a recipient of charity; he was now a master with servants and an estate, requiring careful stewardship.

Practical Application

This passage offers profound insights for believers today. Just as Mephibosheth, a descendant of a former enemy, was shown undeserved favor by King David, so too does God extend His unmerited grace to humanity. We, who were once alienated from God because of sin, are brought into His family, given a place at His table, and restored to a position of dignity and purpose. The narrative also reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in keeping our commitments, echoing God's own perfect faithfulness to His covenants. Moreover, Mephibosheth's new position as a master over Ziba's household can be seen as a metaphor for the resources and responsibilities God entrusts to us as His children, calling us to faithful stewardship of all that He provides.

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Cross-References

  • Micah 7:5 (2 votes)

    Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

  • Micah 7:6 (2 votes)

    For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies [are] the men of his own house.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:34 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 8:40 (2 votes)

    And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these [are] of the sons of Benjamin.

  • 1 Chronicles 9:40 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 9:44 (2 votes)

    And Azel had six sons, whose names [are] these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these [were] the sons of Azel.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:8 (2 votes)

    And Shaharaim begat [children] in the country of Moab, after he had sent them away; Hushim and Baara [were] his wives.