This chapter relates David’s inquiry after the posterity of Saul, whether any were living and where they were, 2 Sam. 9:1–4; and on inquiry being informed of one, he sent for him, and kindly received him, 2 Sam.

And David said To some of his courtiers: is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul? which question was put by him, not in order to destroy them, lest they should disturb his government, as was usual with other princes, and especially such who got their crowns by usurpation; but to prevent…

And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba Or there was a servant that belonged to Saul’s family; not that any of Saul’s family was a servant; and this servant the Jews commonly say was a Canaanitish servant, and who upon the death of his master was not made free, but became…

And the king said, is there not yet any of the house of Saul; that is, remaining or living: that I may show the kindness of God unto him? great kindness, some large favour or benefit; for the word God added to things, as to trees, mountains serves to set forth the excellency of them; and this…

And the king said unto him, where is he? &c.] In what part of the land, city, or town, does he dwell? and Ziba said unto the king, behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel; a descendant of Machir, the son of Manasseh, to whom the land of Gilead was given, which lay on the other side…

Then King David sent Messengers; it may be Ziba, none being more proper than he that knew him, and where he was: and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar; they demanded him in the king’s name, and being delivered to them, they brought him from thence to Jerusalem.

Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, &c.] For that was his name, though sometimes called Meribbaal, ; and this was his relation to Jonathan and Saul, the son of the one, and grandson of the other: was come unto David; to his court and palace in Jerusalem, being thither…

And David said unto him, fear not He might observe a dejection in his countenance, a trembling in his limbs, and might discover signs of fear lest David should cut him off, because he was of the seed royal: for I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake; whom he loved as his…

And he bowed himself In token of gratitude, and as a sign of humility, and of the sense he had of his unworthiness to enjoy such a favour: and said, what is thy servant, that thou shouldest look on such a dead dog as I am? one so mean, and base, and worthless; which he might say with respect to the…

Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant Who had been his servant: and said unto him, I have given unto thy master’s son; meaning either, as some, the son of Mephibosheth, Micha after mentioned; or rather Mephibosheth himself, the grandson of Saul, whose servant Ziba had been: all that…

Thou therefore, thy sons, and thy servants Which were many, and whose numbers are after given: shall till the land for him; manure it, plough it, sow it, and reap it: and thou shall bring in the fruits; the corn, and oil, and wine, the land produces: that thy master’s son may have food to eat;…

Then said Ziba unto the king, according to all the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do Till the land, and bring the fruits of it to Mephibosheth, for the support of his family; he promised very fair, had he been as faithful to his trust: as for Mephibosheth, said the king, he…

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha What his age was is not said from him sprung a progeny of several generations, ; and all that dwelt in the house Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth; his sons and his servants.

So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem Either in some apartments in the king’s palace, or in some house in the city provided for him; for he returned not to Lodebar, nor to any mansion house upon the estate, of Saul restored unto him: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; to which he was…