2 Sam. 9 David, for Jonathan’s sake, sendeth for his son Mephibosheth, 2 Sam. 9:1–6; entertaineth him at his table; and restoreth him all that was Saul’s; appointing Ziba to be his servant, 2 Sam. 9:7–13.

David’s wars being ended, he set himself to the administration of justice to all his people, 2 Sam. 8:15; and, amongst others, he minds his just debt and obligation to Jonathan and his family.

A servant; one who had been a servant, and, as it may seem, a steward to Saul. See Poole “2 Sam. 9:10”.

The kindness of God; either, first, That kindness which I owe him for God’s sake, and by virtue of my oath given to him about it, 1 Sam. 20:14–15. But that oath seems only to oblige him to Jonathan’s posterity, and not to any other of Saul’s house. Or, secondly, Great and eminent kindness.

In a place beyond Jordan, 2 Sam. 17:27, where his friends thought he might be kept out of David’s sight.

All the land of Saul is now seized and possessed by David, as due to him, either in right of his wife, to whom the inheritance was devolved, Saul’s sons by his wives being all dead; see Num.

So contemptible in my person and condition.

That thy master’s son may have food to eat, i.e. that he may have wherewith to buy food for all his family, and all manner of provisions (which oft come under the title of food and bread) necessary for himself and them.

These are the words, either, first, Of David; the words said he, or said the king, being supplied out of the former and following verses. Or, secondly, Of Ziba, being thus rendered and understood.

Mephibosheth had a young son; either, first, Before he was discovered and brought to the king; and then David seems guilty of a great error in forgetting his dear Jonathan so long; although his long and continued wars, both civil and foreign, might afford him some excuse, as filling his mind and…