1. et dixit David putasne est aliquis qui remanserit de domo Saul ut faciam cum eo misericordiam propter Jonathan
2. erat autem de domo Saul servus nomine Siba quem cum vocasset rex ad se dixit ei tune es Siba et ille respondit ego sum servus tuus
3. et ait rex num superest aliquis de domo Saul ut faciam cum eo misericordiam Dei dixitque Siba regi superest filius Jonathan debilis pedibus
4. ubi inquit est et Siba ad regem ecce ait in domo est Machir filii Amihel in Lodabar
5. misit ergo rex David et tulit eum de domo Machir filii Amihel de Lodabar
6. cum autem venisset Mifiboseth filius Jonathan filii Saul ad David corruit in faciem suam et adoravit dixitque David Mifiboseth qui respondit adsum servus tuus
7. et ait ei David ne timeas quia faciens faciam in te misericordiam propter Jonathan patrem tuum et restituam tibi omnes agros Saul patris tui et tu comedes panem in mensa mea semper
8. qui adorans eum dixit quis ego sum servus tuus quoniam respexisti super canem mortuum similem mei
9. vocavit itaque rex Sibam puerum Saul et dixit ei omnia quæcumque fuerunt Saul et universam domum ejus dedi filio domini tui
10. operare igitur ei terram tu et filii tui et servi tui et inferes filio domini tui cibos ut alatur Mifiboseth autem filius domini tui comedet semper panem super mensam meam erant autem Sibæ quindecim filii et viginti servi
11. dixitque Siba ad regem sicut jussisti domine mi rex servo tuo sic faciet servus tuus et Mifiboseth comedet super mensam tuam quasi unus de filiis regis
12. habebat autem Mifiboseth filium parvulum nomine Micha omnis vero cognatio domus Siba serviebat Mifiboseth
13. porro Mifiboseth habitabat in Hierusalem quia de mensa regis jugiter vescebatur et erat claudus utroque pede
Footnotes:
9:1-5 - King David seeks out a descendant of Saul to show kindness, demonstrating his commitment to the covenant he made with Jonathan. This action illustrates the importance of loyalty and mercy in family and social relationships (see also 1 Samuel 20:14-17 and Psalm 89:28).
9:6-8 - Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, is brought before David and fears for his life. David, however, welcomes him and promises to restore his property, exemplifying God's grace and acceptance of the lost and marginalized (see also Luke 14:21-23 and Ephesians 2:8-9).
9:9-10 - David entrusts Ziba, Saul's servant, with the responsibility of caring for Mephibosheth's land, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with a royal position. This narrative shows how God uses people to restore and care for those in need (see also 1 Peter 4:10 and Matthew 25:14-30).
9:11-13 - Mephibosheth becomes part of the royal family and sits at David's table, symbolizing acceptance and inclusion. This gesture by David reflects the divine grace that makes us part of God's family, despite our limitations and failures (see also Galatians 3:26-28 and Revelation 19:9).
Verses related to Liber II Samuelis, 9:
2 Samuel chapter 9 recounts David's kindness to Mephibosheth. How does David honor his covenant with Jonathan? This touching text describes David's search for Saul's descendants to show kindness, resulting in the restoration of Mephibosheth. The chapter explores themes of loyalty, mercy, and keeping past promises. Mephibosheth's physical condition adds depth to David's generosity. Consider with us five biblical passages that relate to the themes of grace and faithfulness to covenants present in this moving chapter.
Proverbs 20:28: "Love and fidelity preserve the king; through love your throne is established." - This proverb reflects David's loyalty and kindness to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9, showing how these qualities strengthen a kingship.
Micah 7:18: "Who is comparable to you, O God, who forgives sin and forgets the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You, who do not remain angry forever, but take pleasure in showing love." - David's mercy toward Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 reflects the divine mercy described in this verse.
Ephesians 2:4-5: "However, God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, made us alive together with Christ, even when we were dead in transgressions - by grace you have been saved." - David's grace toward Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 prefigures the divine grace described by Paul in this passage.
Romans 12:10: "Dedicate yourselves to each other with brotherly love. Prefer to give honor to others more than to yourself." - David's attitude in honoring the memory of Jonathan through Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 exemplifies this New Testament principle.
James 2:13: "For judgment without mercy will be exercised on those who have not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" - David's mercy toward Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 illustrates the principle laid out by James in this verse.
FAQ:
Who was Mephibosheth and why did David favor him?
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. David favored him out of love for Jonathan, restoring Saul's land to him and allowing him to eat at his table. (2 Samuel 9:6-7)
How did David show kindness to the house of Saul?
David sought out Saul's descendants and found Mephibosheth, guaranteeing him provisions and a place at the royal table, fulfilling his covenant with Jonathan. (2 Samuel 9:1-7)
What was Mephibosheth's physical condition?
Mephibosheth had been lame in his feet since childhood, the result of a fall when his nurse fled after the death of Saul and Jonathan. (2 Samuel 9:3, 13)
Who was Ziba and what was his role in the story of Mephibosheth?
Ziba was a servant of Saul. David called him to find Saul’s descendants and then appointed him to manage Mephibosheth’s land. (2 Samuel 9:2, 9-10)
What does the story of Mephibosheth teach us about grace?
Just as David showed kindness to Mephibosheth, God offers us undeserved grace, inviting us to His table despite our limitations. (2 Samuel 9:7, 13)
