2 Samuel 9:11

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.

Study Bible

And Ziba said to the king
Ziba, a servant of Saul's household, is speaking to King David. The name "Ziba" in Hebrew means "statue" or "pillar," suggesting a person of standing or stability. In the historical context, Ziba represents the old guard of Saul's reign, now serving under David. His interaction with David highlights the transition of power and loyalty from Saul's house to David's. This phrase sets the stage for the fulfillment of David's covenant with Jonathan, Saul's son, to show kindness to his descendants.

Your servant will do
The phrase "Your servant" reflects a posture of humility and obedience. In Hebrew, the word for servant is "ebed," which denotes a bondservant or one who is in service to another. This reflects the biblical principle of servanthood, where true greatness is found in serving others, a theme echoed by Jesus in the New Testament. Ziba's willingness to serve underscores the importance of faithfulness and duty in the kingdom of God.

all that my lord the king has commanded
The word "commanded" in Hebrew is "tsavah," which means to give orders or to charge. This reflects the authority of the king and the expectation of obedience from his subjects. In the biblical narrative, the king's command is not just a directive but a reflection of divine order, as kings were seen as God's appointed rulers. Ziba's response indicates his recognition of David's authority and his commitment to fulfill the king's wishes, which in this context, is to care for Mephibosheth.

So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table
Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, is brought into the king's household. The act of eating at the king's table signifies acceptance, honor, and provision. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal was a sign of covenant and fellowship. This gesture by David is a powerful symbol of grace and restoration, as Mephibosheth, who was once in hiding and fear, is now given a place of honor.

like one of the king’s sons
This phrase highlights the theme of adoption and inclusion. Mephibosheth, though not biologically David's son, is treated with the same love and respect as David's own children. This reflects the biblical theme of God's grace, where believers are adopted into God's family and given the rights and privileges of sons and daughters. Historically, this act of kindness by David fulfills his covenant with Jonathan and demonstrates the transformative power of grace and mercy in relationships.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, known for his heart after God. In this chapter, he seeks to show kindness for the sake of Jonathan, his late friend.

2. Mephibosheth
The son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. He is crippled in both feet and represents the remnant of Saul's household.

3. Ziba
A servant of Saul's household who becomes a servant to Mephibosheth at David's command.

4. Jonathan
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the deceased father of Mephibosheth and a close friend of David.

5. Jerusalem
The city where David reigns as king and where Mephibosheth comes to live and eat at the king's table.

Teaching Points

Covenant Faithfulness
David's actions towards Mephibosheth demonstrate the importance of keeping promises and showing loyalty, even beyond the grave.

Grace and Kindness
David's invitation to Mephibosheth to eat at his table is a powerful example of grace, offering us a model for how we should treat others, especially those who cannot repay us.

Adoption into God's Family
Just as Mephibosheth was treated as one of the king's sons, believers are adopted into God's family, receiving the same privileges and love.

Humility and Service
Ziba's response to David's command shows a heart of service and obedience, reminding us of our call to serve others faithfully.

Overcoming Prejudices
David's acceptance of Mephibosheth, despite his physical disability and family background, challenges us to look beyond external appearances and societal biases.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's treatment of Mephibosheth reflect the character of God as seen in other parts of Scripture?

2. In what ways can we show kindness and grace to those who are marginalized or disadvantaged in our communities?

3. How does the concept of being adopted into God's family, as seen in Romans 8, enhance our understanding of our identity in Christ?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate covenant faithfulness in our relationships today?

5. How can we overcome personal prejudices to extend love and acceptance to those who are different from us, as David did with Mephibosheth?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 20
This chapter details the covenant between David and Jonathan, which is the basis for David's kindness to Mephibosheth.

Luke 14:12-14
Jesus teaches about inviting the poor and crippled to your table, reflecting David's actions towards Mephibosheth.

Romans 8:15-17
Paul speaks of believers being adopted as sons of God, similar to Mephibosheth being treated as one of the king's sons.