Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now there was a servant of Saul’s household named Ziba. They summoned him to appear before David, and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” “At your service,” he replied. New Living Translation He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul’s servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked. “Yes sir, I am,” Ziba replied. English Standard Version Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” Berean Standard Bible And there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. Berean Literal Bible And to the house of Saul was a servant, and his name was Ziba. And they called him to David, and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “Your servant.” King James Bible And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. New King James Version And there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba. So when they had called him to David, the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” He said, “At your service!” New American Standard Bible Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they summoned him to David; and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” NASB 1995 Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David; and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” NASB 1977 Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David; and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” Legacy Standard Bible Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David; and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” Amplified Bible There was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, so they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” He said, “I am your servant.” Berean Annotated Bible And there was a servant of the house of Saul (desired) named Ziba (statue). They summoned him to David (beloved), and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba? “I am your servant, he replied. Christian Standard Bible There was a servant of Saul’s family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba? ” “I am your servant,” he replied. Holman Christian Standard Bible There was a servant of Saul’s family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?"” I am your servant,” he replied. American Standard Version And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him unto David; and the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. Contemporary English Version David called in Ziba, one of the servants of Saul's family. David said, "So you are Ziba." "Yes, Your Majesty, I am." English Revised Version And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him unto David; and the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. GOD'S WORD® Translation Now, Saul's family had a servant whose name was Ziba. He was summoned to [come to] David. "Are you Ziba?" the king asked him. "[Yes,] I am," he answered. Good News Translation There was a servant of Saul's family named Ziba, and he was told to go to David. "Are you Ziba?" the king asked. "At your service, sir," he answered. International Standard Version A household servant of Saul named Ziba was called to appear before David, and the king asked him, "Are you Ziba?" "I am your servant," Ziba replied. NET Bible Now there was a servant from Saul's house named Ziba, so he was summoned to David. The king asked him, "Are you Ziba?" He replied, "At your service." New Heart English Bible There was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David; and the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" He said, "Your servant is he." Webster's Bible Translation And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him to David, the king said to him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. World English Bible There was of Saul’s house a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David; and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” He said, “I am your servant.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the house of Saul has a servant, and his name [is] Ziba, and they call for him to David; and the king says to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he says, “Your servant.” Berean Literal Bible And to the house of Saul was a servant, and his name was Ziba. And they called him to David, and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “Your servant.” Young's Literal Translation And the house of Saul hath a servant, and his name is Ziba, and they call for him unto David; and the king saith unto him, 'Art thou Ziba?' and he saith, 'Thy servant.' Smith's Literal Translation And to the house of Saul a servant and his name Ziba. And they will call for him to David, and the king will say to him, Thou Ziba? and he will say, Thy servant. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow there was of the house of Saul, a servant named Siba: and when the king had called him to him, he said to him: Art thou Siba? And he answered: I am Siba thy servant. Catholic Public Domain Version Now there was, from the house of Saul, a servant named Ziba. And when the king had called him to himself, he said to him, “Are you not Ziba?” And he responded, “I am your servant.” New American Bible Now there was an official of the house of Saul named Ziba. He was summoned to David, and the king asked him, “Are you Ziba?” He replied, “Your servant.” New Revised Standard Version Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and he was summoned to David. The king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “At your service!” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And they called him to David, and the king said to him, Are you Ziba? And he said, I am your servant. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And to the household of Shaul there was a Servant, and his name was Tsiba, and they called him to David and the King said to him: “Are you Tsiba?” And he said: “I am your Servant!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him unto David; and the king said unto him: 'Art thou Ziba?' And he said: 'Thy servant is he.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And there was a servant of the house of Saul, and his name was Siba: and they call him to David; and the king said to him, Art thou Siba? and he said, I am thy servant. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David and Mephibosheth1Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” 2And there was a servant of Saul’s family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. 3So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.”… Cross References And there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba. 2 Samuel 19:17 along with a thousand men of Benjamin, as well as Ziba the steward of the house of Saul and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed down to the Jordan before the king 2 Samuel 16:1 When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. 2 Samuel 16:3 “Where is your master’s grandson?” asked the king. And Ziba answered, “Indeed, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he has said, ‘Today, the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my grandfather.’” They summoned him to David, 2 Samuel 14:33 So Joab went and told the king, and David summoned Absalom, who came to him and bowed facedown before him. Then the king kissed Absalom. 1 Kings 1:28 Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba for me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before him. 1 Samuel 16:12 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” 1 Samuel 17:58 “Whose son are you, young man?” asked Saul. “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem,” David replied. 1 Samuel 17:55 As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” “As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know.” “I am your servant,” he replied. 2 Samuel 15:21 But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” 1 Samuel 17:32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!” 2 Samuel 7:20 What more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, O Lord GOD. 1 Samuel 20:14-17 And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, / and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” / So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” … 1 Samuel 18:3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 1 Samuel 20:42 And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. 1 Samuel 23:18 So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home. 2 Samuel 4:4 And Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to escape, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth. Treasury of Scripture And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him to David, the king said to him, Are you Ziba? And he said, Your servant is he. a servant Genesis 15:2,3 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? … Genesis 24:2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: Genesis 39:6 And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. was Ziba 2 Samuel 16:1-4 And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine… 2 Samuel 19:17,27-29 And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over Jordan before the king… Jump to Previous Appear David House Household Saul Saul's Servant ZibaJump to Next Appear David House Household Saul Saul's Servant Ziba2 Samuel 9 1. David by Ziba sends for Mephibosheth7. For Jonathan's sake he restores to him all that was Saul's 9. He makes Ziba his farmer And there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba. Ziba was a servant in the household of Saul, Israel's first king. After Saul's death, his household would have been in a precarious position, as the transition of power to David, who was from a different tribe, could have led to the elimination of Saul's family and associates. Ziba's role as a servant indicates he was likely responsible for managing the affairs of Saul's estate. This context highlights the political and social dynamics of the time, where loyalty to a former king could be dangerous. The mention of Ziba by name suggests his importance in the narrative, as he becomes a key figure in the story of Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, known for his heart after God and his covenant with Jonathan, Saul's son. 2. Ziba A servant from the house of Saul, who plays a crucial role in connecting David to Mephibosheth. 3. House of Saul The former royal family of Israel, now largely fallen from power after Saul's death. 4. Mephibosheth Although not mentioned in this specific verse, he is the son of Jonathan and the grandson of Saul, whom David seeks to show kindness to for Jonathan's sake. 5. Jerusalem The city where David reigns as king and where this event takes place. Teaching Points Covenant FaithfulnessDavid's inquiry about the house of Saul demonstrates his commitment to the covenant he made with Jonathan. As believers, we are called to honor our commitments and show loyalty, reflecting God's faithfulness. Kindness to Others David's actions towards Mephibosheth, through Ziba, exemplify kindness and mercy. We are encouraged to extend grace and kindness, even to those who may not expect it, as a reflection of Christ's love. Servanthood Ziba's response, "I am your servant," highlights the importance of a servant's heart. In our walk with Christ, we are called to serve others selflessly, following the example of Jesus. God's Sovereignty The unfolding events show God's hand in fulfilling His purposes. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace and assurance in our lives, knowing He orchestrates events for His glory and our good. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 9:2?2. How does 2 Samuel 9:2 demonstrate David's commitment to honoring past relationships? 3. What can we learn about loyalty from David's actions in 2 Samuel 9:2? 4. How does David's kindness in 2 Samuel 9:2 reflect Christ's love for us? 5. How can we apply David's example of kindness in our daily interactions? 6. In what ways does 2 Samuel 9:2 encourage us to seek reconciliation and peace? 7. What is the significance of Ziba's role in 2 Samuel 9:2? 8. How does 2 Samuel 9:2 reflect David's character and leadership? 9. Why is the mention of Saul's servant important in 2 Samuel 9:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 9? 11. Does the sudden bestowal of Saul’s property to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:7–10 conflict with earlier accounts suggesting David had already taken Saul’s possessions? 12. In 2 Samuel 9:1, how is it historical or archaeologically verifiable that no one else knew of Saul’s surviving heir except David’s court? 13. In 2 Samuel 9:3, how do we reconcile David's swift willingness to help Saul's descendant with the longstanding hostilities described elsewhere in 1 and 2 Samuel? 14. Why does 2 Samuel 9:4 specify Lo-debar as Mephibosheth's hiding place if there is no clear extra-biblical record of such a location or its significance? What Does 2 Samuel 9:2 Mean And there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba• Scripture introduces Ziba as “a servant of the house of Saul” (2 Samuel 9:2), anchoring him firmly in Saul’s former dynasty. • By noting this connection, the text literally affirms that David is turning toward Saul’s household, not away from it—a fulfillment of David’s earlier oath to Jonathan that he would “show kindness to the house of your father forever” (1 Samuel 20:15). • Ziba’s role reminds us that God preserves individuals, even within fallen dynasties, for His unfolding plans (compare 2 Samuel 9:1 and Romans 11:5). • Later narratives (2 Samuel 16:1–4; 19:17) will reveal the complexity of Ziba’s character, but here he is simply introduced as a real, living witness to Saul’s line. They summoned him to David • David’s court “summoned” Ziba—an act of royal initiative. This echoes David’s earlier resolve: “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1). • The king’s summons underscores God’s faithfulness—David is actively seeking opportunities to keep covenant, just as the Lord seeks and saves (Luke 19:10). • It also bridges the long conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David (2 Samuel 3:1), signaling a move from rivalry to mercy. and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” • David personally verifies Ziba’s identity, showing that covenant kindness is directed, deliberate, and grounded in truth (compare 1 Samuel 17:58, where Saul confirms David’s lineage). • The king’s question models responsible stewardship—he will bless the rightful individual, not an imposter (John 10:3–4, where the shepherd calls his own sheep by name). • This careful inquiry highlights David’s justice as well as his mercy, reflecting the balanced character God desires in leaders (Psalm 101:1). “I am your servant,” he replied • Ziba’s response is immediate: “I am your servant.” Such words acknowledge David’s God-given authority (Romans 13:1). • His declaration of servanthood mirrors Mephibosheth’s later humility (2 Samuel 19:28) and foreshadows the ultimate Servant-King, Jesus, who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). • The phrase also reveals how God can reposition people from the previous regime into rightful submission under His chosen king, demonstrating His sovereign power to reorder allegiances (Philippians 2:10–11). summary 2 Samuel 9:2 literally records a moment of covenant kindness in motion. God’s anointed king seeks out a remnant of Saul’s house, verifies identity, and receives a humble response. The verse highlights: • God’s preservation of individuals like Ziba for His purposes. • David’s faithfulness to covenant promises. • The rightful submission owed to God-appointed authority. In a single sentence, Scripture opens the door for the grace that will soon be extended to Mephibosheth, illustrating that the Lord delights to honor His word through tangible acts of mercy. Verse 2. - A servant whose name was Ziba. It is evident from this that David was not certain that Jonathan had left behind him a son; but not because of the change of name from Meribbaal (1 Chronicles 8:34); for Baal retained its innocent meaning of "lord" until the time of Jezebel. It then became the title of the Phoenician sun god; and Jezebel's shameless worship of this deity, and her cruelty to Jehovah's prophets, made the people henceforth change the name Baal into Bosheth, "the shameful thing" (see note on 2 Samuel 2:8). Mephibosheth had not changed his name, but had lived in obscurity in the wild region beyond Mahanaim. Meanwhile Ziba had probably taken care of Saul's property in the tribe of Benjamin. There is no reason to doubt that he had been steward there for Saul, and after his master's death had continued in possession of the estate. David, we may feel sure, would not interfere with it, and Ziba would hold it for Saul's heirs, who could not themselves take possession. To him David now sends, not because he expected to hear of a son of his dear friend Jonathan, but because he was ready to show kindness to any representative of the fallen monarch.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And there was a servantעֶ֙בֶד֙ (‘e·ḇeḏ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant of Saul’s שָׁא֥וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites family וּלְבֵ֨ית (ū·lə·ḇêṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house named וּשְׁמ֣וֹ (ū·šə·mōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 8034: A name Ziba. צִיבָ֔א (ṣî·ḇā) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6717: Ziba -- a servant in Saul's house They summoned וַיִּקְרְאוּ־ (way·yiq·rə·’ū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read him ל֖וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to David, דָּוִ֑ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse and the king הַמֶּ֧לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king inquired, וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Are you הַאַתָּ֥ה (ha·’at·tāh) Article | Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you Ziba?” צִיבָ֖א (ṣî·ḇā) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6717: Ziba -- a servant in Saul's house “I am your servant,” עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃ (‘aḇ·de·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant he replied. וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say Links 2 Samuel 9:2 NIV2 Samuel 9:2 NLT 2 Samuel 9:2 ESV 2 Samuel 9:2 NASB 2 Samuel 9:2 KJV 2 Samuel 9:2 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 9:2 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 9:2 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 9:2 French Bible 2 Samuel 9:2 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 9:2 There was of the house of Saul (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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