📖 2 Samuel — Chapter 9 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
2 Samuel 9:1 And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may Rshew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?
2 Samuel 9:2 And there was of the house of Saul Ra 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.
2 Samuel 9:3 And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew Rthe kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.
2 Samuel 9:4 And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of RMachir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.
2 Samuel 9:5 Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar.
2 Samuel 9:6 Now when TMephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!
2 Samuel 9:7 And David said unto him, RFear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.
2 Samuel 9:8 And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such Ra dead dog as I am?
2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said unto him, RI have given unto thy master’s son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.
2 Samuel 9:10 Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master’s son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master’s son Rshall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
2 Samuel 9:11 Then said RZiba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons.
2 Samuel 9:12 And Mephibosheth had a young Rson, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.
2 Samuel 9:13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for Rhe did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
2 Samuel 9:1–5 — David searches for someone to receive kindness
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
David asks whether anyone remains from Saul’s house so he can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake. Ziba identifies Jonathan’s son and tells David where he lives. David takes the initiative rather than waiting for Mephibosheth to request help.
Key Truth: Faithful kindness remembers commitments and seeks people out.
Check What You Remember
1. For whose sake did David wish to show kindness? (2 Samuel 9:1)
Find it in 2 Samuel 9:1 (KJV).
2. Which servant answered David? (2 Samuel 9:2)
Find it in 2 Samuel 9:2 (KJV).
3. In which place was Jonathan’s son living? (2 Samuel 9:4)
Find it in 2 Samuel 9:4 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
2 Samuel 9:6–8 — Mephibosheth is welcomed
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Mephibosheth comes in fear and reverence. David reassures him, restores Saul’s land, and promises him a regular place at the royal table. Mephibosheth’s self-description expresses his sense of lowliness; it does not define his actual worth. David’s kindness gives him security and belonging.
Key Truth: Treat people with dignity beyond their fear or social standing.
Check What You Remember
1. What was Jonathan’s son named? (2 Samuel 9:6)
Find it in 2 Samuel 9:6 (KJV).
2. Whose land did David promise to restore? (2 Samuel 9:7)
Find it in 2 Samuel 9:7 (KJV).
3. At whose table would Mephibosheth eat? (2 Samuel 9:7)
Find it in 2 Samuel 9:7 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
2 Samuel 9:9–13 — Kindness becomes an ongoing provision
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
David assigns Ziba’s household to cultivate the land and confirms Mephibosheth’s place at his table like a son. Mephibosheth settles in Jerusalem. His disability remains; the story’s kindness is shown in belonging and practical care, not in a claim that his physical condition disappears.
Key Truth: Compassion takes practical and sustained form.
Check What You Remember
1. How many sons did Ziba have? (2 Samuel 9:10)
Find it in 2 Samuel 9:10 (KJV).
2. What was Mephibosheth’s young son named? (2 Samuel 9:12)
Find it in 2 Samuel 9:12 (KJV).
3. Where did Mephibosheth dwell? (2 Samuel 9:13)
Find it in 2 Samuel 9:13 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
1 Samuel 20:15 — Jonathan had asked David to continue kindness toward his house.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
Is there a promise or friendship you can honor through practical care? Identify a concrete way to welcome someone without reducing that person to a need or disability.
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. What motive does David state in seeking someone from Saul’s house?
2. How does David’s assurance address Mephibosheth’s position?
3. How does Mephibosheth describe himself in response to this kindness?
4. How are working the land and eating at the king’s table distinguished?
5. What family-like comparison describes his place at David’s table?
Notes
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