2 Samuel 9:5
So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar.
So King David had him brought
This phrase highlights King David's initiative and authority. David's actions reflect his covenant loyalty to Jonathan, Saul's son, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:14-17. David's kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, is a demonstration of God's grace and mercy, prefiguring the grace offered through Jesus Christ. David's kingship is a type of Christ's eternal kingship, showing compassion and fulfilling promises.

from the house of Machir son of Ammiel
Machir was a man of influence and wealth, as indicated by his ability to provide refuge for Mephibosheth. This setting underscores the vulnerability of Mephibosheth, who was dependent on the kindness of others. Machir later supports David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 17:27-29), indicating his loyalty to David. The mention of Machir's lineage, "son of Ammiel," provides historical context and authenticity to the narrative, grounding it in real familial ties.

in Lo-debar
Lo-debar was a town east of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead. The name Lo-debar means "no pasture" or "no word," suggesting a place of desolation or obscurity. This location emphasizes Mephibosheth's lowly status and separation from the royal court. Theologically, it symbolizes humanity's spiritual barrenness before being brought into the presence of the King, akin to the redemption and restoration found in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King David
The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God and his leadership. In this context, he is showing kindness to the house of Saul for Jonathan's sake.

2. Mephibosheth
The son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul, who is lame in both feet. He is the recipient of David's kindness.

3. Machir son of Ammiel
A man from Lo-debar who is providing refuge to Mephibosheth. His house is where Mephibosheth is staying.

4. Lo-debar
A place of no pasture, often associated with barrenness or desolation. It is where Mephibosheth is living before being brought to David.

5. Jonathan
The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. His covenant with David is the reason for David's kindness to Mephibosheth.
Teaching Points
Covenant Faithfulness
David's actions demonstrate the importance of keeping promises and honoring covenants, reflecting God's faithfulness to His promises.

Grace and Kindness
David's kindness to Mephibosheth is an example of grace, showing love and mercy to those who cannot repay us.

Redemption from Desolation
Mephibosheth's move from Lo-debar to the king's palace symbolizes redemption and restoration, akin to our spiritual journey from sin to salvation.

Hospitality and Inclusion
David's invitation to Mephibosheth to eat at his table is a powerful image of inclusion and acceptance, encouraging us to welcome and care for those marginalized in society.

God's Sovereignty
The account illustrates how God orchestrates events and relationships for His purposes, often beyond our understanding.
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 in need, as David did to Mephibosheth?

3. What does the account of Mephibosheth teach us about the importance of keeping our promises and honoring our commitments?

4. How does the concept of redemption from Lo-debar to the king's table parallel our spiritual journey from sin to salvation?

5. How can we apply the principle of hospitality and inclusion in our daily lives, following David's example with Mephibosheth?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 20
This chapter details the covenant between David and Jonathan, which is the foundation for David's actions in 2 Samuel 9.

2 Samuel 4:4
Provides background on Mephibosheth's condition, explaining how he became lame.

Luke 14:13-14
Jesus teaches about inviting the poor and disabled to a banquet, which parallels David's invitation to Mephibosheth.

Romans 5:8
Illustrates God's kindness and grace, similar to David's grace towards Mephibosheth.
A Gracious TemperJ. Clayton.2 Samuel 9:1-13
David and MephiboshethW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 9:1-13
David and MephiboshethT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.2 Samuel 9:1-13
David and Mephibosheth, a Faint Image of God and the WorldHomilist2 Samuel 9:1-13
David's Kindness to MephiboshethW. Walters.2 Samuel 9:1-13
David's Treatment of MephiboshethJ. Parker, D. D.2 Samuel 9:1-13
Early Friendship Remembered2 Samuel 9:1-13
For Another's Sake2 Samuel 9:1-13
For Christ's SakeH. O. Mackey.2 Samuel 9:1-13
Grateful Memories Expressed in Deeds2 Samuel 9:1-13
Kindness Shown for the Love of AnotherNewton Jones.2 Samuel 9:1-13
Kindness to Jonathan's SonA. W. Pitzer, D. D.2 Samuel 9:1-13
Kindness to Jonathan's SonMonday Club Sermons2 Samuel 9:1-13
MephiboshethHomilist2 Samuel 9:1-13
MephiboshethC. O. Eldridge, B. A.2 Samuel 9:1-13
Physical Imperfections2 Samuel 9:1-13
The Kindness of GodC. M. Fleury, A. M.2 Samuel 9:1-13
Mephibosheth Before the KingB. Dale 2 Samuel 9:5-13
People
Ammiel, David, Jonathan, Machir, Mephibosheth, Micah, Micha, Saul, Ziba
Places
Israel, Jerusalem, Lo-debar
Topics
Ammiel, Am'miel, David, Debar, Fetched, Lodebar, Lo-debar, Machir, Makir, Taketh
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 9:1-7

     6672   grace, in relationships

2 Samuel 9:1-11

     5087   David, reign of

2 Samuel 9:1-13

     4438   eating
     8291   kindness

Library
David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. 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. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
2 Samuel 9:5 NIV
2 Samuel 9:5 NLT
2 Samuel 9:5 ESV
2 Samuel 9:5 NASB
2 Samuel 9:5 KJV

2 Samuel 9:5 Commentaries

Bible Hub
2 Samuel 9:4
Top of Page
Top of Page