FocusJerusalem, the ark, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThe kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
interpretation 2 Samuel 9:2
KJVAnd 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.
Read it in context
David and Mephibosheth
Start reading at 2 Samuel 9:1 (2 Samuel 9:1 to 2 Samuel 9:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
- 9:1 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?
- 9:2 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.
- 9:3 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.
- 9:4 And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.
- 9:5 Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar.
- 9:6 Now when Mephibosheth, 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!
- 9:7 And David said unto him, Fear 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.
- 9:8 And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?
- 9:9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.
- 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 shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
- 9:11 Then said Ziba 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.
- 9:12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.
- 9:13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.
Who
- Who wrote the book? The final compiler is unknown. Jewish tradition connects the continuation of Samuel's history with Nathan and Gad; Chronicles also names their records concerning David. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 29:29. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Samuel 9:1–9:13): David deals with Ziba and Mephibosheth concerning kindness to Jonathan's house. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israelite readers learning about David's kingship, God's promise to his house, and the consequences of his family's actions. Biblical references: 2 Samuel 7:12; 2 Samuel 12:10; 2 Samuel 23:1. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? David and Mephibosheth. Read 2 Samuel 9:1 through 2 Samuel 9:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account follows Saul's death and concerns David's reign. Its final collected episodes and songs are not all presented as a strictly sequential diary. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? David first reigns in Hebron and then in Jerusalem; campaigns and rebellions range beyond the capital. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in David and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1 to 2 Samuel 9:13). Start reading at 2 Samuel 9:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The promise concerning David's house is taken up in the New Testament's account of Jesus' kingship. Keep the nearer historical setting of David's family and the later messianic application distinguishable. See 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Take responsibility for sin and its effects on others. God's promises should not be used to excuse a leader's conduct or silence a truthful rebuke. interpretation
Cited: 2 Samuel 9:1, 2 Samuel 9:13, 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33
Who wrote it, and how we know
Nathan and Gad (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. Chronicles refers to written records of Nathan and Gad.
1 Chronicles 29:29
Early traditionJewish tradition credits Nathan and Gad.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated in Scripture.
Related passages
- a servant Gen 15:2-3 Gen 24:2 Gen 39:6
- was Ziba 2 Sam 16:1-4 2 Sam 19:17,27-29
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel 9
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
2 Samuel 5:3 2 Samuel 7:12 2 Samuel 12:9
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view.
2 Samuel 5:3 2 Samuel 7:12 2 Samuel 12:9
After Saul's death
2 Samuel 1:1–4:12FocusThe struggle over kingship
Connection to the wholeDavid's mourning and the divided kingdom lead to the ending of Ishbosheth's rule.
interpretation FocusJerusalem, the ark, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThe kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
interpretation Sin and conflict in David's house
2 Samuel 11:1–20:26FocusConsequences and rebellion
Connection to the wholeDavid's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
interpretation Closing records of David's reign
2 Samuel 21:1–24:25FocusJustice, praise, warriors, and judgment
Connection to the wholeThe final collection brings together episodes and songs that reflect on David's reign rather than supplying a simple uninterrupted chronology.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.