2 samuel 9:10 - Till the land for him, you, your sons, and your servants. Bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have bread to eat; but Mephibosheth your master’s son will always eat bread at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 9:10

What does "2 samuel 9:10" mean?


This verse is a key passage in the story of David showing kindness to Mephibosheth, the crippled son of his deceased friend Jonathan. Let's break down what it means:

"Till the land for him, you, your sons, and your servants. Bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have bread to eat..." David is speaking to Ziba, a former servant of Saul's household. He is instructing Ziba and his family/servants to cultivate the land that originally belonged to Saul (Mephibosheth's grandfather). The purpose of this labor is to produce food and resources for Mephibosheth and his household. Essentially, Ziba and his people are now acting as Mephibosheth's stewards or caretakers, ensuring his physical needs are met.

"...but Mephibosheth your master’s son will always eat bread at my table." This is the most significant part of the verse. David is establishing a permanent arrangement. He is not simply providing Mephibosheth with food. He is inviting him to live as a member of the royal household and eat at the king's table. This signifies acceptance, honor, and protection. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a table with the king implied a close relationship, security, and a high social status. David's intention is to honor his covenant with Jonathan by treating Jonathan's son as his own family.

"Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants." This detail is included to emphasize the extent of Ziba's resources and manpower. David is entrusting Mephibosheth to a household that is well-equipped to provide for him. It shows that Mephibosheth will be well cared for and that Ziba has the capacity to manage the land and provide the necessary resources. It reinforces the seriousness of David's commitment to support Mephibosheth.

In essence, the verse depicts David's commitment to honoring his promise to Jonathan. He provides for Mephibosheth's physical needs through Ziba's labor and offers him a place of honor and security in the royal court by inviting him to eat at his table. The mention of Ziba's large household underscores the practicality and reliability of the arrangement.

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