2 samuel 9:3 - The king said, “Is there not yet any of Saul’s house, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “Jonathan still has a son, who is lame in his feet.”
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What does "2 samuel 9:3" mean?
This verse sets the stage for the story of David showing kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"The king said, “Is there not yet any of Saul’s house, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” David, now king of Israel, is asking if any descendants of Saul (his predecessor and sometimes enemy) are still alive. His motivation isn't revenge or elimination of rivals. Instead, he wants to show them "the kindness of God." This is significant because it means David wants to act with compassion and grace, likely fulfilling a promise he made to Jonathan (Saul's son and David's close friend) to protect his descendants. It suggests David is acting out of integrity and loyalty, rather than political expediency.
"Ziba said to the king, “Jonathan still has a son, who is lame in his feet.” Ziba, a former servant of Saul, knows about Jonathan's son. He reveals that Jonathan has a son named Mephibosheth, but also mentions that he is "lame in his feet." This detail is important because:
In that time period, physical disabilities could be seen as a mark of shame or unsuitability for certain roles.
The mention of the disability might be intended to temper David's expectations or suggest Mephibosheth is not a threat.
It highlights David's choice to show kindness to someone who might be considered vulnerable or less worthy of attention.
In essence, this verse illustrates David's desire to honor his covenant with Jonathan by extending kindness to any surviving member of Saul's family. The mention of Mephibosheth's disability sets the stage for a story about undeserved grace and David's commitment to keeping his promises, even to the descendants of his former enemy. It also underscores the theme that God's kindness extends to the marginalized and vulnerable.
2 samuel 9:3 - The king said, “Is there not yet any of Saul’s house, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “Jonathan still has a son, who is lame in his feet.”
What does "2 samuel 9:3" mean?
This verse sets the stage for the story of David showing kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"The king said, “Is there not yet any of Saul’s house, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” David, now king of Israel, is asking if any descendants of Saul (his predecessor and sometimes enemy) are still alive. His motivation isn't revenge or elimination of rivals. Instead, he wants to show them "the kindness of God." This is significant because it means David wants to act with compassion and grace, likely fulfilling a promise he made to Jonathan (Saul's son and David's close friend) to protect his descendants. It suggests David is acting out of integrity and loyalty, rather than political expediency.
"Ziba said to the king, “Jonathan still has a son, who is lame in his feet.” Ziba, a former servant of Saul, knows about Jonathan's son. He reveals that Jonathan has a son named Mephibosheth, but also mentions that he is "lame in his feet." This detail is important because:
In that time period, physical disabilities could be seen as a mark of shame or unsuitability for certain roles.
The mention of the disability might be intended to temper David's expectations or suggest Mephibosheth is not a threat.
It highlights David's choice to show kindness to someone who might be considered vulnerable or less worthy of attention.
In essence, this verse illustrates David's desire to honor his covenant with Jonathan by extending kindness to any surviving member of Saul's family. The mention of Mephibosheth's disability sets the stage for a story about undeserved grace and David's commitment to keeping his promises, even to the descendants of his former enemy. It also underscores the theme that God's kindness extends to the marginalized and vulnerable.