This verse from 2 Samuel 9:4 is a small but crucial piece of information in the story of King David's desire to show kindness to someone from the house of Saul. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"The king said to him, “Where is he?” This refers to King David asking Ziba, a servant of Saul's house, where Mephibosheth, a surviving son of Jonathan (and grandson of Saul), is currently located. David is initiating a search for Mephibosheth because he wants to fulfill a promise he made to Jonathan to show kindness to his descendants.
"Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar.” Ziba provides the answer to David's question.
"Behold, he is...": Ziba is answering the question truthfully.
"in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel...": Mephibosheth is living under the care and protection of a man named Machir, who is identified as the son of Ammiel. This suggests that Machir is a person of some standing and is willing to take in someone who might otherwise be vulnerable.
"in Lo Debar.": Lo Debar is the location where Machir lives and, consequently, where Mephibosheth can be found. Lo Debar was a remote and relatively insignificant place. This implies that Mephibosheth is living in obscurity, far from the royal court and likely in a humble state. The location is key. It suggests Mephibosheth is hiding out and/or has fallen on hard times. He is in a place with little prestige or significance.
In summary, this verse reveals that Mephibosheth, the surviving grandson of the former King Saul, is not living in the palace or enjoying any royal privileges. Instead, he's in a remote location under the care of a man named Machir. This sets the stage for David's subsequent actions in bringing Mephibosheth to the palace and restoring to him some of his inheritance. It highlights the contrast between Mephibosheth's current state and the royal lineage he comes from. It also implies the kindness of Machir who is willing to take in Mephibosheth.
This verse from 2 Samuel 9:4 is a small but crucial piece of information in the story of King David's desire to show kindness to someone from the house of Saul. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"The king said to him, “Where is he?” This refers to King David asking Ziba, a servant of Saul's house, where Mephibosheth, a surviving son of Jonathan (and grandson of Saul), is currently located. David is initiating a search for Mephibosheth because he wants to fulfill a promise he made to Jonathan to show kindness to his descendants.
"Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar.” Ziba provides the answer to David's question.
"Behold, he is...": Ziba is answering the question truthfully.
"in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel...": Mephibosheth is living under the care and protection of a man named Machir, who is identified as the son of Ammiel. This suggests that Machir is a person of some standing and is willing to take in someone who might otherwise be vulnerable.
"in Lo Debar.": Lo Debar is the location where Machir lives and, consequently, where Mephibosheth can be found. Lo Debar was a remote and relatively insignificant place. This implies that Mephibosheth is living in obscurity, far from the royal court and likely in a humble state. The location is key. It suggests Mephibosheth is hiding out and/or has fallen on hard times. He is in a place with little prestige or significance.
In summary, this verse reveals that Mephibosheth, the surviving grandson of the former King Saul, is not living in the palace or enjoying any royal privileges. Instead, he's in a remote location under the care of a man named Machir. This sets the stage for David's subsequent actions in bringing Mephibosheth to the palace and restoring to him some of his inheritance. It highlights the contrast between Mephibosheth's current state and the royal lineage he comes from. It also implies the kindness of Machir who is willing to take in Mephibosheth.