David Shows Kindness to Mephibosheth
2 Samuel 9:1-13
2 S.9.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכי: ADV
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עוד: ADV
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נותר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעבור: PREP
- יהונתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.20.14-17 (quotation): Jonathan asked David to show 'kindness' (hesed) to his house and established a covenant that David would not cut off his kindness from Jonathan's family—this is the explicit antecedent and reason David cites here.
- 1 Sam.31.1-6 (thematic): Report of Saul and Jonathan's deaths at Gilboa explains why David asks if any of Saul's house survives and provides the historical background for showing kindness 'for Jonathan's sake.'
- 2 Sam.4.4 (verbal): Identifies Mephibosheth (also called Merib-baal), the surviving son of Jonathan, tying the question in 2 Samuel 9:1 to the specific remnant David seeks to find and benefit.
- 2 Sam.9.6-13 (structural): The immediate narrative fulfillment: David locates Mephibosheth and shows him the promised kindness, explicating the action announced in 9:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said, Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?
- And David said, “Is there yet anyone remaining of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
2 S.9.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולבית: CONJ+PREP,NOUN,m,sg,cons
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ציבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- האתה: PRON,2,m,sg,interr
- ציבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 9:3-8 (structural): Immediate continuation of the scene: David inquires about any remaining of Saul’s house, sends for Ziba, and through him summons Mephibosheth — directly parallel and part of the same narrative unit.
- 1 Samuel 20:14-17 (thematic): Jonathan’s covenant with David to show kindness to his house provides the moral and covenantal motivation for David’s action in summoning Ziba and restoring Jonathan’s descendant.
- 2 Samuel 16:1-4 (verbal): The same servant Ziba appears later when David flees Absalom, offering provisions and a donkey; parallels in identity and function of Ziba and raises questions about his loyalty.
- 2 Samuel 19:24-30 (thematic): Later dispute between Ziba and Mephibosheth over lands and loyalty when David returns — revisits the consequences of Ziba’s role and the earlier summons and grant.
- 2 Samuel 4:4 (structural): Background reference to Mephibosheth (Jonathan’s son, lame in both feet) — establishes the person Ziba will later identify and bring before David.
Alternative generated candidates
- And there was a servant of the house of Saul, whose name was Ziba; and they called him to David. The king said to him, Are you Ziba? And he said, Your servant.
- Now there was a servant of the house of Saul, whose name was Ziba; and they called him to David. The king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he answered, “Your servant.”
2 S.9.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- האפס: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עוד: ADV
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ציבא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עוד: ADV
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהונתן: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- נכה: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- רגלים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.20.14-17 (quotation): Jonathan's covenant with David promising that David will show kindness (chesed) to Jonathan's house — explains David's motive 'for Jonathan's sake.'
- 2 Sam.9.1 (structural): Immediate narrative antecedent: David asks whether any of Saul's house remains so he can show them kindness, which leads directly to the exchange in 9:3.
- 2 Sam.9.6-7 (quotation): David's spoken assurance to Mephibosheth—'Do not fear... I will show you kindness for Jonathan's sake'—echoes the intent expressed in 9:3 and completes the promise.
- 2 Sam.4.4 (verbal): Earlier notice that Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, was lame in his feet; this corresponds to Ziba's report in 9:3 identifying 'a son of Jonathan, lame in his feet.'
- 1 Sam.24.21-22 (thematic): David's earlier vow toward Saul's house (to not cut off his kindness) reflects the broader theme of protecting and showing covenantal kindness to Saul's family that underlies 9:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king said, Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him? And Ziba said to the king, There is yet a son of Jonathan, who is lame of his feet.
- The king said, “Is there yet anyone of the house of Saul, that I may show him the kindness of God?” Ziba replied to the king, “There is yet a son of Jonathan who is lame of his feet.”
2 S.9.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- איפה: ADV
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ציבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הנה: PART
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכיר: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמיאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 9:1-3 (structural): The surrounding verses set up David’s inquiry about surviving members of Saul’s house and his plan to show kindness—v.4 continues this narrative by locating Mephibosheth.
- 2 Samuel 4:4 (allusion): Provides background on Mephibosheth (Jonathan’s son), explaining who ‘he’ is and why his whereabouts and condition matter to David’s act of kindness.
- 1 Samuel 20:14-17 (thematic): Jonathan’s covenant with David to show kindness to his house explains the obligation and motivation for David’s search for Jonathan’s descendants, linking to the scene in 2 Sam 9:4.
- 2 Samuel 9:5 (verbal): Immediate continuation—v.5 records David’s action after learning Mephibosheth’s location, bringing him from Machir’s house; it directly follows and completes the incident begun in v.4.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king said to him, Where is he? And Ziba said to the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.
- The king said to him, “Where is he?” Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir son of Ammiel; he is lame.”
2 S.9.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקחהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכיר: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמיאל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2Samuel 4:4 (verbal): Earlier mention that Mephibosheth (son of Jonathan) was living in the house of Machir son of Ammiel at Lo-debar—same location and family detail behind David's action.
- 2Samuel 9:3 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter: David asks if any of Saul's house remains so he can show kindness—this verse records the fulfillment of that search.
- 1Samuel 20:14-17 (thematic): Jonathan and David's sworn covenant that each would show kindness to the other's house explains David's motive for bringing Mephibosheth from Machir's house.
- 2Samuel 9:11 (structural): The chapter's sequel: David grants Mephibosheth land, servants (including Ziba), and a permanent place at the king's table—showing the result of bringing him from Machir's house.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar.
- Then King David sent and took him from the house of Machir son of Ammiel, from Lodebar.
2 S.9.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מפיבשת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהונתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויפל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3,m,sg
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מפיבשת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
Parallels
- 1 Sam.20.14-17 (allusion): Jonathan's covenant with David to show kindness to each other's house provides the promise that motivates David to seek out and show kindness to Jonathan's descendants (background to Mephibosheth's appearance).
- 2 Sam.9.1-3 (structural): The opening verses of chap. 9 report David's inquiry about showing kindness to Jonathan's house and his command to seek any surviving son—this frames Mephibosheth's coming and prostration in v.6.
- 2 Sam.4.4 (verbal): This earlier notice identifies Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, as the same disabled child (name and parentage), paralleling the personal identification given when he appears before David in 9:6.
- Ruth 2.10 (verbal): Ruth 'fell on her face and bowed' before Boaz and called him 'my lord' (Adoni); the identical gesture and address echo Mephibosheth's prostration and self‑designation as David's servant, a conventional act of supplication before a patron/king.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan the son of Saul came to David, and fell on his face, and bowed himself. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold your servant.
- Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, and fell on his face and prostrated himself. David said, “Mephibosheth!” He answered, “Behold, your servant.”
2 S.9.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תירא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעבור: PREP
- יהונתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- והשבתי: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- שדה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- תאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- שלחני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- תמיד: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:14-17 (quotation): Direct precedent for the promise—David and Jonathan’s covenant includes Jonathan’s request that David show kindness to his descendants; wording parallels 'show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake.'
- 2 Samuel 9:1 (structural): Immediate narrative context: David’s initial question about any surviving member of Saul’s house who might receive kindness for Jonathan’s sake, which motivates the actions of 2 Sam 9:7.
- 2 Samuel 4:4 (thematic): Background identification of Mephibosheth (Jonathan’s son) as lame; explains why David’s grant of land and table provision in 2 Sam 9:7 is significant for Mephibosheth’s welfare and status.
- 1 Samuel 24:21-22 (thematic): After David spares Saul, there is a mutual oath concerning the future of Saul’s house; thematically parallels David’s commitment to protect and show favor toward Jonathan’s family (a vow of non‑harm and preservation).
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said to him, Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake; and I will restore to you all the fields of Saul your father, and you shall eat bread at my table continually.
- David said to him, “Do not be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake; and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father. You shall eat bread at my table continually.”
2 S.9.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- כי: CONJ
- פנית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הכלב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- המת: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- כמוני: PREP,cmp,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 9:6 (verbal): Mephibosheth uses essentially the same self-abasing language and posture earlier in the same episode—bowing and calling himself a 'dead dog' when first addressed by David (near-verbatim parallel).
- Ruth 2:10 (structural): Ruth falls on her face and asks why she has found favor in the eyes of Boaz, echoing the posture of prostration and the humble question why a social superior would show kindness to a lowly person.
- Psalm 22:6 (verbal): The psalmist’s self-description as a despised creature ('I am a worm, and no man') parallels Mephibosheth’s self-abasement as a worthless or reviled animal—language of utter humiliation and dependence on pity.
- Isaiah 41:14 (thematic): God addresses 'worm Jacob'—a metaphor of extreme lowliness—then promises help, paralleling the theme of a lowly, despised figure (Mephibosheth) receiving unexpected mercy from a powerful patron.
- Matthew 15:27 (thematic): The Canaanite woman accepts a demeaning label ('dogs') to plead for mercy and is granted what she seeks; thematically similar to Mephibosheth’s self-deprecating appeal and the surprising extension of favor to one regarded as lowly.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then he bowed and said, What is your servant, that you should look upon a dead dog such as I?
- He bowed and said, “What is your servant, that you should look upon a dead dog such as I am?”
2 S.9.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- ציבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- ולכל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדניך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.20.14-17 (thematic): Jonathan's covenant with David to show kindness to his house; provides the motive/background for David's grant to Jonathan's son (Mephibosheth).
- 2 Sam.9.1-13 (structural): Immediate narrative context: David seeks out any remaining member of Saul's house and arranges for Mephibosheth's restoration and provisions (9:9 is David's command within this episode).
- 2 Sam.4.4 (allusion): Background detail about Mephibosheth (son of Jonathan) being lame from a childhood fall—explains why he was living at Ziba's and dependent on others when David sought him out.
- 2 Sam.19.24-30 (thematic): Later dispute between Ziba and Mephibosheth over Saul's land; contrasts with David's earlier transfer in 9:9 and highlights contested claims and competing testimonies about the grant.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master's son.
- Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to his whole house I have given to your master’s son.
2 S.9.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועבדת: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- האדמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ובניך: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:2,ms
- ועבדיך: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:2,m,sg
- והבאת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדניך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואכלו: VERB,qal,imp,2,mp
- ומפיבשת: PREP+NOUN,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדניך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- יאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- תמיד: ADV
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- שלחני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- ולציבא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,prop
- חמשה: NUM,m,pl
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- בנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ועשרים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- עבדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 9:7 (verbal): Directly parallels the promise that Mephibosheth "shall eat always at my table"; David's instruction to Ziba repeats the same provision for Jonathan's son.
- 1 Samuel 20:14-17 (thematic): Jonathan vows to David to show perpetual kindness to David's house—this covenant explains David's motive for providing for Mephibosheth.
- 1 Samuel 18:3-4 (thematic): Describes the covenant and close friendship between David and Jonathan (including Jonathan giving David his robe and armor), providing background for David's protective care of Jonathan's family.
- 2 Samuel 4:4 (structural): Identifies Mephibosheth as Jonathan's son and notes his crippled condition; provides biographical background for the beneficiary named in 2 Samuel 9:10.
- 2 Samuel 19:24-30 (structural): Later episode concerning Ziba and Mephibosheth's claims about land and service to David; it revisits and complicates the arrangement that Mephibosheth 'eat at the king's table.'
Alternative generated candidates
- You shall till the land for him—you and your sons and your servants—and you shall bring in the produce, and it shall be for the son of your master to eat. And Mephibosheth your master's son shall always eat bread at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
- You and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce, that your master’s son may have grain to eat. Mephibosheth your master’s son shall always eat at my table. To Ziba were born fifteen sons and twenty servants.”
2 S.9.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ציבא: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ככל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יצוה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- כן: ADV
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- ומפיבשת: CONJ+PREP
- אכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- שלחני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- כאחד: PREP
- מבני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 9:10 (verbal): Ziba's statement in 9:11 repeats the same claim found in 9:10 that 'Mephibosheth shall eat at my table like one of the king's sons'—nearly identical wording and promise of provision.
- 2 Samuel 9:7 (structural): David's command to Ziba to sustain Mephibosheth and restore Saul's land provides the immediate narrative basis for Ziba's assurance in 9:11 about feeding and serving Mephibosheth.
- 2 Samuel 9:1 (thematic): David's initial desire to 'show kindness to the house of Saul for Jonathan's sake' sets the theme of royal benevolence and explains why Mephibosheth is to be cared for and fed at the king's table.
- 1 Samuel 20:14-17 (thematic): Jonathan's covenant with David to 'not cut off your kindness from my house' provides the covenantal background motivating David's protection and provision for Jonathan's son Mephibosheth.
- 2 Samuel 19:24-30 (structural): Later episode where Ziba and Mephibosheth give competing accounts (and David's subsequent division of land) revisits and complicates the earlier promise that Mephibosheth would 'eat at the king's table,' highlighting tensions over Ziba's claim.
Alternative generated candidates
- Ziba said to the king, According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do. Mephibosheth ate at the king's table like one of the king's sons.
- Ziba said to the king, “As my lord the king commands his servant, so shall your servant do.” And Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons.
2 S.9.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולמפיבשת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קטן: ADJ,m,sg
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- מיכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- מושב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ציבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- למפיבשת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 9:1–13 (structural): The entire chapter gives the narrative context for v.12 — David’s provision for Mephibosheth, including the assignment of Ziba’s household as servants; v.12 is part of this larger account.
- 2 Samuel 9:10 (verbal): Close verbal parallel within the same episode describing Ziba’s servants and the households placed under Mephibosheth’s authority (same people and arrangement).
- 2 Samuel 16:1–4 (thematic): Ziba appears later to meet David during Absalom’s rebellion and claims that Mephibosheth stayed in Jerusalem, touching on themes of loyalty, reputation, and the status/claims of Mephibosheth and Ziba introduced in 2 Samuel 9.
- 2 Samuel 19:24–30 (thematic): After David’s return, Mephibosheth and Ziba dispute the lands and servants previously assigned; the passage revisits who actually benefited from David’s provisions and the servile status of Ziba’s household.
- 1 Samuel 20:14–17 (allusion): David’s promise to Jonathan to show kindness to Jonathan’s family explains the motive behind David’s grant to Mephibosheth (Jonathan’s son), providing the covenantal background for the household arrangement in 2 Samuel 9:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica; and all the household of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth.
- Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Micha; and all the household of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth.
2 S.9.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומפיבשת: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- על: PREP
- שלחן: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תמיד: ADV
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- אכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- פסח: ADJ,m,sg
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- רגליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3,m
Parallels
- 2 Sam.4.4 (verbal): Identifies Mephibosheth and explains his lameness (fell as a child), directly corresponding to “he was lame in both his feet.”
- 2 Sam.9.11 (verbal): Immediate parallel statement in the same episode: Mephibosheth ate continually at David’s table, described there as eating like one of the king’s sons (same idea phrased earlier in the chapter).
- 1 Sam.20.14-17 (thematic): Jonathan’s covenant with David to show kindness to his house provides the moral/causal background for David’s provision that Mephibosheth eat at the king’s table.
- 2 Sam.9.1-3 (structural): Contextual parallel: David’s inquiry and decree to find any of Saul’s house and show him kindness sets up Mephibosheth’s relocation to Jerusalem and his reception at the royal table.
Alternative generated candidates
- Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king's table; and he was lame in both his feet.
- Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king’s table; and he was lame in both his feet.
And David said, "Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" Now there was a servant of the house of Saul, whose name was Ziba; they called him to David. The king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" He answered, "Your servant."
The king said, "Is there still anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?" Ziba answered the king, "There remains a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet."
The king said to him, "Where is he?" Ziba said to the king, "Behold, he is at the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar."
Then King David sent and took him from the house of Machir son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar.
Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David; and he fell on his face and prostrated himself. David said, "Mephibosheth!" He answered, "Behold, your servant."
David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake. I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat bread at my table always."
He bowed and said, "What is your servant, that you should turn to a dead dog like me?"
The king called Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "All that belonged to Saul and to his house I have given to your master's son.
You and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce, that your master's son may have bread to eat. Mephibosheth your master's son shall eat always at my table. As for Ziba, he has fifteen sons and twenty servants."
Ziba said to the king, "As my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do." And Mephibosheth ate at David's table as one of the king's sons. Now Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Micha; and all the household of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth.
Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem; for he ate continually at the king's table. He was lame in both his feet.