2 Samuel 9 1

2 Samuel 9:1 kjv

And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?

2 Samuel 9:1 nkjv

Now David said, "Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"

2 Samuel 9:1 niv

David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?"

2 Samuel 9:1 esv

And David said, "Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"

2 Samuel 9:1 nlt

One day David asked, "Is anyone in Saul's family still alive ? anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?"

2 Samuel 9 verses

2 Samuel 9 1 Meaning

King David, now established and victorious, initiates a proactive inquiry to determine if any individuals remain from the lineage of King Saul. His intent is not to eradicate them, as was customary for victorious rulers, but rather to extend profound, unmerited covenant kindness (ḥesed) to them. This extraordinary act is driven solely by his fidelity to the solemn oath and deep bond of friendship he shared with Jonathan, Saul's son. This verse showcases David's adherence to his word and his merciful heart in a position of power.

2 Samuel 9 1 Context

This verse appears after David has solidified his reign and defeated all his major enemies, effectively securing peace and national prosperity (2 Sam 8). At the height of his power and stability, David's thoughts turn not to further conquest or securing his dynasty through elimination of potential rivals (a common practice among ancient Near Eastern kings), but to an oath he made during a time of great adversity and vulnerability. The preceding chapters emphasize David's triumphs and God's faithfulness to him, providing a backdrop for this powerful demonstration of personal faithfulness and compassion. It represents a pivot from external conflict to internal righteousness and a unique expression of kingship aligned with God's own character.

2 Samuel 9 1 Word analysis

• "And David said,": Signifies David's deliberate initiation. The simple declarative "said" here masks a proactive, sovereign decision stemming from his established position as king.
• "Is there still" (הַעוֹד - haʿōḏ): The interrogative particle ha introduces a direct question, while ʿōḏ means "still, yet." This suggests an active search and a sustained concern in David's mind, not a fleeting thought, implying a past commitment now made possible by his reign.
• "anyone left" (יֵשׁ אִישׁ - yēš ʾīš, lit. "is there a man/person"): David is not simply wondering but is intentionally inquiring about a survivor, emphasizing the devastating impact of the past conflict on Saul's house. It highlights the potential near-extinction of Saul's lineage.
• "of the house of Saul" (לְבֵית שָׁאוּל - ləḇēṯ shāʾūl): "House" (bayit) denotes the entire household, including descendants, servants, and all who belonged to the royal family and its assets. For David to seek out a descendant of Saul's house with the stated intent to show kindness stands in stark contrast to the standard ancient practice of annihilating previous dynastic lines to prevent any future challenge to the throne.
• "that I may show him kindness" (וְאֶעֱשֶׂה עִמּוֹ חֶסֶד - wəʾeʿeśeh ʿimmō ḥesed, lit. "that I may do with him ḥesed"):
  • Ḥesed (חֶסֶד): This is a pivotal theological term in the Old Testament, denoting covenant loyalty, steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness that transcends normal expectation. It's not just a casual act of "kindness" but a deep commitment to fulfilling an obligation, often towards one who is weak, dependent, or even undeserving. David's intention is rooted in fidelity to a sacred bond.
  • The proactive show emphasizes his intent to actively do this ḥesed, not merely speak of it.
• "for Jonathan’s sake" (בַּעֲבוּר יְהוֹנָתָן - baʿăḇûr yəhōnātān, lit. "on account of Jonathan"): This explicitly links David's act of ḥesed to his covenant with Jonathan (1 Sam 18:3; 20:12-17; 23:18). Jonathan serves as the merit through which grace is extended to Saul's household. It signifies that the ḥesed is given entirely because of Jonathan's merit and not because of any inherent worthiness or demand from the recipient. This anticipates a foundational concept of redemption through Christ.

Words-group analysis

• "Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness?": This interrogative phrasing reveals David's proactive and generous heart, in stark contrast to political expediency. It highlights the miraculous nature of seeking a survivor for benevolent reasons, defying typical royal paranoia and vengeance.
• "that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake": This phrase clarifies David's profound motivation. His generosity is not arbitrary but flows from an unbreakable vow made in friendship. It establishes the principle that the grace bestowed upon Saul's house is solely "on account of" another, laying a theological groundwork for understanding grace given through the merits of Christ.

2 Samuel 9 1 Bonus section

This single verse sets the stage for one of the most compelling displays of God-like grace in the Old Testament. David's active search for a "crippled" descendant of a rival house, merely for the sake of his covenant, provides a tangible example of grace being offered despite perceived unworthiness and vulnerability. It prefigures God's initiative in seeking humanity through Jesus, extending a costly grace to us, who are alienated and "lame" by sin, for the sake of His covenant with Christ. Just as Jonathan's intercession and relationship paved the way for Mephibosheth's restoration, Christ's perfect righteousness and intercession enable our adoption into God's household.

2 Samuel 9 1 Commentary

2 Samuel 9:1 stands as a powerful testament to King David's unique character and his understanding of ḥesed, distinguishing him as a ruler who transcended the brutal norms of his era. After consolidating his powerful kingdom, David deliberately seeks out the remnant of a former rival dynasty, not for punishment or control, but to extend extraordinary covenant loyalty. This is an unsolicited act of grace, motivated solely by his sacred oath to Jonathan. The proactive nature of his search for an unprivileged and potentially overlooked individual, driven by a deep ethical and relational commitment, portrays David as a king whose heart aligns with divine mercy and faithfulness.