2 Samuel 9:12 kjv
And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.
2 Samuel 9:12 nkjv
Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Micha. And all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth.
2 Samuel 9:12 niv
Mephibosheth had a young son named Mika, and all the members of Ziba's household were servants of Mephibosheth.
2 Samuel 9:12 esv
And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba's house became Mephibosheth's servants.
2 Samuel 9:12 nlt
Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. From then on, all the members of Ziba's household were Mephibosheth's servants.
2 Samuel 9 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Sam 20:14-15 | And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD… | David's oath to Jonathan to show kindness to his descendants. |
| 1 Sam 20:42 | And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both… | Covenant between David and Jonathan, involving their offspring. |
| 2 Sam 4:4 | And Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five… | Explains Mephibosheth's physical state and his royal lineage. |
| 2 Sam 9:1-3 | And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul… | David's initiative to fulfill his oath, seeking Jonathan's lineage. |
| 2 Sam 9:7-10 | And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness… | David restores all of Saul's land to Mephibosheth and appoints Ziba. |
| 2 Sam 19:24-30 | And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king… | Mephibosheth's unwavering loyalty despite Ziba's false accusations. |
| Gen 12:2-3 | And I will make of thee a great nation… and in thee shall all families… | God's blessing involving descendants, foundational for Israelite understanding. |
| Gen 13:15-16 | For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed… | Promise of land and countless descendants, highlighting continuity. |
| Psa 75:6-7 | For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west… | God raises up and casts down; relates to Mephibosheth's elevation. |
| Psa 113:7-8 | He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the… | Echoes God's pattern of exalting the humble and lifting the lowly. |
| Isa 40:4 | Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made… | Prophetic imagery of leveling valleys and raising low places, similar to Mephibosheth's life change. |
| Micah 6:8 | He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require… | Emphasizes acting justly, loving mercy (hesed), and walking humbly. |
| Matt 20:26-27 | But whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and… | In contrast to David's benevolent service, highlighting a spiritual principle. |
| Luke 14:13-14 | But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the… | Jesus' teaching on inviting those who cannot repay, mirroring David's actions towards Mephibosheth. |
| 1 Chron 8:33-35 | And Ner begat Kish… And Jonathan begat Merib-baal; and Merib-baal begat… | Genealogical record confirming Mephibosheth (Merib-baal) and his son Mica. |
| 1 Chron 9:39-41 | And Ner begat Kish… And Jonathan begat Merib-baal; and Merib-baal begat… | Another genealogical reference to Mephibosheth's lineage. |
| Deut 7:9 | Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which… | Highlights the faithfulness of God in keeping covenant, as David kept his. |
| Ruth 4:17 | And the women his neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born… | Emphasis on an heir securing the family name and inheritance. |
| Neh 11:17 | And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph… | Mentions 'Micha' (Mica) as a descendant of Asaph; illustrates common naming conventions. |
| Psa 15:4 | In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that… | Keeping an oath even to one's own hurt, reflecting David's character. |
2 Samuel 9 verses
2 Samuel 9 12 Meaning
2 Samuel 9:12 outlines the fulfillment and practical details of King David's generous decree concerning Mephibosheth. It signifies the complete restoration of Mephibosheth's household and dynastic continuity through the mention of his son, Mica. Furthermore, it specifies that all the household and servants previously under Ziba's authority were now appointed to serve Mephibosheth, solidifying his new status as a major landowner and recipient of the king's abundant loyal love (chesed).
2 Samuel 9 12 Context
This verse is the culminating point of King David's search for Jonathan's descendants, driven by his loyal love and the oath he made with Jonathan (1 Sam 20). Having found Mephibosheth, who was lame and impoverished, David chose not to eliminate him as was customary for new dynasties in the ancient Near East, but instead demonstrated radical grace. David restored all the land that belonged to King Saul's household to Mephibosheth and appointed Ziba, Saul's former servant, along with his numerous family and servants, to cultivate the land and bring in its produce. Verse 12 explicitly confirms the complete integration of Ziba's household into the service of Mephibosheth, solidifying the restoration of Saul's grandson to a position of wealth and honor. It ensures that Mephibosheth's family line, represented by his son Mica, will continue to benefit from David's extraordinary kindness.
2 Samuel 9 12 Word analysis
- And Mephibosheth: The connective "And" signals a continuation of the previous arrangements. "Mephibosheth" (מְפִיבֹשֶׁת, Məphîbōsheth). The name can mean "from the mouth of shame" or "dispeller of shame." His character, originally in disgrace and hiding (Lo-Debar), is now reversed, and his "shame" (often associated with lameness or poverty in that culture) is gone. This highlights David's restorative action.
- had a young son: The Hebrew ben qaṭon (בֵּן קָטֹן). The inclusion of Mephibosheth having a son emphasizes generational continuity and the complete re-establishment of Saul's household. It ensures that the lineage of Jonathan and Saul, and thus their legal claim to the restored inheritance, will continue beyond Mephibosheth. This provides a sense of security and a future for the family.
- whose name was Mica: Hebrew Mîkhāh (מִיכָה), a shortened form of Micaiah, meaning "Who is like Yahweh?" or "Who is like God?" This theological name reflects a statement of faith and likely acknowledges the divine hand in Mephibosheth's restoration, demonstrating that God had acted in a unique way through David. This is consistent with other biblically significant names that declare God's character or actions.
- And all that dwelt: Refers collectively to all the inhabitants or members. It signifies a comprehensive handover of personnel.
- in the house of Ziba: Ziba was Saul's servant (2 Sam 9:2), who was now given to Mephibosheth. His "house" (בֵּית, bêṯ) denotes his entire household, including his fifteen sons and twenty servants (2 Sam 9:10). This reveals the significant workforce now committed to Mephibosheth's estate, emphasizing the practical and substantial nature of David's provision.
- were servants: Hebrew ‘ăvāḏîm (עֲבָדִים). These were not merely household attendants but active laborers, managing the extensive agricultural lands David had restored to Mephibosheth. Their role underscores Mephibosheth's complete financial restoration and means he could live like a member of the royal family.
- unto Mephibosheth: Clearly identifies the direct beneficiary and master of Ziba's household. This confirms the new authority structure and reverses Ziba's previous direct subservience to the king (as Saul's servant) to indirect service to the king through Mephibosheth. This is the official conclusion of David's acts of kindness and legal declaration.
Words-group analysis:
- "Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica.": This detail highlights the vital importance of an heir in the ancient Near East. Dynastic security and the continuation of the family name were paramount. David's act ensures not just Mephibosheth's survival but the preservation of his lineage, a crucial aspect of securing any inherited claim to land. It confirms that the covenant's blessing of offspring is upheld.
- "And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.": This declaration finalizes the practical arrangements for Mephibosheth's household. Ziba and his large workforce are now officially assigned to Mephibosheth. This not only restores Mephibosheth's status but provides the human resources necessary to manage his considerable estate effectively, solidifying his economic stability and confirming his royal entitlement. It's a complete transfer of authority and resources.
2 Samuel 9 12 Bonus section
The meticulous detail provided in this verse—the naming of the son and the precise designation of Ziba's household as servants—reinforces the permanence and completeness of David's restoration plan. It indicates David's administrative care, leaving no ambiguity about Mephibosheth's fully re-established position of honor and security. The continuity of Mephibosheth's lineage, explicitly confirmed by the presence of his son Mica, holds theological weight. It demonstrates how God preserves lines, even seemingly disgraced ones, in ways that defy human expectation, echoing the larger divine plan of covenant fulfillment through promised seed.
2 Samuel 9 12 Commentary
2 Samuel 9:12 serves as the final, critical detail in David's monumental act of hesed (loyal love/covenant kindness) towards Mephibosheth. It signifies the full practical outworking of David's commitment, ensuring Mephibosheth's long-term well-being and honor. The mention of Mephibosheth's son, Mica, underscores the generational continuity of the kindness, moving beyond just Mephibosheth's immediate survival to the security of his line and the legitimate preservation of Saul's legacy in a way that aligns with David's covenant fidelity. By entrusting Ziba's entire household to serve Mephibosheth, David not only provides Mephibosheth with significant resources but also ensures accountability, transforming him into a landowner with staff and means, truly reinstating him to a noble status befitting his birthright. This stands in stark contrast to typical ancient Near Eastern kings who would eliminate rivals and their descendants, portraying David as a king after God's own heart, characterized by mercy and justice.