2 Samuel 9 2

2 Samuel 9:2 kjv

And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.

2 Samuel 9:2 nkjv

And there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba. So when they had called him to David, the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" He said, "At your service!"

2 Samuel 9:2 niv

Now there was a servant of Saul's household named Ziba. They summoned him to appear before David, and the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" "At your service," he replied.

2 Samuel 9:2 esv

Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" And he said, "I am your servant."

2 Samuel 9:2 nlt

He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul's servants. "Are you Ziba?" the king asked. "Yes sir, I am," Ziba replied.

2 Samuel 9 verses

2 Samuel 9 2 Meaning

This verse introduces Ziba, a key figure connected to the former royal house of Saul. It marks the initiation of King David's deliberate search for any surviving member of Saul's household, driven by a profound desire to show kindness according to his covenant oath with Jonathan. David directly identifies Ziba, signaling his intentional and systematic approach to locate Saul's descendants, particularly those with a legitimate claim, laying the groundwork for an extraordinary act of grace.

2 Samuel 9 2 Context

Following David's establishment as king over all Israel (2 Sam 5-8), he consolidates his power and secures peace through various conquests. In contrast to the typical ancient Near Eastern practice where a new dynasty would systematically eliminate potential claimants from the former royal line, David intentionally seeks to show "kindness" (חֶסֶד - chesed) to Saul's household. This act is not born out of political necessity or fear, but from a deeply ingrained covenant he made with Jonathan, Saul's son (1 Sam 20). Chapter 9 opens with David's proactive inquiry, driven by this faithfulness, to demonstrate a higher standard of kingship rooted in God's character. This verse specifically marks the initial step in fulfilling that sacred oath.

2 Samuel 9 2 Word analysis

• Now there was: Signals the introduction of a new character and a significant shift in the narrative focus from David's military successes to his internal governance and personal character.
• servant (עֶבֶד - `eved): While literally "servant" or "slave," in this context, it implies a trusted and established figure within Saul's household, likely managing his properties or staff. It suggests a person of some standing and familiarity with the former royal court, making him a crucial link for David.
• of the house of Saul: Specifies that Ziba belonged to the administrative or personal retinue of the former king. "House" here refers to the lineage, estate, and surviving elements associated with Saul's former rule.
• whose name was Ziba (צִיבָא - Tziyva): This formal identification introduces Ziba, who will play a significant role in future interactions, particularly concerning Mephibosheth and David. His name's exact meaning is debated, but his later actions reveal a pragmatic, self-serving character.
• and they called him to David: Indicates that Ziba was not readily at David's court, but had to be summoned. This highlights David's initiative in actively searching for information regarding Saul's house, showing his determination to fulfill his vow. It suggests a thorough search or inquiry among those who knew the former royal affairs.
• and the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?": David's direct and initial question serves to formally identify the individual before him. In ancient royal courts, precise identification was crucial, ensuring the right person was being addressed for important matters. This also conveys David's personal engagement in the matter.
• And he said, "Your servant is he.": Ziba's reply is a respectful, submissive affirmation. "Your servant" (abdəkā) is a common humble form of self-identification when addressing a superior or monarch, acknowledging the king's authority and expressing readiness to comply.

2 Samuel 9 2 Bonus section

This verse sets the thematic tone for chapter 9, initiating David's deliberate act of chesed (often translated as "kindness," "steadfast love," or "mercy") towards Saul's family. This chesed is explicitly referred to as "the kindness of God" (2 Sam 9:3), indicating that David's action is not merely human benevolence but a reflection of divine attributes and a covenant commitment patterned after God's own faithfulness. The formal identification of Ziba suggests a structured approach David employed in searching out his covenant obligations. Ziba's role is critical here as a knowledge-bearer about Saul's remnants, but his future character as cunning and self-serving is foreshadowed by his swift assertion of identity and eagerness to comply, though it isn't explicitly condemned in this specific verse.

2 Samuel 9 2 Commentary

2 Samuel 9:2 is the crucial entry point to David's act of "kindness for Jonathan's sake," a foundational illustration of God's character through human action. It highlights David's active pursuit of those connected to a rival house, a stark contrast to typical ancient Near Eastern kings who would eliminate all such threats. David’s inquiry for a "servant" implies he sought an insider with knowledge of the family's state and whereabouts, rather than publicly broadcasting his intentions, thus demonstrating prudence alongside his benevolence. This introduction of Ziba sets the stage for David’s subsequent extraordinary display of grace, which profoundly reflects God’s own redemptive pursuit of humanity, often seeking the "lame" and inviting them to His royal table, while also subtly introducing a character whose self-interest will later be revealed.