2 Samuel 9 3

2 Samuel 9:3 kjv

And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.

2 Samuel 9:3 nkjv

Then the king said, "Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?" And Ziba said to the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet."

2 Samuel 9:3 niv

The king asked, "Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God's kindness?" Ziba answered the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet."

2 Samuel 9:3 esv

And the king said, "Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?" Ziba said to the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet."

2 Samuel 9:3 nlt

The king then asked him, "Is anyone still alive from Saul's family? If so, I want to show God's kindness to them." Ziba replied, "Yes, one of Jonathan's sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet."

2 Samuel 9 verses

2 Samuel 9 3 Meaning

This verse highlights King David's deliberate inquiry for any remaining descendant of King Saul's household, not to bring harm, but to extend an act of covenant faithfulness termed "the kindness of God" (chesed Elohim). This specific phrase denotes a loyal, steadfast love reflecting God's own divine character. Ziba, a servant, then informs the king of Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, noting his physical lameness.

2 Samuel 9 3 Context

This verse appears in 2 Samuel 9, a chapter demonstrating King David's heart for righteousness and covenant-keeping early in his reign over all Israel. After establishing Jerusalem as his capital and securing military victories (chapters 5-8), David consciously initiates a search for surviving members of Saul's household. This act deviates significantly from the typical Ancient Near Eastern custom where newly enthroned kings would often eradicate rivals' families to prevent future threats. David's intention to show "the kindness of God" underscores his desire to fulfill a solemn covenant made with Jonathan, Saul's son (1 Samuel 20), demonstrating his loyalty and commitment to divine principles. This period in David's life highlights his devotion to God's ways before the narrative introduces his moral failings.

2 Samuel 9 3 Word analysis

• And the king said: Refers to David, indicating his proactive decision and royal authority. It underscores that this benevolent search originated from his personal conviction to uphold a promise.
• "Is there not still someone of the house of Saul...": This rhetorical question signifies David's earnest desire to locate any survivor from Saul's lineage (beit Sha'ul - family, household, or descendants). He isn't waiting for a request but actively seeking them out.
• "...that I may show the kindness of God to him?": This is the theological and moral crux of the verse.
  • "show" (עָשָׂה - asah): To do, to perform, to make. It denotes a tangible action, not just a feeling or thought.
  • "kindness" (חֶסֶד - chesed): A profoundly rich Hebrew term. It signifies loyal love, steadfast love, covenant loyalty, mercy, and enduring faithfulness. It describes a deep, abiding commitment, often demonstrated when undeserved, especially within a relational covenant. It's more than mere pity or favor.
  • "of God" (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim): This crucial addition elevates the chesed David intends to show. It implies that his act is meant to mirror, embody, or flow from the very chesed that God Himself shows to humanity. David seeks to act according to God's own character and covenantal faithfulness.
• Ziba said to the king: Ziba was a trusted servant in Saul's house and later transferred to David's service. His quick knowledge of Saul's household reflects his position and network, becoming a pivotal figure in facilitating David's act of grace.
• "There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in his feet.": Ziba identifies Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son. The mention of his physical condition (פִּסֵּחַ רַגְלָיו - pisseach raglav meaning "lame in his feet") is significant. It immediately highlights Mephibosheth's vulnerability, inability to pose a threat, and his complete dependence, amplifying the radical nature and depth of David's forthcoming act of chesed.

2 Samuel 9 3 Bonus section

The concept of "the kindness of God" (חֶסֶד אֱלֹהִים - chesed Elohim) is more than general benevolence; it embodies God's character as revealed in the Sinai Covenant—His steadfast love and faithfulness that holds His promises. David, acting in the Spirit, chooses to extend this very divine attribute, making his action a potent theological symbol. Mephibosheth, a living remnant of a "failed" kingdom (Saul's reign), helpless and lame, perfectly personifies humanity's spiritual condition—broken and utterly reliant on God's unmerited favor. David's response of bringing him into the king's household and to the king's table profoundly prefigures the Gospel, where believers, once spiritually lame and alienated, are brought by grace into God's family and fellowship at His royal table. The phrase highlights David's conscious effort to emulate God's actions, demonstrating his commitment to be "a man after God's own heart."

2 Samuel 9 3 Commentary

2 Samuel 9:3 is a profound depiction of covenant faithfulness and divine chesed enacted through a human king. David's proactive search for Saul's descendants, particularly his desire to show "the kindness of God," directly contrasts the customary harsh realities of power transitions in ancient monarchies. This wasn't a political maneuver but a deeply spiritual act of upholding an oath made to Jonathan (1 Sam 20), thereby reflecting God's own attribute of loyal love and covenant faithfulness. The specific mention of Mephibosheth's lameness underscores his complete lack of status or capability to earn such favor, making David's subsequent actions a powerful picture of unmerited grace—God's chesed extended to the helpless and undeserving, bringing them into full fellowship.

• Example: This act is like a wealthy landowner, having made a promise to a dear deceased friend, going out of his way to find and provide for the friend's struggling and disabled child.
• Example: It mirrors the unexpected grace offered by a victor to the defeated's kin, not for political gain, but purely out of an intrinsic commitment to a promise, regardless of the other party's present standing or perceived worth.