2 Samuel 9 4

2 Samuel 9:4 kjv

And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.

2 Samuel 9:4 nkjv

So the king said to him, "Where is he?" And Ziba said to the king, "Indeed he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar."

2 Samuel 9:4 niv

"Where is he?" the king asked. Ziba answered, "He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar."

2 Samuel 9:4 esv

The king said to him, "Where is he?" And Ziba said to the king, "He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar."

2 Samuel 9:4 nlt

"Where is he?" the king asked. "In Lo-debar," Ziba told him, "at the home of Makir son of Ammiel."

2 Samuel 9 verses

2 Samuel 9 4 Meaning

2 Samuel 9:4 records David's persistent and precise inquiry to Ziba, a former servant of Saul's house, regarding the whereabouts of any remaining members of Saul's lineage. The verse details Ziba's exact answer, pinpointing Mephibosheth's location in Lo Debar, residing at the house of Makir son of Ammiel. This moment underscores David's active pursuit of his covenant oath with Jonathan, demonstrating profound grace and loyalty in a time when kings typically eradicated potential rivals.

2 Samuel 9 4 Context

2 Samuel chapter 9 initiates a pivotal demonstration of David's kingly character, specifically his faithfulness to his sworn covenant with Jonathan (1 Sam 20:14-17). Following David's secure establishment on the throne and triumph over his enemies, he remembers his promise. Historically, newly established kings would eradicate all surviving members of the previous royal family to eliminate potential threats or rival claims to the throne. David's inquiry "Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" (2 Sam 9:1) completely subverts this customary practice. This verse, 2 Samuel 9:4, serves as the answer to David's compassionate search, identifying the unlikely beneficiary, Mephibosheth, and his obscure place of dwelling. The socio-cultural context highlights the radical nature of David's kindness, rooted in loyalty and oath-keeping rather than political expediency or vengeance.

2 Samuel 9 4 Word analysis

• The king (הַמֶּלֶךְ, ham-melech): Refers to King David. His regal authority is juxtaposed with his humility and faithfulness to a prior personal covenant, demonstrating righteous rule guided by moral obligation, not just power. This is exceptional given common Near Eastern kingship.
• asked him: "Him" refers to Ziba, a servant from Saul's house introduced in 2 Samuel 9:2. David proactively initiates this inquiry, indicating his determined intent. The act of asking implies a genuine search, not just a casual thought.
• 'Where is he?': The specific, pointed question. David doesn't simply ask "is there anyone?"; he asks for a location. This shows the depth of his intent to find and reach out. "He" refers to Mephibosheth, though unnamed in this specific verse, the preceding verse (2 Sam 9:3) identifies him. This is crucial as Mephibosheth was vulnerable, living in obscurity.
• Ziba answered the king: Ziba's direct and immediate reply confirms his knowledge and perhaps readiness to serve the new king. His answer is factual and straightforward, setting the stage for David's subsequent actions.
• 'He is in Lo Debar (בְּלוֹ דְבָר, bi-lo devar)': "Lo Debar" means "no pasture" or "no word/thing." It denotes a desolate, barren, or neglected place. It was likely a remote village on the east side of the Jordan, suggesting Mephibosheth was in a hidden, isolated, and forgotten state, perhaps for safety or due to his infirmity. The name itself reflects his current condition – estranged from royalty, politically "dead," and personally handicapped (lame, 2 Sam 4:4).
• at the house of Makir (בֵּית מָכִיר, beit makhir): Provides a specific dwelling, indicating that Mephibosheth was not wandering but had a place of refuge, however humble. Makir, from Jabesh-Gilead (2 Sam 17:27-29), appears later as a loyal supporter of David during Absalom's rebellion, suggesting he was a man known for hospitality and trustworthiness, or simply, his place offered Mephibosheth a safe haven.
• son of Ammiel: Provides Makir's lineage, anchoring his identity. "Ammiel" means "my kinsman is God" or "people of God," adding a subtle layer of perhaps integrity or piety to the one sheltering Mephibosheth. This specific identification likely offered assurance to David as to Mephibosheth's whereabouts and safety.

2 Samuel 9 4 Bonus section

The seemingly minor detail of "Makir son of Ammiel" gains significance later in the biblical narrative. In 2 Samuel 17:27-29, Makir, along with other loyal individuals, provides substantial provisions (beds, basins, pottery, wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, cheese) to David and his men when they flee Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion. This suggests that Makir was a man of resources, influence, and perhaps, enduring loyalty or strong moral character, as he stood with David during a time of crisis. His provision of refuge for Mephibosheth then appears not as an act of mere chance, but consistent with a character known for providing shelter and sustenance. This subtly validates Ziba's report and underscores that even in "Lo Debar," divine providence ensured Mephibosheth had a protector until David's grace could reach him.

2 Samuel 9 4 Commentary

2 Samuel 9:4 is a concise but deeply significant verse within the narrative of David's kindness to Mephibosheth. It encapsulates the outcome of David's search prompted by an unparalleled act of grace rooted in a sacred covenant. In a world where consolidating power often meant eradicating all perceived threats, David sought out the very last remaining member of the former dynasty, not to punish, but to bestow kindness. The discovery of Mephibosheth in "Lo Debar"—a name conveying "no pasture" or "no word"—highlights his desolate, forgotten, and precarious existence. He was a symbol of being cast aside, made more poignant by his lameness (2 Sam 4:4). His dwelling at Makir's house suggests he was reliant on the hospitality of others, isolated from any claim to status or wealth. This verse bridges David's noble intent with the bleak reality of Mephibosheth's situation, preparing the reader for the king's extraordinary restorative action. It portrays God's own heart for the lost, forgotten, and spiritually destitute, who are brought into the king's presence, not based on merit, but by grace and covenant love. This scene is a profound foreshadowing of God’s redemptive grace through Jesus Christ, who seeks out those spiritually in “Lo Debar”—without hope and estranged—and brings them to His royal table.