2 Samuel 9 9

2 Samuel 9:9 kjv

Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.

2 Samuel 9:9 nkjv

And the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "I have given to your master's son all that belonged to Saul and to all his house.

2 Samuel 9:9 niv

Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul's steward, and said to him, "I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family.

2 Samuel 9:9 esv

Then the king called Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master's grandson.

2 Samuel 9:9 nlt

Then the king summoned Saul's servant Ziba and said, "I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family.

2 Samuel 9 verses

2 Samuel 9 9 Meaning

2 Samuel 9:9 details King David's explicit decree to Ziba, Saul's former servant. It declares that all the property and possessions belonging to Saul and his entire household are henceforth given to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. This verse solidifies the material aspect of David's grace and covenant faithfulness extended to Mephibosheth.

2 Samuel 9 9 Context

Chapter 9 of 2 Samuel vividly portrays King David's embodiment of "hesed" (steadfast love or kindness) for the sake of his covenant with Jonathan. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, it was customary for a new king to eradicate all remnants of the previous dynasty to secure his reign. David, however, acts in stark contrast to this norm. Motivated by the solemn oath he made with Jonathan, he actively seeks out any survivor of Saul's house (2 Sam 9:1, 3). Ziba, Saul's former servant, reveals the existence of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, who is lame (2 Sam 9:4). David's immediate response is to bring Mephibosheth into his presence and to explicitly restore not only his place at the king's table (a place of honor and provision) but also all the lands and property that once belonged to Saul. Verse 9 is the specific, administrative declaration of this restoration of Saul's entire estate to Mephibosheth, assigning Ziba as the manager. This act reinforces David's loyalty to his covenant and highlights the surprising grace shown to one who, by conventional standards, would be seen as a potential threat.

2 Samuel 9 9 Word analysis

• Then the king: הַמֶּלֶךְ (hammelekh) - Refers to David. The definite article emphasizes "the King," signaling an authoritative royal decree. This action stems directly from his sovereign will.
• called for Ziba: וַיִּקְרָא (vayyiqra) לְצִיבָא (lětsiyvā’) - "And he called Ziba." Ziba was an important figure, possibly a steward, as he managed Saul's estate (though now in disarray). David's direct summons indicates a formal and immediate transfer of responsibility.
• Saul's servant: עֶבֶד שָׁאוּל (‘eved shā’ūl) - Ziba's previous allegiance is explicitly stated, framing his continued loyalty and capacity to manage the estate, now under new ownership but still tied to Saul's legacy.
• and said to him: וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ (vayyō'mer lō) - A direct command follows, highlighting the king's authority and Ziba's role as recipient of the decree.
• "I have given": נָתַתִּי (natattī) - This is a strong declaration using the Hebrew perfect tense, signifying a completed and irrevocable action. It's not a suggestion or future plan, but a present reality. David unequivocally asserts his unilateral transfer of property.
• to your master's grandson: בֶּן־אֲדֹנֶיךָ (ben-’ădonēkhā) - Literally, "the son of your master." In this context, "master" refers to Saul. Mephibosheth is identified by his lineage to Saul, reinforcing the transfer of Saul's property to Saul's bloodline, though facilitated by Jonathan's covenant with David. This clarifies that it is Mephibosheth who is receiving this benefit, not just any descendant.
• all that belonged to Saul: כֹּל אֲשֶׁר הָיָה לְשָׁאוּל (kol ’ǎsher hāyāh lěshā’ūl) - "All that was to Saul." This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the gift. "All" includes lands, assets, and presumably any revenue sources.
• and to all his house: וּלְכָל־בֵּיתוֹ (ūlěkhol-bêytō) - Reinforces the totality, extending beyond Saul personally to the entirety of his family's property holdings. This ensures that no portion of Saul's former estate is overlooked or retained by the new monarchy.

2 Samuel 9 9 Bonus section

• The transfer of "all" of Saul's estate to Mephibosheth contrasts sharply with typical practices where conquering kings would confiscate enemy property for their own treasury or loyal followers. David's action here reinforces the unique character of his kingship, prefiguring the justice and generosity of the coming Messiah.
• The emphasis on "Saul and to all his house" highlights the completeness of the reversal of fortune for Mephibosheth. From a life of hiddenness and vulnerability (2 Sam 4:4), Mephibosheth is restored to full proprietorship of what was lawfully his family's, yet unlikely to be recovered without David's extraordinary decree.
• Ziba's role in this verse is crucial. As the one familiar with Saul's estate and capable of managing it, his appointment ensures the practical implementation of David's decree. This foreshadows the later betrayal by Ziba in 2 Samuel 16 and 19, where his knowledge and access to the land become a means of manipulation. This earlier, seemingly benign, assignment sets the stage for future conflict related to this very property.

2 Samuel 9 9 Commentary

2 Samuel 9:9 marks a pivotal moment in David's extraordinary act of grace. Having found Mephibosheth, David doesn't merely extend him personal favor, but comprehensively restores his dignity and material well-being. The declaration, "I have given to your master's grandson all that belonged to Saul and to all his house," underscores David's total commitment to his covenant with Jonathan (1 Sam 20:14-17). This move transcends political expediency, as erasing the previous dynasty would be typical for consolidation of power. Instead, David demonstrates a kingdom founded on faithfulness and covenant-keeping, mirroring God's own unwavering "hesed."

Ziba, Saul's former steward, is designated to manage this entire inheritance, ensuring Mephibosheth, despite his lameness, is fully supported as befits a member of the royal family. This act foreshadows the complete restoration and lavish inheritance that believers receive through Christ, who, like David, enters into a covenant (new covenant) and elevates the undeserving from spiritual brokenness to a place of honor at His table (Luke 14:15, Rev 3:20-21) and bestows upon them an inheritance in His kingdom (Rom 8:17, Col 1:12). David's action transforms Mephibosheth from a hidden, fearful exile to a privileged member of the royal household, wholly reliant on the king's benevolence. This specific verse, therefore, highlights David's generosity and the material provision accompanying his spiritual kindness, reflecting divine grace in human governance.