1David asked, 'Is any member of Saul's family left, to whom I can show true kindness for Jonathan's sake?' 2There was a servant of Saul's family named Ziba; and he was summoned to David. The king asked, 'Are you Ziba?', and he answered, 'Your servant, sir.' 3So the king said, 'Is no member of Saul's family still alive to whom I may show the kindness that God requires?' 'Yes,' said Ziba, 'there is a son of Jonathan still alive; he is a cripple, lame in both feet.' 4'Where is he?' said the king, and Ziba answered, 'He is staying with Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar.'
5So the king sent and fetched him from Lo-debar, from the house of Machir son of Ammiel, 6and when Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan and Saul's grandson, entered David's presence, he prostrated himself and did obeisance. David said to him, 'Mephibosheth', and he answered, 'Your servant, sir.' 7Then David said, 'Do not be afraid; I mean to show you kindness for your father Jonathan's sake, and I will give you back the whole estate of your grandfather Saul; you shall have a place for yourself at my table.' 8So Mephibosheth prostrated himself again and said, 'Who am I that you should spare a thought for a dead dog like me?' 9Then David summoned Saul's servant Ziba to his presence and said to him, 'I assign to your master's grandson all the property that belonged to Saul and his family. 10You and your sons and your slaves must cultivate the land and bring in the harvest to provide for your master's household, but Mephibosheth your master's grandson shall have a place at my table.' This man Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty slaves. 11Then Ziba answered the king, 'I will do all that your majesty commands.' So Mephibosheth took his place in the royal household like one of the king's sons. 12He had a young son, named Mica; and the members of Ziba's household were all Mephibosheth's servants, 13while Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem and had his regular place at the king's table, crippled as he was in both feet.
| << | 2Sam:9 | >> |
|---|