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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:9-13

The matter is here settled concerning Mephibosheth. 1. This grant of his father's estate is confirmed to him, and Ziba called to be a witness to it (2 Sam. 9:9); and, it should seem, Saul had a very good estate, for his father was a mighty man of substance (1 Sam. 9:1), and he had fields and vineyards to bestow, 1 Sam. 22:7. Be it ever so much, Mephibosheth is now master of it all. 2. The management of the estate is committed to Ziba, who knew what it was and how to make the most of it, in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:11

Then said Ziba unto the king, according to all the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do ,.... Till the land, and bring the fruits of it to Mephibosheth, for the support of his family; he promised very fair, had he been as faithful to his trust: as for Mephibosheth, said the king , he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons ; which is repeated, for the confirmation of it, and to show that he should be treated with equal respect, and fare as the king's sons... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 9:11

So shall thy servant do - The promises of Ziba were fair and specious, but he was a traitor in his heart, as we shall see in the rebellion of Absalom, and David's indulgence to this man is a blot in his character; at this time however he suspected no evil; circumstances alone can develope the human character. The internal villain can be known only when circumstances occur which can call his propensities into action; till then he may be reputed an honest man. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:1-13

The facts are: 1 . David, remembering his love for Jonathan, inquires whether there were any survivors of the house of Saul; and being informed of the proximity of Ziba, an old servant, he sends for him. 2 . He is told that a son of Jonathan, lame of foot, is a sojourner in the house of Machir. 3 . Being sent for, Mephibosheth, on appearing before the king, falls on his face and pays reverence, but is spoken to kindly. 4 . Being assured by David that there was no need for fear,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:5-13

( THE KING 'S PALACE .) Mephibosheth before the king. We have here a picture of— I. EXTRAORDINARY VICISSITUDES IS LIFE . A prince by birth, deprived of his father, crippled by a heedless footstep, carried into exile and poverty, recently a helpless dependent in a remote district, is conducted into the presence of one who was once a shepherd boy, afterwards a wandering outlaw, and now the greatest monarch on earth! Such changes: 1 . May be largely, though not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:11

As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he , etc. These words are difficult, because they make David say the same thing thrice. The text is probably corrupt, as it requires the insertion of some such phrase as the "said the king" of the Authorized Version to make it intelligible. Of the many emendations proposed, the most probable is that of the LXX . and Syriac, which make this clause an observation of the historian pointing out the high honour done to Mephibosheth in placing him on an... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 9:11

Said the king - There is nothing in the Hebrew to warrant the insertion of these words. The words are: “So Mephibosheth ate at my table as one of the king’s sons.” Only it follows that the narrator is David himself. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 9:10-13

2 Samuel 9:10-13. Mephibosheth shall eat bread alway at my table Now David declares publicly what he had said privately to Mephibosheth. His family was to be maintained by the fruit of the estate that David gave him, though he himself was to eat always with David. And he was lame on both his feet Or, though he was lame, &c. This defect and blemish did not hinder him from being entertained by the king with the greatest kindness; which procured him, though despicable in his person,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Remembering former kindnesses (9:1-10:19)Although his power was now great, David did not forget his covenant with Jonathan. Unlike other kings, David would not destroy the family of the king whom he replaced (9:1; see 1 Samuel 20:12-17). David not only spared the life of Jonathan’s sole surviving son, the crippled Mephibosheth, but also restored to him Saul’s family property (2-8; cf. 4:4). David gave Mephibosheth the privilege of free access into the palace, and appointed one of Saul’s former... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Samuel 9:11

"Then Ziba said to the king, "According to all that my Lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do." So Mephibosheth ate at David's table, like one of the king's sons."In view of Ziba's treacherous conduct during Absalom's rebellion, we may perhaps make a judgment here that Ziba was far from pleased with this new arrangement. His solemn promise to carry out the commandments of the king was evidently made with reluctance; and he rebelled at the first opportunity.Before leaving... read more

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