2 Samuel 9:4 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:1-8

Here is, I. David's enquiry after the remains of the ruined house of Saul, 2 Sam. 9:1. This was a great while after his accession to the throne, for it should seem that Mephibosheth, who was but five years old when Saul died, had now a son born, 2 Sam. 9:12. David had too long forgotten his obligations to Jonathan, but now, at length, they are brought to his mind. It is good sometimes to bethink ourselves whether there be any promises or engagements that we have neglected to make good; better... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:4

And the king said unto him, where is he ?.... In what part of the land, city, or town, does he dwell? and Ziba said unto the king, behold, he is in the house of Machir , the son of Ammiel ; a descendant of Machir, the son of Manasseh, to whom the land of Gilead was given, which lay on the other side Jordan: in Lodebar ; a place in that country, perhaps the same with Debir in Joshua 13:26 . Here it may be his mother's relations lived, and here he might dwell in obscurity, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 9:4

Lo-debar - Supposed to have been situated beyond Jordan; but there is nothing certain known concerning it. 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 9:4

Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar . Of Lo-debar nothing is known, but it must have been east of the Jordan, near Mahanaim. Of Ammiel we read again in 2 Samuel 17:27 , where we find that he was a man of wealth, who helped to supply the wants of David and his men during the rebellion of Absalom. Possibly this kindness of David towards one for whom he had feelings of loyalty, as representing a royal house to which he had remained faithful, won his heart. There was a magnanimity about it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:4

( GILEAD .) The kindness of Machir Ben-Ammiel. One of the obscure characters of Scripture. He dwelt at Lo-debar, among the mountains of Gilead, "a favourite asylum for refugees;" was, probably, a descendant of Machir the son of Manasseh; and "the principal man of Gilead" (Josephus). Of his generosity two notable instances are recorded (ch. 4:4; 17:27). From these it may be inferred that he was rich in earthly possessions, and (what is of much greater importance) in: 1 . Grateful... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 9:4

David reaped the fruit of his kindness to Mephibosheth, for, when he fled from Absalom, Machir, the son of Ammiel, was one of those who were most liberal in providing him and his army with necessaries (marginal reference). According to 1 Chronicles 3:5, Ammiel (called inversely Eliam, 2 Samuel 11:3) was the father of Bath-sheba. If this be the same Ammiel, Machir would be Bath-sheba’s brother. However, the name is not a very uncommon one (Num 13:12; 1 Chronicles 26:5, etc.).Lo-debar - Evidently... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 9:4

2 Samuel 9:4. He is in the house of Machir This Machir appears to have been a generous man, who entertained Mephibosheth out of mere compassion, not of disaffection to David: for afterward we find him kind to David himself, when he fled from Absalom. David now little thought that the time would come when he himself should need his assistance. Let us be forward to give, because we know not what we ourselves may some time want. 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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 9:4

Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 . Lo-debar = no pasture. Where the sinner is until found by God ' s free grace. read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:1-8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 9:4

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:1-13

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:4

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 9:4

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 9:4

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 9:1-13

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 9:4

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