Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 9 - Verse 9

In this verse from the book of 2 Samuel, King David is shown to be fulfilling a promise he made to his dear friend Jonathan, who was Saul's son. Jonathan had been David's closest companion, even saving his life on multiple occasions. After Jonathan's death, David sought to honor their friendship by showing kindness to Jonathan's descendants. By calling Ziba, who was Saul's servant, the king declared that he was granting all that had belonged to Saul and his household to Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth. This act of generosity not only fulfilled David's vow to Jonathan but also demonstrated his desire to show mercy and grace to someone who was a descendant of his former enemy. By giving Mephibosheth all that rightfully belonged to his grandfather, David showcased his commitment to honor his friendships and respect the legacy of those who had gone before him.

In this verse, we see King David showing kindness and grace to Mephibosheth, the son of his once-enemy Saul. The theological interpretation of this act revolves around the concept of royal or divine covenant and mercy. David's actions demonstrate the fulfillment of a promise he made to Jonathan, Saul's son and Mephibosheth's father, to show kindness to his descendants. This display of kindness is not only a political move to secure loyalty but also a reflection of God's covenantal relationship with His people. The word study of "pertained" in this verse reveals the depth of the king's gesture - he not only restored the physical possessions that belonged to Saul and his house but also bestowed honor and dignity upon Mephibosheth, elevating him from a position of weakness and shame to a place of honor at the king's table. This act symbolizes God's grace and mercy in lifting up the lowly and exalting the humble, fulfilling the promise that the last shall be first in the kingdom of God.