MPV Commentary

David Sends for Mephibosheth.

1-7. David inquired if there was anyone left from Saul's household. On investigation, he learned that Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, was still alive. At the time of his father's death, Mephibosheth was only five years old and had been living in exile with one of the prominent families in Transjordan. His lameness (2Sa 4:4) had kept him from participating in public life. As the younger son of a king, Mephibosheth had a legitimate claim to the throne over his uncle Ish-bosheth. However, due to his insignificance and Ziba's influence, he had been overlooked until David was informed about his existence.

David invited Mephibosheth to court and assigned him a place at the royal table on public days, as is customary with Eastern monarchs. The estate that belonged to Saul's family, which had either been inherited by David through his marriage or forfeited due to Ish-bosheth's rebellion (2Sa 12:8), was provided for Mephibosheth's support. Ziba was appointed steward to manage the estate, receiving half of its produce as payment for his labor and expenses, while the other half went to the landowner.

10. Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants, indicating that Mephibosheth would be honored with a suitable retinue "as one of the king's sons."

12. Mephibosheth had a young son named Micah. Through him, Jonathan's name and memory were preserved (1Ch 8:34-35; 9:40-41).