King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 9:2 Mean?

2 Samuel 9:2 in the King James Version says “And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.”

2 Samuel 9:2 · KJV

Context

1

And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?

2

And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.

3

And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.

4

And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.

Read 2 Samuel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Kindness to Mephibosheth, emphasizing covenant faithfulness, grace. David's kindness to Mephibosheth illustrates chesed (חֶסֶד, covenant faithfulness/loyal love). This grace shown to Jonathan's crippled son demonstrates covenant loyalty transcending political expedience. The narrative foreshadows God's grace toward spiritually crippled humanity. Cross-references to David and Jonathan's covenant (1 Samuel 18:3, 20:14-17) and New Testament grace themes enrich understanding.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 9 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding covenant faithfulness, grace provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of covenant faithfulness, grace?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּלְבֵ֨ית1 of 16

“And there was of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

שָׁא֥וּל2 of 16

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃3 of 16

“Thy servant”

H5650

a servant

וּשְׁמ֣וֹ4 of 16

“whose name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

צִיבָ֖א5 of 16

“unto him Art thou Ziba”

H6717

tsiba, an israelite

וַיִּקְרְאוּ6 of 16

“And when they had called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

ל֖וֹ7 of 16
H0
אֶל8 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֑ד9 of 16

“him unto David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר10 of 16

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֧לֶךְ11 of 16

“the king”

H4428

a king

אֵלָ֛יו12 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַֽאַתָּ֥ה13 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

צִיבָ֖א14 of 16

“unto him Art thou Ziba”

H6717

tsiba, an israelite

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר15 of 16

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃16 of 16

“Thy servant”

H5650

a servant

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 9:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 16:1-42 Samuel 19:17Genesis 15:2-32 Samuel 19:27-29Genesis 24:2Genesis 39:6

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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