King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 9:4 Mean?

2 Samuel 9:4 in the King James Version says “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 A...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 9:4 · KJV

Context

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.

5

Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar.

6

Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!

Read 2 Samuel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 Lo-debar.

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 · 17 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֥וֹ2 of 17
H0
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ3 of 17

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֵיפֹ֣ה4 of 17

“unto him Where”

H375

what place?; also (of time) when?; or (of means) how?

ה֑וּא5 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר6 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

צִיבָא֙7 of 17

“is he And Ziba”

H6717

tsiba, an israelite

אֶל8 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ9 of 17

“And the king”

H4428

a king

הִנֵּה10 of 17
H2009

lo!

ה֗וּא11 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בֵּ֛ית12 of 17

“Behold he is in the house”

H1004

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

מָכִ֥יר13 of 17

“of Machir”

H4353

makir, an israelite

בֶּן14 of 17

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמִּיאֵ֖ל15 of 17

“of Ammiel”

H5988

ammiel, the name of three or four israelites

בְּל֥וֹ16 of 17
H0
דְבָֽר׃17 of 17

“in Lodebar”

H3810

lo-debar, a place in palestine

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 9:4 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 9:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 17:27-29

Places in This Verse

Lo-debarSettlement · Modern: Tel Dover · 32.68°N, 35.63°E4 verses across 2 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 9 →

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