CHAPTER IX _David inquires after the family of Jonathan, and is informed_ _of Mephibosheth his son_, 1-4. _He sends for him and gives him all the land of Saul_, 5-8; _and appoints Ziba the servant of Saul, and his family, to till_ _the ground for Mephibosheth_, 9-13. NOTES ON CHAP. IX Verse 2... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 9:3. _THAT I MAY SHOW THE KINDNESS OF GOD UNTO HIM?_] That is, the _utmost_, the _highest degrees of kindness_; as the _hail of God_, is very great hail, the _mountains of God_, exceeding high mountains: besides, this kindness was according to the _covenant of_ _God_ made between him... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 9:4. _LO-DEBAR._] Supposed to have been situated beyond Jordan; but there is nothing certain known concerning it.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 9:7. _WILL RESTORE THEE ALL THE LAND_] I believe this means the _mere family estate_ of the house of Kish, which David as _king_ might have retained, but which most certainly belonged, according to the Israelitish law, to the descendants of the family. _AND THOU SHALT EAT BREAD AT MY... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 9:9. _I HAVE GIVEN UNTO THY MASTER'S SON_] Unless Ziba had been servant of Jonathan, this seems to refer to Micha, son of Mephibosheth, and so some understand it; but it is more likely that Mephibosheth is meant, who is called _son of Saul_ instead of _grandson_. Yet it is evident eno... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 9:10. _THOU THEREFORE, AND THY SONS - SHALL TILL THE LAND_] It seems that Ziba and his family had the care of the whole estate, and cultivated it at their own expense, yielding the half of the produce to the family of Mephibosheth. Ziba was properly the _hind_, whose duty and interest... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 9:11. _SO SHALL THY SERVANT DO._] The promises of Ziba were fair and specious, but he was a traitor in his heart, as we shall see in the rebellion of Absalom, and David's indulgence to this man is a blot in his character; at this time however he suspected no evil; circumstances alone... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 9:13. _DID EAT CONTINUALLY AT THE KING'S TABLE_] He was fit for no public office, but was treated by the king with the utmost respect and affection.... [ Continue Reading ]