II Samuel 4:4
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And Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to escape, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
When Abner was slain David was at a loss for a friend to perfect the reduction of those tribes that were yet in Ish-bosheth's interest. Which way to adopt for the accomplishment of it he could not tell; but here Providence brings it about by the removal of Ish-bosheth. I. Two of his own servants slew him, and brought his head to David (Sa2 4:1-8). II. David, instead of rewarding them, put them to death for what they had done (Sa2 4:9-12).
Open source ↗4:4 This parenthetical statement shows that, with the death of Ishbosheth (4:5-7), Saul’s dynasty was unable to continue—the only other heir was a young child who was crippled (see also 9:1-13). • Mephibosheth is a nickname meaning “from the mouth of shame,” possibly referring to his physical condition. No crippled animal could ever be offered to God, and no disabled priest was allowed to stand before God with the people’s offerings (Lev 21:19). Likewise, Mephibosheth’s condition probably disqualified him from the crown. His name change from Merib-baal (see 1 Chr 9:40) also removed association with Baal (see study note on 2 Sam 2:8).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.”
The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, who was the father of Micah.
And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied.
The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, and Merib-baal was the father of Micah.
So David and his men got up early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.
Now the Philistines brought all their forces together at Aphek, while Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel.