John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. And the king said, [is] there not yet any of the house of Saul ; that is, remaining or living: that I may show the kindness of God unto him ? great kindness, some large favour or benefit; for the word God added to things, as to trees, mountains, etc. serves to set forth the excellency of them; and this kindness is in imitation of God, or such as he had sworn in the presence of God to show; and that is expressed in the same language, ( 1 Samuel 20:14); and Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son ; a son still living; [which is] lame on [his] feet ; on both his feet, as the Targum; of which occasion, (see Gill on “ 2 Samuel 4:4”).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - Amidst numerous affairs we are apt to forget the gratitude we owe, an the engagements we are under, not only to our friends, but to God himself. Yet persons of real godliness will have no rest till they have discharged them. And the most proper objects of kindness and charity frequently will not be found without inquiry. Jonathan was David' sworn friend, therefore he shows kindness to his son Mephibosheth. God is faithful to us; let us not be unfaithful to one another. I Providence has raised us, and our friends and their families ar brought low, we must look upon that as giving us the fairer opportunit of being kind to them.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 המלך4428 האפס657 עוד5750 אישׁ376 לבית1004 שׁאול7586 ואעשׂה6213 עמו5973 חסד2617 אלהים430 ויאמר559 ציבא6717 אל413 המלך4428 עוד5750 בן1121 ליהונתן3083 נכה5223 רגלים׃7272
