John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 6. Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul , etc.] For that was his name, though sometimes called Meribbaal, ( Chronicles 8:34); and this was his relation to Jonathan and Saul, the son of the one, and grandson of the other: was come unto David ; to his court and palace in Jerusalem, being thither brought; for he could not go of himself, being lame: he fell on his face, and did reverence ; to him as a king, in a civil way, and in the best manner he could, considering that he was lame on his feet: and David said, Mephibosheth ; is it he? having learnt what his name was, this he expressed with great vehemency and affection, as glad that he had found one of Jonathan’s posterity: and he answered, behold thy servant ! he answered to his name, and owned his subjection to David, and was ready to take the oath of allegiance to him, and give him homage, and serve him in what way he could.
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 ויבא935 מפיבשׁת4648 בן1121 יהונתן3083 בן1121 שׁאול7586 אל413 דוד1732 ויפל5307 על5921 פניו6440 וישׁתחו7812 ויאמר559 דוד1732 מפיבשׁת4648 ויאמר559 הנה2009 עבדך׃5650
