2 Samuel – Chapter 9

Old Testament • 13 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And David said: Is there any one, think you, left of the house of Saul, that I may shew kindness to him for Jonathan's sake?" — so begins 2 Samuel 9. The chapter centers on Saul, David and Jonathan. Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's kingdom and kingship. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1And David said: Is there any one, think you, left of the house of Saul, that I may shew kindness to him for Jonathan's sake?

2Now there was of the house of Saul, a servant named Siba: and when the king had called him to him, he said to him: Art thou Siba? And he answered: I am Siba thy servant.

3And the king said: Is there any one left of the house of Saul, that I may shew the mercy of God unto Him? And Siba said to the king: There is a son of Jonathan left, who is lame of his feet.

4Where is he? said he. And Siba said to the king: Behold he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel in Lodabar.

5Then King David sent, and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodabar.

6And when Miphiboseth the son of Jonathan the son of Saul was come to David, he fell on his face and worshipped. And David said: Miphiboseth? And he answered: Behold thy servant.

7And David said to him: Fear not, for I will surely shew thee mercy for Jonathan thy father's sake, and I will restore the lands of Saul the father, and thou shalt eat bread at my table always.

8He bowed down to him, and said: Who am I thy servant, that thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am?

9Then the King called Siba the servant of Saul, and said to him: All that belonged to Saul, and all his house, I have given to thy master's son.

10Thou therefore and the sons and thy servants shall till the land for him: and thou shalt bring in food for thy master's son, that he may be maintained: and Miphiboseth the son of thy master shall always eat bread at my table. And Siba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

11And Siba said to the king: As thou my lord the hast commanded thy servant, so will thy servant do: and Miphiboseth shall eat at my table, as one of the sons of the King.

12And Miphiboseth had a young son whose name was Micha: and all that kindred of the house of Siba served Miphiboseth.

13But Miphiboseth dwelt in Jerusalem: because he ate always of the king's table: and he was lame of both feet.

Important Verses in 2 Samuel 9

“And the king said: Is there any one left of the house of Saul, that I may shew the mercy of God unto Him? And Siba said to the king: There is a son of Jonathan left, who is lame of his feet.”

2 Samuel 9:3

“And David said to him: Fear not, for I will surely shew thee mercy for Jonathan thy father's sake, and I will restore the lands of Saul the father, and thou shalt eat bread at my table always.”

2 Samuel 9:7

“And Siba said to the king: As thou my lord the hast commanded thy servant, so will thy servant do: and Miphiboseth shall eat at my table, as one of the sons of the King.”

2 Samuel 9:11

Historical Context

2 Samuel belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for israel, taught that even great kings stand under God's law and mercy. Chapter 9 of 24 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a genealogical record linking earlier promises to later generations with 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Saul, David and Jonathan, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "And David said: Is there any one, think you, left of the house of Saul, that I may shew kindness to him for Jonathan's…" The chapter ends with: "But Miphiboseth dwelt in Jerusalem: because he ate always of the king's table: and he was lame of both feet. " In terms of historical background, Second Samuel chronicles David's forty-year reign: the capture of Jerusalem, the bringing of the Ark, God's covenant promise of an everlasting dynasty (2 Sam 7), and David's grave sins and repentance. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Events of about 1010-970 BC; compiled during the monarchy or exile.

Who Wrote It

Court traditions compiled by inspired editors, drawing on records of Nathan and Gad

When It Was Written

Events of about 1010-970 BC; compiled during the monarchy or exile

Catholic Commentary

The list of names is not mere record-keeping: it anchors the story of David's reign and the Davidic covenant in real families and real history. A pivotal line is verse 3: "And the king said: Is there any one left of the house of Saul, that I may shew the mercy of God unto Him? And Siba said to the king: There is a son of Jonathan…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of David's reign and the Davidic covenant. the promise to David finds fulfillment in Christ, Son of David (CIC 437-439). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1502).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God establishes an eternal kingdom. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 2 Samuel 9 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • ✓From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.

People in This Chapter

Saul7 mentionsDavid5 mentionsJonathan4 mentions

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read 2 Samuel Chapter 9, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the Church as mother and teacher remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of the Church as mother and teacher bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Samuel Chapter 9 about?

2 Samuel 9 contains 13 verses. It opens with "And David said: Is there any one, think you, left of the house of Saul, that I may shew kindness to him for Jonathan's…" and closes with "But Miphiboseth dwelt in Jerusalem: because he ate always of the king's table: and he was lame of both feet. ". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in 2 Samuel 9?

One of the most significant verses is verse 3: "And the king said: Is there any one left of the house of Saul, that I may shew the mercy of God unto Him? And Siba said to the king: There is a son of Jonathan left, who is lame…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 2 Samuel Chapter 9?

This chapter mentions Saul, David, Jonathan.

Who wrote 2 Samuel and when?

Court traditions compiled by inspired editors, drawing on records of Nathan and Gad. Events of about 1010-970 BC; compiled during the monarchy or exile.

Related Chapters

1 Samuel 18Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Chronicles 10Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Maccabees 4Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family🙏The Our Father🙏Novena to Christ the King

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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