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Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/9-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/10_2Sa_09_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 9:10 - David and Mephibosheth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master's grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, is always to eat at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/9-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/9-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/9-9.htm" title="2 Samuel 9:9">◄</a> 2 Samuel 9:10 <a href="/2_samuel/9-11.htm" title="2 Samuel 9:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_samuel/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/9.htm">New International Version</a> You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master&#8217s grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.&#8221 (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> You and your sons and servants are to farm the land for him to produce food for your master’s household. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will eat here at my table.” (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) <a href="/esv/2_samuel/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master’s grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/9.htm">King James Bible</a> Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/9.htm">New King James Version</a> You therefore, and your sons and your servants, shall work the land for him, and you shall bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s son shall eat bread at my table always.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> You and your sons and your servants shall cultivate the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce so that your master’s grandson will have food to eat; nevertheless Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, shall eat at my table regularly.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220You and your sons and your servants shall cultivate the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce so that your master&#8217s grandson may have food; nevertheless Mephibosheth your master&#8217s grandson shall eat at my table regularly.&#8221 Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And you and your sons and your servants shall cultivate the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce so that your master’s grandson may have food; nevertheless Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall eat at my table regularly.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And you and your sons and your servants shall cultivate the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce so that your master’s grandson may have food and eat of it; nevertheless Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall eat at my table continually.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You and your sons and your servants shall cultivate the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat; but Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> You, your sons, and your servants are to work the ground for him, and you are to bring in the crops so your master’s grandson will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> You, your sons, and your servants are to work the ground for him, and you are to bring in the crops so your master&#8217s grandson will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master&#8217s grandson, is always to eat at my table.&#8221 Now Ziba had 15 sons and 20 servants. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> And thou shalt till the land for him, thou, and thy sons, and thy servants; and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have bread to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You and your 15 sons and 20 servants will work for Mephibosheth. You will farm his land and bring in his crops, so that Saul's family and servants will have food. But Mephibosheth will always eat with me at my table." <a href="/erv/2_samuel/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> And thou shalt till the land for him, thou, and thy sons, and thy servants; and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have bread to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You, your sons, and your servants should farm the land for him and harvest [the crops] so that your master's family will have food to eat. However, your master's grandson Mephibosheth will always eat at my table." (Ziba had 15 sons and 20 servants.) <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> You, your sons, and your servants will farm the land for your master Saul's family and bring in the harvest, to provide food for them. But Mephibosheth himself will always be a guest at my table." (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) <a href="/isv/2_samuel/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> You and your servants are to farm the land on his behalf and bring in the crops in order to provide for your master's grandson. Meanwhile, Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, will always have a place at my table." (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and 20 servants.) <a href="/msb/2_samuel/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master?s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master?s grandson, is always to eat at my table.? Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/net/2_samuel/9.htm">NET Bible</a> You will cultivate the land for him--you and your sons and your servants. You will bring its produce and it will be food for your master's grandson to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, will be a regular guest at my table." (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> You shall till the land for him, you, and your sons, and your servants, and you shall bring food into your master?s house that they may eat. But Mippibaal your master's son shall eat bread always at my table." Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread always at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/web/2_samuel/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Till the land for him—you, your sons, and your servants. Bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have bread to eat; but Mephibosheth your master’s son will always eat bread at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and you have served the land for him, you and your sons, and your servants, and have brought in, and there has been bread for the son of your lord, and he has eaten it; and Mephibosheth, son of your lord, continually eats bread at my table”; and Ziba has fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and thou hast served for him the land, thou and thy sons, and thy servants, and hast brought in, and there hath been to the son of thy lord bread, and he hath eaten it; and Mephibosheth son of thy lord doth eat continually bread at my table;' and Ziba hath fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/slt/2_samuel/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And work for him the land, thou and thy sons, and thy servants, and bring in and it being bread for the son of thy lord, and they shall eat: and Mephibosheth, son of thy lord, shall eat always bread upon my table. And to Ziba, fifteen sons and twenty servants.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Thou therefore and thy 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. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, work the land for him, you and your sons and your servants. And you shall bring in food for the son of your lord, for nourishment. And Mephibosheth, the son of your lord, shall always eat bread at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/9.htm">New American Bible</a> You and your sons and servants must till the land for him. You shall bring in the produce, which shall be food for your lord’s household to eat. But Meribbaal, your lord’s son, shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him, and shall bring in the produce, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat; but your master’s grandson Mephibosheth shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> You therefore and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him, and you shall bring in food for your master's son, that he may eat; but Mephibosheth your master's son shall eat bread always at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And you shall cultivate the land for him, you and your sons and your Servants, and you shall bring bread to the son of your Master and he shall eat, and Maphibshath, son of your Master, will be eating bread at my table continuously.” And Tsiba had fifteen sons and twenty Servants<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And thou shalt till the land for him, thou, and thy sons, and thy servants; and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have bread to eat; but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread continually at my table.' Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And thou, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him; and thou shalt bring in bread to the son of thy lord, and he shall eat bread: and Memphibosthe the son of thy lord shall eat bread continually at my table. Now Siba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/9-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=2271" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/9.htm">David and Mephibosheth</a> …9Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said to him, “I have given to your master’s grandson all that belonged to Saul and to all his house. 10<a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">You</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇā·ne·ḵā (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and your sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">and servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: wə·‘ā·ḇaḏ·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">are to work</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/127.htm" title="127: hā·’ă·ḏā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- Ground, land. From 'adam; soil.">the ground</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">for him</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: wə·hê·ḇê·ṯā (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">and bring in the harvest,</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·ne·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">so that your master’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: lə·ḇen- (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">grandson</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">may have</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: le·ḥem (N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">food</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: wa·’ă·ḵā·lōw (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">to eat.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4648.htm" title="4648: ū·mə·p̄î·ḇō·šeṯ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Or Mphibosheth; probably from pa'ah and bosheth; dispeller of shame; Mephibosheth, the name of two Israelites.">But Mephibosheth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·ne·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">your master’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">grandson,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8548.htm" title="8548: tā·mîḏ (Adv) -- From an unused root meaning to stretch; properly, continuance; but used only constant; ellipt. The regular sacrifice.">is always</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: le·ḥem (N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: yō·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">to eat</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">at</a> <a href="/hebrew/7979.htm" title="7979: šul·ḥā·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A table. From shalach; a table; by implication, a meal.">my table.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/6717.htm" title="6717: ū·lə·ṣî·ḇā (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A servant in Saul's house. From the same as Tsowba'; station; Tsiba, an Israelite.">Now Ziba</a> <a href="/hebrew/2568.htm" title="2568: ḥă·miš·šāh (Number-ms) -- Five. Masculine chamishshah; a primitive numeral; five.">had fifteen</a> <a href="/hebrew/6240.htm" title="6240: ‘ā·śār (Number-ms) -- Ten. For eser; ten, i.e. -teen; also -teenth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bā·nîm (N-mp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/6242.htm" title="6242: wə·‘eś·rîm (Conj-w:: Number-cp) -- Twenty. From eser; twenty; also twentieth.">and twenty</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm (N-mp) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servants.</a> 11And Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do all that my lord the king has commanded.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s own sons.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4</a> 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. <a href="/2_samuel/16-1.htm">2 Samuel 16:1-4</a> When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. / “Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.” / “Where is your master’s grandson?” asked the king. And Ziba answered, “Indeed, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he has said, ‘Today, the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my grandfather.’” ... <a href="/2_samuel/19-24.htm">2 Samuel 19:24-30</a> Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely. / And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, “Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?” / “My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me, ... <a href="/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14-17</a> And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, / and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” / So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3</a> Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. <a href="/1_samuel/9-7.htm">1 Samuel 9:7</a> “If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” <a href="/1_kings/2-7.htm">1 Kings 2:7</a> But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom. <a href="/2_kings/25-29.htm">2 Kings 25:29-30</a> So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. / And the king provided Jehoiachin a daily portion for the rest of his life. <a href="/genesis/47-12.htm">Genesis 47:12</a> Joseph also provided his father and brothers and all his father’s household with food for their families. <a href="/genesis/45-11.htm">Genesis 45:11</a> And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’ <a href="/genesis/50-21.htm">Genesis 50:21</a> Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them. <a href="/ruth/2-14.htm">Ruth 2:14</a> At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here; have some bread and dip it into the vinegar sauce.” So she sat down beside the harvesters, and he offered her roasted grain, and she ate and was satisfied and had some left over. <a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a> Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. <a href="/matthew/25-34.htm">Matthew 25:34-40</a> Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. / For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ ... <a href="/luke/6-35.htm">Luke 6:35</a> But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>You therefore, and your sons, and your servants, shall till the land for him, and you shall bring in the fruits, that your master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth your master's son shall eat bread always at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.<a href="/1_kings/2-7.htm">1 Kings 2:7</a> But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.<a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">2 Samuel 9:7,11-13</a> And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually… <a href="/2_samuel/19-28.htm">2 Samuel 19:28</a> For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/28-33.htm">Alway</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">Always</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/judges/8-10.htm">Fifteen</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-35.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-21.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-9.htm">Master's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">Mephibosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Mephib'osheth</a> <a href="/judges/6-4.htm">Produce</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-14.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">Table</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-5.htm">Twenty</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-9.htm">Ziba</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/11-36.htm">Alway</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-13.htm">Always</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-17.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-13.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-11.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-17.htm">Fifteen</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-8.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-1.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-9.htm">Master's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-11.htm">Mephibosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-11.htm">Mephib'osheth</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-6.htm">Produce</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-12.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-11.htm">Table</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-6.htm">Twenty</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-11.htm">Ziba</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 9</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm">David by Ziba sends for Mephibosheth</a> 7. <a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">For Jonathan's sake he restores to him all that was Saul's</a> 9. <a href="/2_samuel/9-9.htm">He makes Ziba his farmer</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him This directive is given by King David to Ziba, a servant of Saul's household. The command reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where land and its produce were central to sustenance and wealth. The phrase underscores the importance of land inheritance and stewardship in Israelite culture, as well as the responsibility of servants and family members to support the household. This act of working the land for Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul, is a demonstration of David's loyalty to his covenant with Jonathan, Saul's son, and reflects the biblical principle of honoring commitments and showing kindness to the house of one's friend.and bring in the harvest, Harvest time was a significant period in ancient Israel, marking the culmination of a season's labor and God's provision. The act of bringing in the harvest symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promise of provision and abundance. In a broader biblical context, harvest is often used metaphorically to describe the gathering of God's people or the final judgment (e.g., <a href="/matthew/9-37.htm">Matthew 9:37-38</a>, <a href="/revelation/14-15.htm">Revelation 14:15</a>). Here, it signifies the practical care and sustenance provided to Mephibosheth, ensuring his well-being and security.so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. This phrase highlights the provision for Mephibosheth, ensuring his physical needs are met. It reflects the biblical theme of God's care for the vulnerable and marginalized, as Mephibosheth was disabled and unable to provide for himself (<a href="/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4</a>). The provision of food is a basic necessity, and David's command ensures that Mephibosheth is not only remembered but actively cared for, illustrating the biblical call to care for those in need (<a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a>).But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” David's invitation for Mephibosheth to eat at his table is a profound act of grace and inclusion. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and acceptance. By granting Mephibosheth a permanent place at the royal table, David elevates his status and restores his dignity. This act prefigures the grace of Christ, who invites the spiritually poor and broken to His table (<a href="/luke/14-13.htm">Luke 14:13-14</a>). It also fulfills David's covenant with Jonathan to show kindness to his family (<a href="/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14-17</a>).Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. This detail about Ziba's household indicates his capacity to fulfill David's command. The mention of his sons and servants suggests a well-established and resourceful household, capable of managing the agricultural responsibilities assigned by David. It also reflects the social structure of the time, where large families and servant networks were common in managing estates. This structure allowed for the efficient operation of land and resources, ensuring that Mephibosheth's needs would be met without burdening David's own resources.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel who seeks to show kindness to the house of Saul for Jonathan's sake. 2. <a href="/topical/m/mephibosheth.htm">Mephibosheth</a> The son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul, who is shown kindness by David. 3. <a href="/topical/z/ziba.htm">Ziba</a> A servant of Saul's household, tasked by David to manage the land for Mephibosheth. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a> The deceased son of Saul and father of Mephibosheth, who had a covenant of friendship with David. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where David reigns and where Mephibosheth is brought to eat at the king's table.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/grace_and_kindness.htm">Grace and Kindness</a> David's actions towards Mephibosheth exemplify grace and kindness, reflecting God's grace towards us. We are called to show kindness to others, especially those who cannot repay us. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_to_promises.htm">Faithfulness to Promises</a> David honors his covenant with Jonathan by caring for Mephibosheth. This teaches us the importance of keeping our promises and being faithful to our commitments. <a href="/topical/p/provision_and_stewardship.htm">Provision and Stewardship</a> Ziba is tasked with working the land for Mephibosheth, illustrating the importance of stewardship and providing for others. We are called to use our resources to bless those in need. <a href="/topical/i/inclusion_and_honor.htm">Inclusion and Honor</a> Mephibosheth, despite his disability, is given a place of honor at David's table. This challenges us to include and honor those who are marginalized or overlooked in society. <a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_relationships.htm">Legacy of Relationships</a> The relationship between David and Jonathan impacts the next generation. Our relationships and actions can leave a lasting legacy for others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 9</a> <a href="/q/who_was_rizpah_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Rizpah in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/does_2_sam_9_7-10_conflict_with_david's_claim.htm">Does the sudden bestowal of Saul's property to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:7-10 conflict with earlier accounts suggesting David had already taken Saul's possessions?</a> <a href="/q/why_omit_mephibosheth's_care_details.htm">Given Mephibosheth's disability (2 Samuel 9:3, 13), why is no mention made of his care or limitations in other related narratives, suggesting possible inconsistencies in the text?</a> <a href="/q/why_mention_lo-debar_in_2_samuel_9_4.htm">Why does 2 Samuel 9:4 specify Lo-debar as Mephibosheth's hiding place if there is no clear extra-biblical record of such a location or its significance?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 10. - That thy master's son may have food to eat. Instead of "son," Hebrew ben, some commentators prefer the reading of a few Greek versions, namely, "house," Hebrew, beth. But the difficulty which they seek to avoid arises only from extreme literalness of interpretation. Though Mephibosheth ate at the king's table, he would have a household to maintain - for he had a wife and son - and other expenses; and his having "food to eat" includes everything necessary, as does our prayer for "daily bread." He would live at Jerusalem as a nobleman and Ziba would cultivate his estates, paying, as is usual in the East, a fixed proportion of the value of the produce to his master. Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants (slaves). He had evidently thriven; for, beginning as a slave in Saul's household, he had now several wives and many slaves of his own, and had become a person of considerable importance. He would still remain so, though somewhat shorn both of wealth and dignity in becoming only Mephibosheth's farmer. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/9-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>You אַתָּה֩ (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you and your sons וּבָנֶ֨יךָ (ū·ḇā·ne·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son and servants וַעֲבָדֶ֜יךָ (wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant are to work וְעָבַ֣דְתָּ (wə·‘ā·ḇaḏ·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave the ground for him הָאֲדָמָ֡ה (hā·’ă·ḏā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_127.htm">Strong's 127: </a> Ground, land and bring in [the harvest], וְהֵבֵ֗אתָ (wə·hê·ḇê·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go so that your master’s אֲדֹנֶ֤יךָ (’ă·ḏō·ne·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller grandson לְבֶן־ (lə·ḇen-) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son may have וְהָיָ֨ה (wə·hā·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be food לֶּ֙חֶם֙ (le·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> Food, bread, grain to eat. וַאֲכָל֔וֹ (wa·’ă·ḵā·lōw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat But Mephibosheth, וּמְפִיבֹ֙שֶׁת֙ (ū·mə·p̄î·ḇō·šeṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4648.htm">Strong's 4648: </a> Mephibosheth -- 'dispeller of shame' your master’s אֲדֹנֶ֔יךָ (’ă·ḏō·ne·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller grandson, בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son is always תָּמִ֛יד (tā·mîḏ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8548.htm">Strong's 8548: </a> Continuance, constant, ellipt, the regular, sacrifice to eat יֹאכַ֥ל (yō·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat at עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against my table.” שֻׁלְחָנִ֑י (šul·ḥā·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7979.htm">Strong's 7979: </a> A table, a meal Now Ziba וּלְצִיבָ֗א (ū·lə·ṣî·ḇā) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6717.htm">Strong's 6717: </a> Ziba -- a servant in Saul's house had fifteen חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה (ḥă·miš·šāh) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2568.htm">Strong's 2568: </a> Five sons בָּנִ֖ים (bā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son and twenty וְעֶשְׂרִ֥ים (wə·‘eś·rîm) Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6242.htm">Strong's 6242: </a> Twenty, twentieth servants. עֲבָדִֽים׃ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/9-10.htm">2 Samuel 9:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/9-10.htm">2 Samuel 9:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/9-10.htm">2 Samuel 9:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/9-10.htm">2 Samuel 9:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/9-10.htm">2 Samuel 9:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/9-10.htm">2 Samuel 9:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/9-10.htm">2 Samuel 9:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/9-10.htm">2 Samuel 9:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/9-10.htm">2 Samuel 9:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/9-10.htm">2 Samuel 9:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-10.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 9:10 You shall till the land for him (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/9-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 9:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 9:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/9-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 9:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 9:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>