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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 9:4 "Where is he?" replied the king. And Ziba said, "Indeed, he is in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/9-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/10_2Sa_09_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 9:4 - David and Mephibosheth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Where is he? replied the king. And Ziba said, Indeed, he is in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel." /><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/9-4.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/9-4.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 4</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="/ad4.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/9-3.htm" title="2 Samuel 9:3">◄</a> 2 Samuel 9:4 <a href="/2_samuel/9-5.htm" title="2 Samuel 9:5">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Where is he?&#8221 the king asked. Ziba answered, &#8220He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Where is he?” the king asked. “In Lo-debar,” Ziba told him, “at the home of Makir son of Ammiel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Where is he?” replied the king. And Ziba said, “Indeed, he is in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the king said unto him, Where <i>is</i> he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he <i>is</i> in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the king said to him, “Where <i>is</i> he?” And Ziba said to the king, “Indeed he <i>is</i> in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So the king said to him, &#8220Where is he?&#8221 And Ziba said to the king, &#8220Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel in Lo-debar.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So the king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel in Lo-debar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So the king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel in Lo-debar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So the king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba replied to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king asked him, “Where is he? ” Ziba answered the king, “You’ll find him in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king asked him, &#8220Where is he?&#8221 Ziba answered the king, &#8220You&#8217ll find him in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Where is he?" David asked. Ziba replied, "He lives in Lo-Debar with Machir the son of Ammiel." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Where is he?" the king asked. Ziba replied, "He is at the home of Machir, Ammiel's son, in Lo Debar."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Where is he?" the king asked. "At the home of Machir son of Ammiel in Lodebar," Ziba answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So David asked, "Where is he?" Ziba responded, "He's in Lo-debar at the home of Ammiel's son Makir."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Where is he?? replied the king. And Ziba said, ?Indeed, he is in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The king asked him, "Where is he?" Ziba told the king, "He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And the king said, "Where is he?" And Ziba said to the king, "Look, he is in the house of Makir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the king said to him, Where is he? And Ziba said to the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king said to him, “Where is he?” Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king says to him, “Where [is] he?” And Ziba says to the king, “Behold, he [is] in the house of Machir, son of Ammiel, in Behold-Debar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the king saith to him, 'Where is he?' and Ziba saith unto the king, 'Lo, he is in the house of Machir, son of Ammiel, in Lo-Debar.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king will say to him, Where is he? And Ziba will say to the king, Behold him in the house of Machir, son of Ammiel, from Lo-Debar.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Where is he? said he. And Siba said to the king: Behold he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel in Lodabar. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“Where is he?” he said. And Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The king asked him, “Where is he?” and Ziba answered the king, “He is in the house of Machir, son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The king said to him, “Where is he?” Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the king said to him, Where is he? And Ziba said to the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Gammir, in Lo-debar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The King said to him: “Where is he?” Tsiba the King said to him: “Behold, in the house of Makir, he is son of Gemil from Ludbar”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the king said unto him: 'Where is he?' And Ziba said unto the king: 'Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the king said, Where <i>is</i> he? and Siba said to the king, Behold, <i>he is</i> in the house of Machir the son of Amiel of Lodabar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/9-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=2206" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/9.htm">David and Mephibosheth</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>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.” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/375.htm" title="375: ’ê·p̄ōh (Interrog) -- Where?. From 'ay and poh; what place?; also when?; or how?.">“Where</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">is he?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6717.htm" title="6717: ṣî·ḇā (N-proper-ms) -- A servant in Saul's house. From the same as Tsowba'; station; Tsiba, an Israelite.">And Ziba</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh- (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Indeed,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he is</a> <a href="/hebrew/3810.htm" title="3810: bə·lōw (Prep) -- Pastureless, a place in Gilead. Or Low Dbar; or Lidbir; from lo' and dober; pastureless; Lo-Debar, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3810.htm" title="3810: ḏə·ḇār (Prep:: N-proper-fs) -- Pastureless, a place in Gilead. Or Low Dbar; or Lidbir; from lo' and dober; pastureless; Lo-Debar, a place in Palestine.">in Lo-debar</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">at the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/4353.htm" title="4353: mā·ḵîr (N-proper-ms) -- Two Isr. From makar; salesman; Makir, an Israelite.">of Machir</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/5988.htm" title="5988: ‘am·mî·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- My kinsman is God, four Isr. From am and 'el; people of God; Ammiel, the name of three or four Israelites.">of Ammiel.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-1.htm">2 Samuel 16:1-4</a></span><br />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.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-24.htm">2 Samuel 19:24-30</a></span><br />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, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14-17</a></span><br />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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3</a></span><br />Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">1 Samuel 23:16-18</a></span><br />And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-7.htm">1 Kings 2:7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/8-1.htm">2 Kings 8:1-6</a></span><br />Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Arise, you and your household; go and live as a foreigner wherever you can. For the LORD has decreed that a seven-year famine will come to the land.” / So the woman had proceeded to do as the man of God had instructed. And she and her household lived as foreigners for seven years in the land of the Philistines. / At the end of seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to the king to appeal for her house and her land. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/47-29.htm">Genesis 47:29-31</a></span><br />When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, / but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.” Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.” / “Swear to me,” Jacob said. So Joseph swore to him, and Israel bowed in worship at the head of his bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/2-20.htm">Ruth 2:20</a></span><br />Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></span><br />Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a></span><br />Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-34.htm">Matthew 25:34-40</a></span><br />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.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-36.htm">Luke 6:36</a></span><br />Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-12.htm">Luke 14:12-14</a></span><br />Then Jesus said to the man who had invited Him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid. / But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, / and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the king said to him, Where is he? And Ziba said to the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.</p><p class="hdg">Machir</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/17-27.htm">2 Samuel 17:27-29</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/13-26.htm">Joshua 13:26</a></b></br> And from Heshbon unto Ramathmizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/13-12.htm">Ammiel</a> <a href="/numbers/13-12.htm">Am'miel</a> <a href="/amos/6-13.htm">Debar</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-3.htm">House</a> <a href="/amos/6-13.htm">Lodebar</a> <a href="/judges/5-14.htm">Machir</a> <a href="/judges/5-14.htm">Makir</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-3.htm">Ziba</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/9-5.htm">Ammiel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-5.htm">Am'miel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-5.htm">Debar</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-5.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-5.htm">Lodebar</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-5.htm">Machir</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-5.htm">Makir</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-9.htm">Ziba</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm">David by Ziba sends for Mephibosheth</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">For Jonathan's sake he restores to him all that was Saul's</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/9-9.htm">He makes Ziba his farmer</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>"Where is he?" replied the king.</b><br>This phrase reflects King David's desire to show kindness to the house of Saul for Jonathan's sake. It demonstrates David's loyalty and covenantal faithfulness, as he had made a promise to Jonathan to care for his descendants (<a href="/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14-17</a>). This inquiry also highlights David's character as a king who seeks to extend grace and mercy, reflecting God's own nature. The question signifies a turning point in the narrative, where David actively seeks out Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, to fulfill his promise.<p><b>And Ziba said,</b><br>Ziba was a servant of Saul's household, now serving David. His role is significant as he provides the necessary information about Mephibosheth's whereabouts. Ziba's presence in the narrative underscores the transition of power from Saul's house to David's, and his willingness to serve David indicates the shifting allegiances in the kingdom. Ziba's knowledge of Mephibosheth's location suggests he maintained connections with Saul's family, which was crucial for David's plan to show kindness.<p><b>"Indeed, he is in Lo-debar</b><br>Lo-debar was a town located east of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead. The name "Lo-debar" means "no pasture" or "no word," indicating it was likely a desolate or insignificant place. This setting emphasizes Mephibosheth's lowly status and the obscurity into which he had fallen after the fall of Saul's house. The location also highlights the contrast between Mephibosheth's current situation and the royal status he was born into, setting the stage for David's act of restoration and grace.<p><b>at the house of Machir son of Ammiel."</b><br>Machir son of Ammiel was a man of influence and wealth, as indicated by his ability to provide refuge for Mephibosheth. His willingness to shelter a member of Saul's family suggests loyalty to Saul's house or a sense of compassion. Machir later appears in <a href="/2_samuel/17-27.htm">2 Samuel 17:27-29</a>, where he supports David during Absalom's rebellion, indicating his continued loyalty to David. This connection between Machir and David foreshadows the future alliance and support David would receive, illustrating the broader theme of loyalty and divine providence in David's life.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a></b><br>The king of Israel who seeks to show kindness to the house of Saul for Jonathan's sake.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/z/ziba.htm">Ziba</a></b><br>A servant of Saul's household who informs David about the whereabouts of Mephibosheth.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mephibosheth.htm">Mephibosheth</a></b><br>The son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul, who is living in Lo-debar.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/l/lo-debar.htm">Lo-debar</a></b><br>A place of desolation and barrenness, symbolizing Mephibosheth's lowly state.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/machir_son_of_ammiel.htm">Machir son of Ammiel</a></b><br>The man who provides refuge to Mephibosheth in Lo-debar.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/covenant_faithfulness.htm">Covenant Faithfulness</a></b><br>David's actions demonstrate the importance of honoring commitments and promises, reflecting God's faithfulness to His covenants.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/grace_and_kindness.htm">Grace and Kindness</a></b><br>David's kindness to Mephibosheth, despite his lowly status, mirrors God's grace towards us, offering love and acceptance regardless of our condition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_redemption.htm">Restoration and Redemption</a></b><br>Mephibosheth's move from Lo-debar to the king's table symbolizes the transformative power of God's redemption in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_and_inclusion.htm">Hospitality and Inclusion</a></b><br>The account encourages believers to practice hospitality and include those who are marginalized or forgotten in society.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a></b><br>Just as Mephibosheth was provided for by David, we can trust in God's provision and care for our needs.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_2_samuel_9_1_historically_verifiable.htm">In 2 Samuel 9:1, how is it historical or archaeologically verifiable that no one else knew of Saul’s surviving heir except David’s court? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_david_contradict_his_promise.htm">Why does David's decision in 2 Samuel 19:29 seemingly contradict earlier promises of favor and land for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_lo-debar's_biblical_role.htm">What is Lo-Debar's significance in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar</span>. Of Lo-debar nothing is known, but it must have been east of the Jordan, near Mahanaim. Of Ammiel we read again in <a href="/2_samuel/17-27.htm">2 Samuel 17:27</a>, where we find that he was a man of wealth, who helped to supply the wants of David and his men during the rebellion of Absalom. Possibly this kindness of David towards one for whom he had feelings of loyalty, as representing a royal house to which he had remained faithful, won his heart. There was a magnanimity about it which would commend it to a man who was himself generous and true. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/9-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Where</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵיפֹ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·p̄ōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_375.htm">Strong's 375: </a> </span><span class="str2">What place?, when?, how?</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is he?”</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֑וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּֽאמֶר־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And Ziba</span><br /><span class="heb">צִיבָא֙</span> <span class="translit">(ṣî·ḇā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6717.htm">Strong's 6717: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ziba -- a servant in Saul's house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Indeed,</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּה־</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he [is]</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֗וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Lo-debar</span><br /><span class="heb">דְבָֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḏə·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3810.htm">Strong's 3810: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo-debar -- 'pastureless', a place in Gilead</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at the house</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֛ית</span> <span class="translit">(bêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Machir</span><br /><span class="heb">מָכִ֥יר</span> <span class="translit">(mā·ḵîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4353.htm">Strong's 4353: </a> </span><span class="str2">Machir -- two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ammiel.”</span><br /><span class="heb">עַמִּיאֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘am·mî·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5988.htm">Strong's 5988: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ammiel -- 'my kinsman is God', four Israelites</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/9-4.htm">2 Samuel 9:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/9-4.htm">2 Samuel 9:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/9-4.htm">2 Samuel 9:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/9-4.htm">2 Samuel 9:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/9-4.htm">2 Samuel 9:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/9-4.htm">2 Samuel 9:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/9-4.htm">2 Samuel 9:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/9-4.htm">2 Samuel 9:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/9-4.htm">2 Samuel 9:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/9-4.htm">2 Samuel 9:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/9-4.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 9:4 The king said to him Where (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/9-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 9:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 9:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/9-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 9:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 9:5" /></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>