9:1 David has always had deep respect for Saul and his friendship with Jonathan. David did not participate in the death of Saul or Jonathan; their end was tumultuous and unexpected. David was still pushed out of the region by Saul's hatred and jealously. Therefore David did not know of the state of the house of Saul. He did not know if anyone still lived. After spending time dedicated to the work and will of God, reestablishing the kingdom, David has the opportunity to inquire.
David's compassionate heart is again evident. He remembers his friends. Even more, he remembers the family of his enemy. It was crucial for David and Jonathan that their families would not be torn apart by contentment. True to his word, David's intent is to look after any possible remnants of that family line.
9:2 A former servant of the house of Saul named Ziba meets with David and offers his service.
9:3 David has widespread authority now as a king but he remains in service to God and to the people he loves. David asks Ziba if there is anyone left whom he can show the kindness of God. This is not some haughty attempt to make himself look good, David genuinely wants people to know the unlimited kindness of God. David's intention is not show people how kind he is... rather he wants people to understand how generous God is. He wants people to see that God remembers every single individual.
Ziba informs David of a son of Jonathan. In 2 Samuel 4:4 we read of Mephibosheth, a young son of the late Jonathan who fell and became disabled.
9:4 Immediately David wants to know where Mephibosheth is. Ziba explains that he is in the house of Machir.
9:5 David sends for Mephibosheth and brings him back to his own house.
9:6 Mephibosheth bows before David.
9:8 This generous and compassionate gift is unexpected. Mephibosheth reveals his own humility: he is baffled by the kindness (God loves to overwhelm us with surprise and joy). Mephibosheth asks David, what am I to deserve such kindness? Funnily, David asked God the same question in a previous chapter.
The nature of God does not see kindness as something that must be earned. God sees the reception of compassion as a right.
9:9-10 David extends God's kindness on Ziba and his family. Though many would have disregarded Mephibosheth (both for his disability and his father's infamous legacy), God and David restore his family and his home. God's abundance allows for David to offer land and opportunity to all of these people.
David promises Mephibosheth that he and his family will always dine with David's family. Although Saul tried to force animosity between the families, for Jonathan's sake and his own gentle heart, David wishes to restore the amity between them. David sees Mephibosheth as a friend when most others in his position would have seen him as a threat at worst or insignificant at best.
9:11 Ziba accepts the service.
9:12 Mephibosheth has a son named Micha, meaning: Who is like God? Indeed, and how fitting! God's generosity has no boundaries, no limitations.
9:13 True to his word, Mephibosheth is able to dine at the king's table, a great honor. Undoubtedly, it gives David peace to be in the company of the son of his best friend Jonathan. Moreover, who is like God, who ties up the lose ends with bows? David is a man after God's own heart, continually awed at how vehemently God pursues his heart.
