Question 1

What problem does David address first when he speaks to Mephibosheth, and why is that significant in the scene?

Accepted Answer

David addresses fear first: “Don’t be afraid.” That matters because Mephibosheth has been brought before the king as a surviving member of Saul’s house, a situation that could reasonably feel dangerous. The reassurance frames everything that follows as protection rather than threat. It also signals that David’s next statements are not negotiation under pressure but a deliberate pledge. The verse sequence—comfort, then promise—shows David setting the relational tone before detailing what he will do.

Question 2

According to the text, what reason does David give for showing kindness, and what does that indicate about how David frames his action?

Accepted Answer

David explicitly grounds his kindness “for Jonathan your father’s sake.” Whatever other factors might exist in the background, the stated reason is David’s relationship with Jonathan. This indicates David frames the action as loyalty to a prior bond rather than as Mephibosheth earning favor. It also makes the kindness multi-generational: David’s commitment to Jonathan extends to Jonathan’s son. The text’s emphasis is on motive tied to relationship, not on Mephibosheth’s merit or usefulness.

Question 3

What are the two specific promises David makes in verse 7, and how are they different in kind?

Accepted Answer

David makes a two-part promise: (1) he will restore “all the land of Saul your father,” and (2) Mephibosheth will “eat bread at my table continually.” The first is economic and legal-material restoration—property tied to Saul’s household. The second is social and relational honor—regular access to the king’s table. The two together cover both livelihood/status (land) and public inclusion (table). The wording “continually” marks the table privilege as ongoing, not a one-time banquet.

Question 4

What does the phrase “eat bread at my table continually” communicate within the narrative’s world?

Accepted Answer

In this context, eating at the king’s table communicates more than food. It signals ongoing inclusion in the king’s household circle and public honor—Mephibosheth is treated as someone under the king’s protection and recognition. The adverb “continually” stresses permanence and regularity. It also places Mephibosheth in the king’s presence repeatedly, which can imply both elevated status and a stable, defined relationship to royal authority rather than independence outside the court.

Question 5

How does Mephibosheth respond in verse 8, and what do his actions and words reveal about his self-understanding?

Accepted Answer

Mephibosheth responds with obeisance (bowing) and calls himself David’s “servant.” His words—“What is your servant, that you should look on such a dead dog as I am?”—express extreme humility and a sense of worthlessness. The “dead dog” image is a strong insult term, communicating that he sees himself as insignificant and undeserving of royal notice. His response shows how surprising David’s favor is to him and how unequal the relationship feels from his perspective.

Question 6

How do verses 7–8 function as the turning point of the meeting described in the surrounding context (9:1–6 and 9:9–13)?

Accepted Answer

Verses 7–8 are the verbal center of the episode: David states the intent (kindness), the motive (Jonathan), and the concrete outcomes (land restoration and continual table access). Mephibosheth’s response then confirms the emotional reversal—from fear to astonished gratitude and deference. What follows in 9:9–13 is largely implementation: David gives orders so the land and provisions are handled and repeats the theme that Mephibosheth eats at the king’s table. So 7–8 supplies the promise and reception that drive the rest of the narrative action.

David promises restoration and table honor

David promises restoration and table honor

David promises restoration and table honor

Scripture

What this passage is saying

David promises restoration and table honor

Scripture

What this passage is saying