Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son from Saul’s house. David restored Saul’s land to him and said he would always eat at the king’s table. See 2 Samuel 9:6–7.
David continues his inquiry about Saul’s surviving family by asking Ziba exactly where the man is. Ziba identifies the location with specific names and places: Mephibosheth is staying in Machir’s home in Lo-debar. David then acts on the information, sending for Mephibosheth and bringing him to court. This unit sits inside the larger scene where David seeks someone from Saul’s house to show kindness for Jonathan’s sake (2 Samuel 9:1). Verses 4–6 move the narrative from investigation to personal meeting: first a question, then a location report, then the king’s summons, then the man’s arrival and posture.
These verses move the story from David’s search to an actual face-to-face meeting. The text is explicit that David asks for Mephibosheth’s location, is told he is staying in another man’s household, and then has him brought to the king (2 Sam 9:4–5).
A common mistake is to treat this as trivia. Names, places, numbers, and sequence details often carry memory, covenant identity, or narrative movement in the biblical story.
Start with 2 Samuel 9:6-7, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
6Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, and fell on his face, and did obeisance. David said, Mephibosheth. He answered, Behold, your servant!
7David said to him, "Don`t be afraid of him; for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father`s sake, and will restore you all the land of Saul your father; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.