9:1 anyone who is left for the house of Saul David seeks to show kindness to Saul’s descendants, as Jonathan had asked him to do (see 1 Sam 20:15 and note). He had also promised Saul he would not wipe out his family (1 Sam 24:21–22).

9:3 lame in the feet As a crippled person (see 2 Sam 4:4), Mephibosheth posed no threat to David’s throne. He was unable to go to war, and he would have been unfit to bear anointed status (compare Lev 21:17 and note). Consequently, David could safely allow him to live (compare 2 Sam 21:1–14).

9:4 Lo Debar This was a town on the east side of the Jordan near Mahanaim (see 2:8; 17:27–29). Mephibosheth may be staying here rather than Saul’s hometown of Gibeah (which was only three miles from Jerusalem) because of his tenuous position as Saul’s descendant.

9:6 I am ready to serve you Mephibosheth understands the power structures and his language publicly acknowledges this.

9:7 Don’t be afraid As a relative of Saul, he likely thinks that he will be executed. Descendants of deposed kings and other rival claimants to the throne were often put to death.

shall always eat food at my table By bestowing this great honor on Mephibosheth, David can also keep track of the activities of the descendant of Saul.

9:8 dead dog See 3:8 and note.

9:10 Ziba Ziba was probably the manager of Saul’s estate. From this point on, he is the manager of Mephibosheth’s estate. Based on his later behavior, he may have resented this change in circumstances (see 16:1–4; 19:24–30).

9:13 even though he was lame in both of his feet This fact is relevant later in the narrative. See 19:24–30.