2 Samuel 9:2

Verse

And there was a servant of Saul’s family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied.

American Standard Version (1901)

And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him unto David; and the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.

Bible in Basic English

Now there was of Saul's people a servant named Ziba, and they sent him to David; and the king said to him, Are you Ziba? And he said, I am.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Now there was of the house of Saul, a servant named Siba: and when the king had called him to him, he said to him: Art thou Siba? And he answered: I am Siba thy servant.

Free Bible Version

There was a man called Ziba who used to be a servant of Saul's family. They called for him to come to David, and the king asked him, “Are you Ziba?” “Yes, I am your servant,” he replied.

Geneva Bible 1599

And there was of the housholde of Saul a seruant whose name was Ziba, and when they had called him vnto Dauid, the King sayd vnto him, Art thou Ziba? And he sayd, I thy seruant am he.

King James (Authorized) Version

And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.

Translation for Translators

They told him that there was in Jerusalem a man named Ziba who had been a servant of Saul’s family. So David sent messengers to summon Ziba. When he arrived, the king asked him, “Are you Ziba?” He replied, “Yes, your majesty, I am.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

There was in Saul's family a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. The king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” He replied, “Yes. I am your servant.”

Noah Webster Bible

And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him to David, the king said to him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he .

World English Bible

There was of Saul’s house a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David; and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” He said, “I am your servant.”

Young's Literal Translation

And the house of Saul hath a servant, and his name [is] Ziba, and they call for him unto David; and the king saith unto him, 'Art thou Ziba?' and he saith, 'Thy servant.'

Context

David and Mephibosheth

¹Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” ²And there was a servant of Saul’s family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied.

Summary

In 2 Samuel 9:2, King David seeks to show kindness to any surviving member of Saul's family for the sake of his friendship with Jonathan. This act of kindness towards Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, demonstrates David's loyalty to his covenant with Jonathan and his desire to honor his friend's memory. It also reflects David's compassionate and merciful character, as he extends grace to someone who would have been considered an enemy due to his lineage. This chapter showcases the importance of loyalty, kindness, and honoring commitments in relationships, even in the midst of political tensions and historical rivalries.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba,.... Or there was a servant that belonged to Saul's family; not that any of Saul's family was a servant; and this servant the Jews commonly say was a Canaanitish servant, and who upon the death of his master was not made free, but became the inheritance and possession of his children after him, Lev 25:46; though Josephus (n) says he was made free by Saul: and when they had called him unto David; who it seems was now at court, or in Jerusalem, on some account or another; or was in David's service, in some inferior post or another; however, having been a quondam servant of Saul, it was thought he could give the best intelligence of his family, and whether any were living, and therefore was sent for; and when he was come into the king's presence: the king said unto him, art thou Ziba? for he had been told before by some of his courtiers what his name was: and he said, thy servant is he; or my name is Ziba, and I am at thy command. (n) Ut supra, (Antiqu. l. 7. c. 5.) sect. 5.