And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?
David asked whether any were still left of the house of Saul, that he might show them kindness for Jonathan's sake, in honor and remembrance of his covenant and covenant friendship with Jonathan. He raised this question after he had gained peace from his enemies. In answer to his inquiry he summoned Jonathan's son Mephibosheth.
He restored to Mephibosheth the private possessions of Saul, to support his household. He also made Mephibosheth a constant guest at the royal table. Although Mephibosheth had been led to distrust David, David's generous and continued kindness won his affection and loyalty. The same grateful spirit shown in seeking to do kindness for Jonathan's sake provides the context for David's later sending of comforters to Hanun son of Nahash, because Nahash had shown kindness to David while David was fleeing from Saul.
David asked whether any were still left of the house of Saul, that he might show them kindness for Jonathan's sake, in honor and remembrance of his covenant and covenant friendship with Jonathan. He raised this question after he had gained peace from his enemies. In answer to his inquiry he summoned Jonathan's son Mephibosheth.
He restored to Mephibosheth the private possessions of Saul, to support his household. He also made Mephibosheth a constant guest at the royal table. Although Mephibosheth had been led to distrust David, David's generous and continued kindness won his affection and loyalty. The same grateful spirit shown in seeking to do kindness for Jonathan's sake provides the context for David's later sending of comforters to Hanun son of Nahash, because Nahash had shown kindness to David while David was fleeing from Saul.