David was now firmly established as king, and peace rested over the land. One day, as he sat and reflected, his heart turned toward the past. He remembered Saul, his former enemy, and more importantly, Jonathan, his dear friend. A question rose within him, quiet but sincere.
He asked, "Is there anyone still left from the house of Saul, anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
There was a man named Ziba, a servant who had once belonged to Saul's household. He was summoned to appear before the king. When he stood before David, the king asked him directly if he was Ziba, and he answered humbly, calling himself the king's servant.
David then asked a deeper question. He wanted to know if there was still anyone from Saul's family to whom he could show the kindness of God. Ziba told him that Jonathan had a son who was still alive, but the boy was crippled in both feet.
David immediately asked where the young man could be found. Ziba explained that he was living in Lo Debar, in the house of Makir son of Ammiel. Without hesitation, David sent for him and had him brought to Jerusalem.
When Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, came before David, he bowed low in respect. David called him by name, and Mephibosheth answered with fear and humility, calling himself the king's servant.
David quickly reassured him. He told him not to be afraid, because he intended to show him kindness for the sake of his father Jonathan. David promised to restore to him all the land that had belonged to Saul, his grandfather, and assured him that he would always eat at the king's table.
Overwhelmed, Mephibosheth bowed again and spoke from a place of deep humility. He described himself as nothing more than a dead dog, unable to understand why the king would show him such favor.
David then called Ziba and spoke with authority. He declared that everything that had belonged to Saul and his family was now given to Mephibosheth. Ziba, along with his sons and servants, was commanded to work the land and bring in its produce so that Mephibosheth would be well provided for. Still, David emphasized that Mephibosheth himself would always eat at the king's table.
Ziba agreed to do everything the king commanded. From that day on, Mephibosheth ate at David's table as though he were one of the king's own sons.
Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and everyone in Ziba's household became servants to him. He lived in Jerusalem for the rest of his days, eating continually at the king's table. Though he remained crippled in both feet, he lived under the covering of the king's kindness.