2 Samuel 9:3

Arabic 2023 (SAB) (الكتاب الشريف)

قَالَ الْمَلِكُ: ”هَلْ بَقِيَ أَحَدٌ مِنْ بَيْتِ شَاوُلَ فَأَعْمَلَ مَعَهُ مَعْرُوفًا كَمَا عَاهَدْتُ اللهَ؟“ فَقَالَ صِيبَا لِلْمَلِكِ: ”بَقِيَ ابْنٌ لِيُونَاثَانَ أَعْرَجُ الرِّجْلَيْنِ.“

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, King David is looking for any surviving members of Saul's family to show kindness to. He asks Ziba if there are any left, and Ziba tells him about Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, who is lame.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who has been really mean to you before. Now, that friend is gone, but their family is struggling. You want to help them because you remember how good their dad was once. That's what David is doing here. He's looking for someone from Saul's family to help out.

Historical Background

This verse is from the book of 2 Samuel, written by prophets around the 6th century BCE. It reflects the historical period of King David's reign in Israel. The audience would have been the Israelites, and the cultural setting was one where loyalty and kindness to one's enemies' families were highly valued.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse teaches us to show kindness to others, especially those who might have been overlooked or mistreated. For example, if a former colleague lost their job, reaching out to offer help could be a way to show kindness, just as David did for Mephibosheth.

Topics

• kindness
• redemption
• family
• loyalty
• forgiveness
• helping others

Related Verses

• 1 Samuel 20:14-15
• 2 Samuel 9:7
• 1 Kings 19:16-17
• Luke 6:36
• Romans 12:20

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was David looking for someone from Saul's family?

David was looking for someone from Saul's family to show kindness because he remembered the covenant he had made with Jonathan, Saul's son, and wanted to fulfill his promise.

Who is Ziba in this verse?

Ziba is a servant who knows about the family of Saul and informs David about Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, who is lame on his feet.

What does it mean to show the 'kindness of God'?

Showing the 'kindness of God' means to demonstrate compassion and generosity, as God does towards us, to others, especially to those who might not deserve it.

How can we apply the message of 2 Samuel 9:3 in our daily lives?

We can apply the message by being kind and helpful to others, especially those who have been overlooked or have faced difficult circumstances, just as David was to Mephibosheth.