1 One day, David thought: »I wonder if any of Saul’s family is still alive. If they are I will be kind to them. This is because I made a promise to Jonathan.«

2 There was a servant of Saul’s family named Ziba. He was told to go to David. »Are you Ziba?« The king asked. »I am at your service.« He answered.

3 The king asked him: »Is there anyone left of Saul’s family to whom I can show loyalty and kindness? I promised God I would.« Ziba answered: »There is still one of Jonathan’s sons. He is crippled.«

4 »Where is he?« The king asked. Ziba answered: »At the home of Machir son of Ammiel in Lodebar.«

5 King David sent for him.

6 Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul arrived. He bowed down before David in respect. David said: »Mephibosheth.« He answered: »I am here to serve.«

7 David replied: »Do not be afraid. I will be kind to you for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will give you back all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul. You will always be welcome at my table.«

8 Mephibosheth bowed again and said: »I am no better than a dead dog! Why should you be so good to me?«

9 The king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said: »I am giving Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, everything that belonged to Saul and his family.

10 »You, your sons, and your servants will farm the land for your master Saul’s family and bring in the harvest. This will provide food for them. Mephibosheth will always be a guest at my table.« Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

11 Ziba answered: »I will do everything Your Majesty commands.« So Mephibosheth ate at the king’s table, just like one of the king’s sons.

12 Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. Everyone who lived at Ziba’s home became Mephibosheth’s servant.

13 Mephibosheth was disabled. He lived in Jerusalem. He always ate at the king’s table.