Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 9 - Verse 4

In this verse from the second book of Samuel, King David is inquiring about the whereabouts of a man named Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of King Saul, whom David had made a covenant with. Ziba, a servant of Saul's household, informs the king that Mephibosheth is living in the house of Machir in Lodebar. Lodebar was a region east of the Jordan River, known for its desolate and barren landscape. This verse is significant because it shows King David's compassion towards Mephibosheth, as he seeks to fulfill his promise to Jonathan by showing kindness to his descendants, despite the political rivalry between David and Saul. The mention of Machir, the son of Ammiel, adds historical context to the story and emphasizes the specific location of Mephibosheth's residence.

Within this verse, there are a couple of theological elements that can be examined. The first is the question posed by the king as he seeks information about a specific person. This interaction can be seen as an example of how leaders in biblical times sought out knowledge and relied on their advisers or servants to provide them with information. Additionally, the mention of the specific location where the person in question is found, the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel in Lodebar, highlights the importance of details in the Bible. By providing specific details about the whereabouts of a person, the verse emphasizes the importance of accuracy and precision in biblical narratives. Furthermore, this verse can also be explored through word studies. For instance, the name 'Ziba' means 'station' or 'passenger,' which could be reflective of his role as a messenger to the king. Overall, this verse showcases the importance of seeking out information and the significance of details in biblical texts.