^15 (A)show the same kind of loyalty to my family forever. And when the Lord has completely destroyed all your enemies, ¹⁶ may our promise to each other still be unbroken. If it is broken, the Lord will punish you.”^[a]

¹⁷ Once again Jonathan made David promise to love him, for Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself.

David and Mephibosheth

9 ^(A)One day David asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul's family? If there is, I would like to show him kindness for Jonathan's sake.”

² There was a servant of Saul's family named Ziba, and he was told to go to David. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked.

“At your service, sir,” he answered.

^3 (B)The king asked him, “Is there anyone left of Saul's family to whom I can show loyalty and kindness, as 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.

“At the home of Machir son of Ammiel in Lodebar,” Ziba answered. ⁵ So King David sent for him.

⁶ When Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, arrived, he bowed down before David in respect. David said, “Mephibosheth,” and he answered, “At your service, sir.”

⁷ “Don't be afraid,” David replied. “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, and you will always be welcome at my table.”