Shmuel II Chapter 9 | Mefiboshet

Two points stand out regarding the story of David's kindness toward Mefiboshet:

1. The Name Mefiboshet: In Divrei HaYamim, we find the descendants of Yehonatan, Sha’ul’s son, under a slightly different name: ”Yehonatan’s son was Meriv Baal, and Meriv Baal was the father of Mika” (Divrei HaYamim I 9:40). Similarly, Ish Boshet is referred to in the previous verse by another name: “And Sha’ul was the father of Yehonatan, Malkishua, Avinadav, and Eshbaal.” This is essentially a form of censoring the text. Baal is a type of idolatry, and the Book of Shmuel avoids mentioning it directly, substituting the name with “Boshet” (shame). A similar substitution (of baal with boshet) occurs with Gidon, also known as Yerubaal (closely resembling Meriv Baal), in chapter 11: “Who struck down Avimelekh son of Yerubeshet? It was a woman who hurled an upper millstone over the wall” (11:21).

2. The Relationship Between Mefiboshet and Tziva: David grants Mefiboshet two acts of kindness: the first is allowing him to dine at David’s table regularly, and the second is restoring the lands that were rightfully his to begin with. Presumably, Tziva was the one "saving" these lands for him. Even in this chapter, we see tension in their relationship. When David asks Tziva if there are any remaining members of Sha’ul's household, Tziva doesn’t mention Mefiboshet by name but instead describes him by his disability: "There is still a son of Yehonatan’s, who is lame." Only after David presses him does Tziva reveal that Mefiboshet is residing on the east side of the Jordan River (with the family of Makhir). When the text describes the final arrangement, where Tziva and his family are to work the land for Mefiboshet, the narrative emphasizes Tziva's cynicism and bitterness. First, it highlights Tziva’s large family and significant status: "Now Tziva had fifteen sons and twenty slaves." Then it describes Tziva's promise to let Mefiboshet eat with him regularly: just as David shows kindness by allowing Mefiboshet to dine at his table, Tziva begrudgingly allows Mefiboshet to eat at his. Finally, there is a contrast between Tziva’s large family and Mefiboshet's small one, which will inherit all the fields: "Mefiboshet had a small son whose name was Mikha; and all the members of Tziva's household were Mefiboshet’s servant."

Tziva is clearly unhappy with this new arrangement with Mefiboshet, and we’ll hear more about these two as the story unfolds.