This chapter relates David's inquiry after the posterity of Saul, whether any were living and where they were, 2Sa 9:1; and on inquiry being informed of one, he sent for him, and kindly received him, 2Sa 9:5; and restored to him the land of his fathers, and appointed a person to till it for him, and bring him the fruits of it, and maintained him at his own table, 2Sa 9:9.
Ver. 1. And David said,.... To some of his courtiers:is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul? which question was put by him, not in order to destroy them, lest they should disturb his government, as was usual with other princes, and especially such who got their crowns by usurpation; but to prevent any suspicion of that kind in the persons he inquired of, he adds,that I may show him kindness, for Jonathan's sake?
not for Saul's sake, who had been his implacable enemy, though he had sworn to him that he would not cut off his seed; but for Jonathan's sake, his dear friend, whose memory was precious to him.