But the king spared Mefivoshet, the son of Yonatan the son of Sha'ul, because of the LORD's oath that was between them, between David and Yonatan the son of Sha'ul.
Then said the king to Tziva, Behold, all that pertains to Mefivoshet is yours. Tziva said, I do obeisance; let me find favor in your sight, my lord, O king.
Now Yonatan, Sha'ul's son, had a son who was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the news came of Sha'ul and Yonatan out of Yizre`el; and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. His name was Mefivoshet.
You shall till the land for him, you, and your sons, and your servants; and you shall bring in [the fruits], that your master's son may have bread to eat: but Mefivoshet your master's son shall eat bread always at my table.* Now Tziva had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
Mefivoshet, the son of Yonatan, the son of Sha'ul, came to David, and fell on his face, and did obeisance. David said, Mefivoshet. He answered, Behold, your servant!
David said to him, *Don't be afraid of him; for I will surely show you kindness for Yonatan your father's sake, and will restore you all the land of Sha'ul your father; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.*
Yonatan said to David, *The LORD, the God of Yisra'el, [be witness]: when I have sounded my father about this time tomorrow, [or] the third day, behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not then send to you, and disclose it to you?
but also you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever; no, not when the LORD has cut off the enemies of David everyone from the surface of the earth.*
Yonatan said to David, Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, the LORD shall be between me and you, and between my seed and your seed, forever. He arose and departed: and Yonatan went into the city.
Therefore deal kindly with your servant; for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you: but if there be in me iniquity, kill me yourself; for why should you bring me to your father?*