But the king spared Mephi-bosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD’S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.
Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, yours are all that belonged to Mephi-bosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly plead with you that I may find grace in your sight, my lord, O king.
And Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son that was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephi-bosheth.
You therefore, and your sons, and your servants, shall till the land for him, and you shall bring in the fruits, that your master’s son may have food to eat: but Mephi-bosheth your master’s son shall eat bread always at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
Now when Mephi-bosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephi-bosheth. And he answered, Behold your servant!
And David said to him, Fear not: for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your father; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.
And Jonathan said to David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded out my father some time tomorrow, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good purposed toward David, and I then do not send to you, and show it to you;
But also you shall not cut off your kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD has cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, seeing that we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and you, and between my descendents and your descendents for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.
Therefore you shall deal kindly with your servant; for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you: nevertheless, if there be in me iniquity, slay me yourself; for why should you bring me to your father?