2 Samuel 9:6

“Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, etc.] For that was his name, though sometimes called Meribbaal, (<130834>1 Chronicles 8:34); and this was his relation to Jonathan and Saul, the son of the one, and grandson of the other: was come unto David; to his court and palace in Jerusalem, being thither brought; for he could not go of himself, being lame: he fell on his face, and did reverence; to him as a king, in a civil way, and in the best manner he could, considering that he was lame on his feet: and David said, Mephibosheth; is it he? having learnt what his name was, this he expressed with great vehemency and affection, as glad that he had found one of Jonathan’s…”

“Mephibosheth - Also called Merib-baal (and Meri-baal, probably by a clerical error, 1 Chronicles 9:40). The two names seem to have the same meaning: Bosheth, shame, being the equivalent for Baal, and Mephi (scattering or destroying, being equivalent to Merib (contending with). Compare Ish-bosheth and Esh-baal, Jerub-baal and Jerub-besheth. He fell on his face - In fear. Such generosity to a fallen rival as David showed in restoring him his paternal property seemed to him scarcely credible. return to 'Top of Page'”

“9:6 Given Mephibosheth’s physical limitations, bowing low to the ground must have been very difficult.”

“Mephibosheth: Ch1 8:34, Ch1 9:40, called Meribbaal he fell: Gen 18:2, Gen 33:3; Sa1 20:41, Sa1 25:23 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 9:7”