2 Samuel 4:4 Cross References

And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of 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 Mephibosheth.

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Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse

Listed below are the Bible themes associated with 2 Samuel 4:4. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.

2 Samuel 4:4 Cross Reference Verses

This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to 2 Samuel 4:4 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.

2 Samuel 9:3 KJV Bible Verse Image
2 Samuel 9:3 (KJV) »
And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.

1 Chronicles 8:34 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 Chronicles 8:34 (KJV) »
And the son of Jonathan was Meribbaal; and Meribbaal begat Micah.

1 Chronicles 9:40 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 Chronicles 9:40 (KJV) »
And the son of Jonathan was Meribbaal: and Meribbaal begat Micah.

1 Samuel 29:1 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 Samuel 29:1 (KJV) »
Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which is in Jezreel.

1 Samuel 29:11 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 Samuel 29:11 (KJV) »
So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

2 Samuel 9:6 KJV Bible Verse Image
2 Samuel 9:6 (KJV) »
Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!

1 Samuel 31:1 KJV Bible Verse Image
1 Samuel 31:1 (KJV) »
Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.

2 Samuel 4:4 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses

Understanding 2 Samuel 4:4

Bible Verse: 2 Samuel 4:4

This verse reads: "And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of 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 Mephibosheth." (2 Samuel 4:4, KJV)

Verse Summary

This verse introduces Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. His lameness provides insight into the circumstances of his family's downfall and the broader narrative of the transition in leadership from Saul's house to David's.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry notes the contrasts in this passage, emphasizing the tragic fate of Mephibosheth compared to the glory of his father's lineage. The circumstances of his injury underscore the vulnerability of royal children in times of political upheaval. Henry highlights God's providence in such situations, showcasing that even in despair, there is the possibility of grace and redemption.

Albert Barnes' Commentary

Albert Barnes points out the significance of Mephibosheth's lameness as a symbol of the fallen state of Saul’s house. He explains that this fall not only affects Mephibosheth but also serves as a metaphor for the lost glory of Israel's monarchy. Barnes argues that the narrative invites readers to recognize the residual hope for restoration that David later provides to Mephibosheth, illustrating themes of mercy and covenant loyalty.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke elaborates on the historical context, relating Mephibosheth's story to the great tragedies that befell the house of Saul. Clarke emphasizes the compassion shown by David towards Mephibosheth later in the narrative, representing divine mercy and grace despite human failings. Clarke’s commentary encourages readers to see the profound themes of loyalty and the intricacies of divine plan through familial bonds and pacts.

Key Themes and Lessons

  • Vulnerability of Innocence: Mephibosheth's injury reminds us of the fragility of life during turbulent times.
  • The Impact of Heritage: The text highlights the generational struggles caused by the actions of previous leaders.
  • Grace and Mercy: The future kindness shown to Mephibosheth by David serves as a strong reminder of grace overcoming shame.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 9:6-13: David's kindness to Mephibosheth reveals the fulfillment of covenant loyalty.
  • 1 Samuel 20:14-15: Jonathan's friendship with David sets the foundation for future kindness toward his descendants.
  • 2 Samuel 1:12: The mourning for Saul and Jonathan highlights the tragic consequences of conflict.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:34: Lists Mephibosheth as part of the lineage of Saul and reflects on his place in the narrative.
  • Psalm 113:7-8: Speaks of God's compassion for the lowly, resonating with Mephibosheth's circumstances.
  • Galatians 6:2: Encouragement to bear one another's burdens connects with the support Mephibosheth would receive.
  • Colossians 3:12: Call to exhibit compassion and kindness, paralleling David’s treatment of Mephibosheth.

Practical Applications

The story of Mephibosheth teaches us to:

  • Recognize and address the vulnerabilities and needs of those around us, especially the marginalized.
  • Be aware of the generational impacts of decisions made by leaders in our lives.
  • Extend grace and mercy to others, reflecting the divine love shown to us.

Conclusion

Overall, 2 Samuel 4:4 sets the stage for a profound story of loss, lameness, and redemption through the narrative of Mephibosheth. It illustrates the complexities of relationships and legacy within the broader scope of biblical history.

Exploring Further: Cross-Referencing and Thematic Connections

The themes striking in this personal story resonate throughout the Scriptures, encapsulating God’s continued relationship with His people. By utilizing tools for Bible cross-referencing like a Bible concordance or Bible cross-reference guide, one can delve deeper into the connections between Bible verses that highlight God's nature and His interaction with humanity.

Additional Considerations

Through comparative Bible verse analysis, one can explore how different scriptural passages relate to each other, forming a rich tapestry of faith and divine interaction. Whether studying thematic Bible verse connections or engaging in cross-referencing Bible study methods, these tools can enhance understanding and enrich the biblical study experience.

For those interested in discovering the Bible verses that relate to each other, consider these connections in light of Mephibosheth’s predicament, showcasing inter-Biblical dialogue and illustrating how these narratives convey profound truths across contexts.