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2SA 9:1
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2SA 9:3
2 Samuel 9:3. That I may shew the kindness of God unto him— That is, "That I may treat him with a benignity resembling that of Almighty God;" who continues his kindness even to the descendants of those who love him.
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2SA 9:6
2 Samuel 9:6. And David said, Mephibosheth, &c.— David said, Art thou Mephibosheth? He answered, I am thy servant. Houbigant. Note; (1.) We must be not only ready to do good when applied to, but seek for occasions, and enquire out the most proper objects. (2.) It is not enough to forgive those who hate us, but we must shew kindness to them or their families in their distresses; this is God-like. (3.) No advancement, or change of circumstances, should make us forget our old friends; they and theirs have a title to our notice, and, according to our power, to our assistance. (4.) That is the acceptable charity, and no other, which is done with an eye to God's glory, and flows from a sense of God's love to us.
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2 Samuel 9:1. Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul— After the establishment of his kingdom, religion was David's first care; chap. 2 Samuel 7:1-2. Friendship now became his second. It is not, I think, to be imagined, but that he well knew there yet survived one of the sons of his dear friend Jonathan. Knowing him, however, to be under the protection of a very considerable family, where he wanted no convenience of life, it was not altogether so consistent with the principles of political prudence to look out for a rival to his throne, before that throne was thoroughly established; and, perhaps, this is one reason why the sacred Writer lets us know that his throne was now thoroughly established, before he made an inquiry after Saul's posterity. See the foregoing chapter.
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