And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
Here is, I. David's enquiry after the remains of the ruined house of Saul, Sa2 9:1. This was a great while after his accession to the throne, for it should seem that Mephibosheth, who was but five years old when Saul died, had now a son born, Sa2 9:12. David had too long forgotten his obligations to Jonathan, but now, at length, they are brought to his mind.
Commenting on 2 Samuel 9:1-8
And David said,.... To some of his courtiers: is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul? which question was put by him, not in order to destroy them, lest they should disturb his government, as was usual with other princes, and especially such who got their crowns by usurpation; but to prevent any suspicion of that kind in the persons he...
And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? (a) Because of my oath and promise made to Jonathan, .