1. The house of Saul. David’s kingdom was now secure, and there was little danger of any of the descendants of Saul seeking to obtain the throne. The king’s generous nature now manifested itself in his desire to show some kindness to the memory of Jonathan.
For Jonathan’s sake. Jonathan died with his father Saul at the battle of Mt. Gilboa ( 1:4, 17). His son Mephibosheth was then only five years old ( 4:4). Since Mephibosheth now had a young son, the experience here related must have taken place a number of years after David had come to the throne. But David had not forgotten his great friendship with Jonathan, and was now desirous of showing kindness to the house of his fallen enemy out of memory to his friend.