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13. Dwelt in Jerusalem. There may have been a double purpose in retaining Mephibosheth at Jerusalem. It would be both a matter of safeguard and of special honor. Dwelling at the palace with the rest of the sons of David and being constantly associated with them would serve to draw Mephibosheth ever closer to David and would thus ensure peaceful and happy relationships between the house of David and the house of Saul. If Mephibosheth were of an evil disposition, refusing to respond loyally to the treatment extended to him, he would be under constant surveillance at the palace and away from the influences of David’s enemies, who might wish to foster revolt. That the possibility of revolt was not absent is evident from Ziba’s statement at the time of David’s flight from Absalom. To David this servant of Mephibosheth made the accusation that his master was hoping, out of the unsettled conditions, to have the kingdom restored to the house of Saul (see chs. 16:1-4; 19:24-30).

Was lame. Because of his lameness Mephibosheth was prevented from leaving Jerusalem at the time of Absalom’s uprising. It was his staying behind in Jerusalem that gave plausibility to the charge that Mephibosheth was disloyal (chs. 16:3; 19:25-27).