Mephibosheth, Son of Saul and Rizpah
Who was Mephibosheth in the Bible?
A son of King Saul and his concubine Rizpah who was executed by the Gibeonites during the reign of King David.
This is one of 2 people named Mephibosheth in the Bible. See all 2 →
Mephibosheth was a son of King Saul, the first monarch of Israel, and Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. Unlike his more famous namesake, this Mephibosheth was born to a concubine rather than a royal wife, placing him in a secondary but still significant position within the house of Saul. His life is recorded solely within the context of the political and spiritual consequences of his father's actions against the Gibeonites.
His mention in the biblical record is brief, appearing only during the accounts of the United Monarchy in the book of 2 Samuel. His identity is inextricably linked to the resolution of a national famine that struck Israel during the reign of King David, serving as a representative of the bloodline that bore the guilt of Saul’s broken covenant.
Background and Family
Mephibosheth was born during the era of the United Monarchy, a member of the Tribe of Benjamin. His father was King Saul, and his mother was Rizpah, a concubine who remained loyal to the house of Saul even after his death. Mephibosheth had one full brother, Armoni. Through his father, he was the half-sibling of several prominent figures in Israelite history, including Jonathan, Ish-bosheth, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, Merab, and Michal.
Major Life Events
The only recorded event involving Mephibosheth occurs in 2 Samuel 21. Following a three-year famine during David's reign, David inquired of the Lord and learned the famine was a judgment because Saul had put the Gibeonites to death, violating a long-standing oath of protection. To make atonement, the Gibeonites demanded seven of Saul's male descendants to be executed.
King David spared the son of Jonathan (also named Mephibosheth) due to his oath with Jonathan, but he selected the two sons of Rizpah—Armoni and Mephibosheth—along with five grandsons of Saul born to Merab. These seven men were handed over to the Gibeonites and executed at the beginning of the barley harvest.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Mephibosheth’s primary significance in the text is his relationship to the fallen King Saul. As a direct descendant, he carried the legal and spiritual weight of his father’s house. His mother, Rizpah, is noted for her profound grief following his death, as she kept a vigil over the bodies of Mephibosheth and his kinsmen to protect them from scavengers until the rains returned to the land, signaling the end of the famine.
Spiritual Significance
The account of Mephibosheth highlights the biblical theme of corporate responsibility and the sanctity of oaths. Though the text does not record any personal wrongdoing by Mephibosheth, his death was part of the judicial resolution for the broken covenant between Israel and Gibeon. His life ends as a sacrifice to restore the environmental and spiritual health of the nation under David’s leadership.
Mephibosheth serves as a sobering example of the long-term consequences of a leader's sin. His execution marks the final transition of power and the settling of debts from the house of Saul to the house of David. Theologically, his story underscores the absolute necessity of keeping covenants made in the name of the Lord, as the famine he helped end was caused by Saul’s disregard for a four-hundred-year-old promise to the Gibeonites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Mephibosheth's parents?
He was the son of King Saul and his concubine, Rizpah daughter of Aiah.
Why was Mephibosheth executed?
He was one of the seven descendants of Saul given to the Gibeonites to atone for Saul’s attempt to annihilate them, which had brought a famine upon Israel.
How many times is this Mephibosheth mentioned in the Bible?
He is mentioned specifically in one verse, 2 Samuel 21:8.
Which tribe did Mephibosheth belong to?
He belonged to the Tribe of Benjamin, the tribe of his father Saul.
Family & Relationships
Parents
SaulFather2 Samuel 21:7Inferred
No verse states this relationship in kinship terms; Saul and Mephibosheth appear together in the cited verse.Evidence: 2 Samuel 21:7
RizpahMother2 Samuel 21:8Inferred
No verse states this relationship in kinship terms; Rizpah and Mephibosheth appear together in the cited verse.Evidence: 2 Samuel 21:8
Mephibosheth, Son of Saul and RizpahThis page
Jonathan, Son of King SaulBrother2 Samuel 21:7Inferred
No verse states this relationship in kinship terms; Jonathan and Mephibosheth appear together in the cited verse.Evidence: 2 Samuel 21:7
MerabHalf-Sister2 Samuel 21:8Inferred
No verse states this relationship in kinship terms; Merab and Mephibosheth appear together in the cited verse.Evidence: 2 Samuel 21:8
ArmoniBrother2 Samuel 21:8Inferred
No verse states this relationship in kinship terms; Mephibosheth and Armoni appear together in the cited verse.Evidence: 2 Samuel 21:8
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 2 Samuel 21:7
Saul was the first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel from the tribe of Benjamin to lead the United Monarchy against the Philistine threat.
United MonarchyFirst: 1 Samuel 9:2326 versesFirst King of IsraelBenjamin
Mother · 2 Samuel 21:8
A concubine of King Saul whose grief-stricken vigil over her executed sons prompted King David to show mercy and grant the house of Saul a proper burial.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 3:74 versesRoyal Concubine
Brother · 2 Samuel 21:7
A prince of Israel and renowned warrior of the Tribe of Benjamin, famous for his profound covenantal friendship with David and his loyalty to God over his own royal succession.
United MonarchyFirst: 1 Samuel 13:282 versesPrince and Military CommanderBenjamin
Half-Sister · 2 Samuel 21:8
Merab was the eldest daughter of King Saul, originally promised to David as a wife but ultimately married to Adriel of Meholah.
United MonarchyFirst: 1 Samuel 14:494 versesPrincess of IsraelBenjamin
Brother · 2 Samuel 21:8
Armoni was a son of King Saul and his concubine Rizpah, who was surrendered to the Gibeonites for execution during the United Monarchy.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 21:81 versesPrince of IsraelBenjamin
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 2 Samuel1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
2 Samuel · 1
- 2 Samuel 21:8
But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons whom Rizpah daughter of Aiah had borne to Saul, as well as the five sons whom Merab daughter of Saul had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite.
Others Named Mephibosheth
Compare all 2 bearers →Mephibosheth, Son of Jonathan2 Samuel 4:4
The grandson of King Saul and son of Jonathan who was crippled in childhood and later restored to royal honor by King David.