Mephibosheth, Son of Saul and Rizpah
Who was Mephibosheth, Son of Saul and Rizpah, 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
Mephibosheth, Son of Saul and RizpahThis page
Abinadab, Son of King SaulBrother2 Samuel 9:6Inferred
Reconstructed through Saul: 1 Chronicles 8:33 ties Abinadab to Saul; 2 Samuel 21:8 ties Saul to Mephibosheth. No verse states the brother link between Abinadab and Mephibosheth directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 9:6; 1 Chronicles 8:33
Jonathan, Son of King SaulBrother1 Samuel 13:22Inferred
2 Samuel 9:6 names Mephibosheth and Jonathan in the same verse but does not state a brother tie between them; the link rests on the surrounding narrative.Evidence: 1 Samuel 13:22; 2 Samuel 9:6
MalchishuaBrother1 Samuel 14:49Inferred
Reconstructed through Saul: 2 Samuel 21:8 ties Mephibosheth to Saul; 1 Samuel 14:49 ties Saul to Malchishua. No verse states the brother link between Mephibosheth and Malchi-shua directly.Evidence: 1 Samuel 14:49; 2 Samuel 9:6
MerabHalf-Sister1 Samuel 18:19Stated
MichalHalf-Sister1 Samuel 18:20Inferred
Reconstructed through Jonathan: 1 Samuel 14:49 ties Michal to Jonathan; 2 Samuel 9:6 ties Jonathan to Mephibosheth (itself an inferred link). No verse states the half-brother link between Michal and Mephibosheth directly.Evidence: 1 Samuel 18:20; 2 Samuel 9:6
ArmoniBrother2 Samuel 21:7Inferred
Reconstructed through Saul: 2 Samuel 21:8 ties Mephibosheth to Saul; 2 Samuel 21:8 ties Saul to Armoni. No verse states the brother link between Mephibosheth and Armoni directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 21:7
Ish-boshethBrother1 Samuel 14:49Inferred
Reconstructed through Saul: 1 Samuel 14:49 ties Ishvi to Saul; 2 Samuel 21:8 ties Saul to Mephibosheth. No verse states the brother link between Ish-bosheth and Mephibosheth directly.Evidence: 1 Samuel 14:49; 2 Samuel 9:6
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 2 Samuel 21:8
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 9:2339 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 9:6
A prince of the tribe of Benjamin and son of King Saul who died alongside his father and brothers during the Battle of Mount Gilboa.
United MonarchyFirst: 1 Samuel 14:4911 versesPrince of Israel / SoldierBenjamin
Brother · 1 Samuel 13:22
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 13:284 versesPrince and Military CommanderBenjamin
Brother · 1 Samuel 14:49
A prince of the United Monarchy and son of King Saul who died alongside his father and brothers during the Battle of Mount Gilboa.
United MonarchyFirst: 1 Samuel 14:498 versesPrince of IsraelBenjamin
Half-Sister · 1 Samuel 18:19
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 14:497 versesPrincess of IsraelBenjamin
Half-Sister · 1 Samuel 18:20
The daughter of King Saul and the first wife of King David, Michal is a complex figure who navigated the political and personal tensions of Israel's early monarchy.
United MonarchyFirst: 1 Samuel 14:4921 versesPrincess of Israel, Queen ConsortBenjamin
Brother · 2 Samuel 21:7
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 21:84 versesPrince of IsraelBenjamin
Brother · 1 Samuel 14:49
The youngest son of King Saul who reigned as the second king over Israel for two years during a period of civil war with the house of David.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 2:816 versesKing of IsraelBenjamin
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Samuel4
- 2 Samuel2
- 1 Chronicles1
Scripture References
All 7 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Samuel · 4
- 1 Samuel 13:22Partial
So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Samuel 14:49Partial
Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter).
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Samuel 18:19Partial
So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Samuel 18:20Partial
Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
2 Samuel · 2
- 2 Samuel 9:6
And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 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.
1 Chronicles · 1
- 1 Chronicles 8:33Partial
Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
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.