Note: From Matt Van Dyken who says “It is an interesting chiasm because it highlights how David acted towards Mephibosheth, though a son of Saul, yet he was a son of Jonathan, to whom David had sworn ‘hesed’. And secondly, it is interesting because Mephibosheth is taken from the place of No Word (Lo Debar) to David’s house.”
A. 1 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?
B. 2 And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.
C. 3 And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him?
D. And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4 And the king said unto him, Where is he?
E. And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.
F. 5 Then king David sent, and fetched him
E’. out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar.
D’. 6 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan,
C’. the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence.
B’. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!
A’. 7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.
Matt – “I just discovered that Dale Ralph Davies describes the chiasm a little different in his commentary on 2 Samuel (FOBC). He centers it on v. 7.
David’s plans for kindness, v. 1
King’s conversation with Ziba, vv. 2–4
(locating Mephibosheth)
Mephibosheth’s arrival and obeisance, vv. 5–6
Covenant protection and provision, v. 7
Mephibosheth’s obeisance and amazement, v. 8
King’s conversation with Ziba, vv. 9–11a
(supporting Mephibosheth)
Mephibosheth’s experience of kindness, vv. 11b-13
Davis, D. R. (2002). 2 Samuel: Out of Every Adversity (p. 123). Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications.”
Another detail: note how on the first half of this chiasm, when Siba is addressed, “king” is used. That emphasizes his kingly character. When Mephibosheth is addressed in the second half, “David” is used. That emphasizes his relationship / covenant with Jonathan. Finally, in the center (the only place) “King David” is used, emphasizing that King David has both the authority and the mercy (hesed) to deal this way with Mephibosheth. The Jesus Christ connection is obvious (for example: Colossians 1:13-14).