MIPHIBOSHETH. — SWIFT, JONATHAN (v.) whose original name was (v. ISH-BOSHETH) *Mephibaal* (“from the mouth of the Lord”). He was five years old when his father died, and on that day he fell from the arms of his nurse as she fled, remaining lame for life (*II Sam.* 4:4). He lived for many years in obscurity at Lo-debar in Transjordan (*II Sam.* 9:4). Removed from his retreat and summoned to court by David (mindful of his friendship with Jonathan), he recovered all the lands that had belonged to Saul and, despite his humble protests, became a permanent guest at the king’s table (*II Sam.* 9).
At the time of Absalom’s revolt, M. intended to flee the capital with David; but he was prevented by his servant Ziba, who also slandered him before the king as favoring the rival. Deceived, David transferred all M.’s property to Ziba (*II Sam.* 16:1–4). Only upon David’s return could M. vindicate his innocence; nor did he resent receiving back only half his lands, declaring that the king’s return was enough for him (*II Sam.* 19:24–30). Everything points to a gentle and generous character, like that of Jonathan. Nothing is known of his death; a son, MICAH, continued his line (*I Par.* 8:35; 9:41).
Another M., son of Saul and Rizpah, was handed over by David to the Gibeonites to avenge their wrongs (*II Sam.* 21:8).