MIPHIBOSETH. - GIONA (v.), whose name was originally (v. ISBOSETH) Miphibos‘al (“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 the nurse who was fleeing, remaining lame for life (II Sam. 4, 4). He lived for many years, unknown to all, at Lodabar, in Transjordan (II Sam. 9, 4). Removed from his retreat and summoned to court by David (mindful of his friendship with Gionata), he recovered all the lands formerly belonging to Saul and became, despite his humble protestations, a permanent table companion of the King (II Sam. 9).
At the time of Absalom’s revolt, M. intended to leave the capital in David’s train; but he was prevented by his servant Siba, who moreover slandered him before the King as favoring the rival. And David, believing him, transferred all his possessions to Siba (II Sam. 16, 1-4). Only upon David’s return was he able to defend his innocence; nor was he displeased that only half his possessions were restored to him, since, he said, the return of the King was enough for him (II Sam. 19, 24-30). Everything suggests a gentle and generous character, such as Gionata’s had been. Nothing is known of his end: a son, Micha, continued his line (I Par. 8, 35; 9, 41).
Another M., son of Saul and Respha, was sacrificed by David to the vengeance of the Gabaoniti (II Sam. 21, 8). Gino Bressan