שמואל ב, פרק ט׳, פסוק י״א

Granting an ousted dynasty's estate to a surviving heir is an act of extraordinary royal kindness. David's decision to give Saul's lands to Mephibosheth blends historical reconciliation with deep personal generosity. Because Saul's heir, Ish-bosheth, had rebelled against David after he was anointed by God, all of Saul's family assets legally transferred to the crown. Therefore, David is not merely returning lost property; he is performing a profound act of grace by giving away land he rightfully owns [אברבנאל, רד״ק].

Ziba accepts the command to farm these lands for Mephibosheth. However, a fascinating question arises regarding the concluding remark about Mephibosheth dining at the speaker's table. The primary approach among commentators is that Ziba continues speaking [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם]. In this reading, Ziba seeks to prove his loyalty. He declares that he has already been treating Mephibosheth with deep respect and ensuring he lacks nothing. By stating that Mephibosheth currently dines at his own table with the honor fitting a prince, Ziba suggests there is no actual need for him to eat at the king's table [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective within this approach views Ziba's words as a future promise rather than a claim about the past. Ziba commits to using the harvest to prepare a table for Mephibosheth so magnificent that it will rival, and perhaps even exceed, the king's own table, as befits his royal heritage [מלבי״ם].

Conversely, a different interpretation divides the dialogue between two separate speakers. In this view, Ziba's speech ends the moment he agrees to carry out the king's orders, and the final declaration belongs to David. Once Ziba commits to providing for the household, David elevates Mephibosheth's personal standing even further, announcing that he alone will dine continuously at the royal table [רש״י, רד״ק].