And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son [that was] lame of [his] feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name [was] Mephibosheth.
Ver. 4. That was lame of his feet. He was five years old, &c.] And therefore neither fit to reign, nor likely to revenge Ishbosheth's death. This encouraged the traitors; and is therefore here brought in.
And his name was Mephibosheth.] Called also Meribbaal. 1Ch 8:34 So Jerubbaal is called Jerubbesheth, 2Sa 11:21 and Ishbaal, Ishbosheth, 1Ch 8:33 in detestation of that shame, Baalpeor, Hos 9:10 whose very name was odious to right worshippers.