*2 Samuel 9:1-13
King David honors his covenant with Jonathan by welcoming Jonathan’s disabled son Mephibosheth into the palace and restoring his inheritance.
- David’s Inquiry:
- David, now firmly established as king over all Israel, recalls his covenant with Jonathan, Saul’s son, and seeks to fulfill any remaining obligations to his friend’s family.
- He inquires if there are any survivors from the house of Saul to whom he can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake.
- Ziba’s Report:
- Ziba, a servant of Saul’s household, informs David of Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, who is crippled in both feet.
- Mephibosheth resides in the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.
- David’s Summons:
- David sends for Mephibosheth and brings him to the royal court.
- Despite Mephibosheth’s apprehension and likely expecting retribution due to his lineage, David assures him not to fear, as he intends to show him kindness for the sake of Jonathan.
- David’s Restoration of Inheritance:
- David, in an act of generosity, restores to Mephibosheth all the land that belonged to Saul’s family.
- He also promises that Mephibosheth will always eat at his table, enjoying the privileges of a member of the royal court.
- Mephibosheth’s Humility:
- Overwhelmed by David’s grace, Mephibosheth expresses his unworthiness, likening himself to a dead dog.
- He acknowledges David’s kindness and pledges his loyalty and service to the king.
- Conclusion:
- Mephibosheth is welcomed into David’s court, where he resides, eating at the king’s table like one of his own sons.
- This narrative highlights David’s commitment to honoring his promises, his compassion towards the vulnerable, and his desire to extend grace and mercy even to those from a rival lineage.
2 Samuel 9:1-13 shows us the power of kindness and keeping our promises. David went out of his way to show mercy to Mephibosheth, even though he had nothing to offer in return. This teaches us to treat others with love and generosity, especially those who may feel forgotten or unworthy. Just as David reflected God’s kindness, we too can look for ways to show grace, forgiveness, and compassion to those around us.
2 Samuel 9:1-13 (WEB)
9:1 David said, “Is there yet any who is left of Saul’s house, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 There was of Saul’s house a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David; and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?”He said, “I am your servant.”3 The king said, “Is there not yet any of Saul’s house, that I may show the kindness of God to him?”Ziba said to the king, “Jonathan still has a son, who is lame in his feet.”4 The king said to him, “Where is he?”Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar.”5 Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar. 6 Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, fell on his face, and showed respect. David said, “Mephibosheth?”He answered, “Behold, your servant!”7 David said to him, “Don’t be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your father. You will eat bread at my table continually.”8 He bowed down, and said, “What is your servant, that you should look at such a dead dog as I am?”9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s son. 10 Till the land for him—you, your sons, and your servants. Bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have bread to eat; but Mephibosheth your master’s son will always eat bread at my table.”Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 11 Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so your servant will do.” So Mephibosheth ate at the king’s table like one of the king’s sons. 12 Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. All who lived in Ziba’s house were servants to Mephibosheth. 13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king’s table. He was lame in both his feet.