Kindness Remembered: David and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1–13)
Have you ever tried to keep a promise—even after many years? That’s exactly what King David did in this touching story from 2 Samuel 9. After becoming king, David wanted to show kindness to someone from the family of his old friend Jonathan. What follows is a beautiful example of loyalty, grace, and love.
David Wants to Show Kindness
Now that David was securely on the throne, he had power, wealth, and respect. But he didn’t forget the people who mattered to him along the way. One of those people was Jonathan, Saul’s son, who had been like a brother to David.
David asked his servants, “Is there anyone still left from Saul’s family that I can show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake?” He wasn’t thinking about revenge or politics. He simply wanted to keep a promise and honor a friend.
Mephibosheth Is Found
A former servant of Saul named Ziba told David about Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was living in a place called Lo-Debar, far from the royal city. He had been injured as a child and could no longer walk properly. Because he was from Saul’s family, he might have feared that David would want to harm him.
But David had something very different in mind.
David Surprises Mephibosheth
When Mephibosheth came before the king, he bowed low, probably afraid. But David spoke kindly to him. Instead of punishment, David offered grace.
He said, “Don’t be afraid. I want to show you kindness because of your father Jonathan. I will give you back all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul. And from now on, you will always eat at my table.”
Imagine the shock Mephibosheth must have felt—he came expecting judgment, but received mercy.
A New Beginning
David kept his promise and went above and beyond. He made sure Mephibosheth’s land was cared for by Ziba and his family, so he would be provided for. But even more, David gave Mephibosheth a seat at the king’s table, treating him like one of his own sons.
Even though Mephibosheth couldn’t walk and had once lived in fear, now he had a place of honor in the king’s house.
What We Can Learn from This Story
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Kindness matters. David went out of his way to bless someone simply because it was the right thing to do.
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Promises are powerful. David didn’t forget his promise to Jonathan, even though many years had passed.
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Grace changes lives. Mephibosheth went from living in hiding to living in the palace—all because of unexpected mercy.
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God is like that too. Just like David showed kindness to someone who couldn’t offer anything in return, God shows us love and invites us to sit at His table, even when we feel unworthy.
Final Thoughts
David’s kindness to Mephibosheth reminds us that real leadership is not about power—it’s about love and faithfulness. It also points us to the heart of God, who welcomes us not because of what we’ve done, but because of His great love.
Who can you show kindness to today? Sometimes a simple act of grace can change someone’s life.
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.