David and Mephibosheth, based on the scriptures from 2 Samuel 9:
By Michael Hopkins
David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth
The story of David and Mephibosheth is a beautiful illustration of the grace and mercy of God. It begins with King David asking, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?"1. This question reveals David’s heart of compassion and his desire to honor his covenant with Jonathan, Saul’s son and David’s dear friend.
A servant of Saul’s household named Ziba was summoned to appear before David. When asked if there was anyone left from Saul’s house to whom David could show God’s kindness, Ziba revealed that there was still a son of Jonathan; he was lame in both feet1. The son’s name was Mephibosheth.
Mephibosheth is Brought to David
Mephibosheth was living at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar1. Upon hearing this, King David had him brought from Lo Debar1. When Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor1. David greeted him by his name, "Mephibosheth!"1. Mephibosheth replied, "At your service,"1.
David’s Promise to Mephibosheth
David comforted Mephibosheth, saying, "Don’t be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."1. Mephibosheth, feeling unworthy, bowed down and said, "What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?"1.
Ziba’s Role in Serving Mephibosheth
Then, David summoned Ziba, Saul’s steward, and said to him, "I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master’s grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table."1. Ziba, who had fifteen sons and twenty servants, agreed to do as the king commanded1.
Mephibosheth’s New Life
And so, Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons1. He had a young son named Mika, and all the members of Ziba’s household were servants of Mephibosheth1. Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table; he was lame in both feet1.
Conclusion
The story of David and Mephibosheth is a powerful testament to the kindness and faithfulness of David, and it serves as a metaphor for God’s grace towards us. Just as David showed kindness to Mephibosheth for Jonathan’s sake, God shows us kindness for Jesus’ sake. Despite our unworthiness, He invites us to dine at His table and enjoy the riches of His grace.
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