Introduction:
Mephibosheth is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known primarily for his connection to King David and his lineage as a descendant of King Saul. His account is a testament to themes of loyalty, covenant faithfulness, and grace.

Lineage and Early Life:
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, the son of King Saul, making him the grandson of Israel's first king. His original name was Merib-baal, but he is more commonly known as Mephibosheth. His life took a tragic turn at a young age. When news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths reached his household, his nurse fled with him, and in her haste, he fell and became lame in both feet (2 Samuel 4:4).

David's Covenant with Jonathan:
The backdrop to Mephibosheth's account is the deep friendship and covenant between David and Jonathan. Despite Saul's animosity towards David, Jonathan and David shared a bond of loyalty and mutual respect. They made a covenant before the LORD, promising to show kindness to each other's descendants (1 Samuel 20:14-17).

David's Kindness to Mephibosheth:
After David became king, he sought to honor his covenant with Jonathan. In 2 Samuel 9, David inquires if there is anyone left from Saul's house to whom he can show kindness for Jonathan's sake. Ziba, a servant of Saul's household, informs David of Mephibosheth's existence. David summons Mephibosheth, who approaches the king with humility and fear, referring to himself as "your servant" (2 Samuel 9:6).

David reassures Mephibosheth, saying, "Do not be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table" (2 Samuel 9:7). This act of grace not only restores Mephibosheth's inheritance but also elevates him to a position of honor, allowing him to dine at the king's table as one of his sons.

Mephibosheth During Absalom's Rebellion:
The narrative of Mephibosheth continues during the rebellion of Absalom, David's son. As David flees Jerusalem, Ziba meets him with provisions and claims that Mephibosheth has stayed behind, hoping to reclaim his grandfather's throne (2 Samuel 16:1-4). David, believing Ziba, grants him all of Mephibosheth's possessions.

Upon David's return to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth comes to meet him, having not cared for his feet, trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes since the day David left (2 Samuel 19:24). He explains that Ziba deceived him, as he was unable to saddle a donkey due to his lameness. David, faced with conflicting accounts, decides to divide the land between Ziba and Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth, however, expresses contentment with David's safe return, saying, "Let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely to his own house" (2 Samuel 19:30).

Legacy and Significance:
Mephibosheth's account is a powerful illustration of grace and covenant faithfulness. Despite his physical limitations and the potential threat he posed as a descendant of Saul, David's treatment of Mephibosheth reflects the biblical themes of mercy and kindness. His life serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of promises made before God and the transformative power of grace extended to those who may seem undeserving.Mephib'osheth (13 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 4:4
Now 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.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 9:6
And Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came unto David, and fell on his face, and prostrated himself. And David said: 'Mephibosheth!' And he answered: 'Behold thy servant!'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 9:10
And thou shalt till the land for him, thou, and thy sons, and thy servants; and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have bread to eat; but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread continually at my table.' Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 9:11
Then said Ziba unto the king: 'According to all that my lord the king commandeth his servant, so shall thy servant do; but Mephibosheth eateth at my table as one of the king's sons.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 9:12
Now Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 9:13
But Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem; for he did eat continually at the king's table; and he was lame on both his feet.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 16:1
And when David was a little past the top, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and a hundred clusters of raisins, and a hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 16:4
Then said the king to Ziba: 'Behold, thine is all that pertaineth unto Mephibosheth.' And Ziba said: 'I prostrate myself; let me find favour in thy sight, my lord, O king.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 19:24
And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king; and he had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came home in peace.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 19:25
And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him: 'Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 19:30
And Mephibosheth said unto the king: 'Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come in peace unto his own house.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 21:7
But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 21:8
But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite;
(See RSV)

Mephib'osheth (13 Occurrences)
Mephib'osheth. Mephibosheth, Mephib'osheth. Mephibosheth's . Multi-Version
Concordance Mephib'osheth (13 Occurrences). 2 Samuel ...
/m/mephib'osheth.htm - 10k

Mephib'osheth's (1 Occurrence)
Mephib'osheth's. Mephibosheth's, Mephib'osheth's. Merab . Multi-Version
Concordance Mephib'osheth's (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 9:12 ...
/m/mephib'osheth's.htm - 6k

Merab (4 Occurrences)

/m/merab.htm - 11k

Mephibosheth (13 Occurrences)

/m/mephibosheth.htm - 17k

Mephibosheth's (2 Occurrences)

/m/mephibosheth's.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus