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 the grace extended by David.

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 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 resides in Lo-debar, a place of obscurity and desolation.

Upon meeting Mephibosheth, David reassures him, 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 elevates Mephibosheth from a position of obscurity to one of honor, as he becomes like one of the king's 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 approaches him, having not cared for his feet, trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes since the day David left. He explains that Ziba deceived him, and he intended to join David but was unable due to his disability (2 Samuel 19:24-28). David, faced with conflicting accounts, decides to divide the land between Ziba and Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth, however, expresses contentment with David's safe return, indicating his loyalty to the king.

Legacy and Significance:
Mephibosheth's account is a powerful illustration of covenant faithfulness and grace. 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. Mephibosheth's 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.

David and Jonathan's Son
... Ammiel, in Lo-debar.5. Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of
Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar., 6. Now when Mephibosheth, the son ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and jonathans son.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... [20] By David's disposal of half Mephibosheth's estate to Ziba, one would imagine
that he was a good deal dissatisfied, and doubtful whether Mephibosheth's ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Mephibosheth's (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mephibosheth's (2 Occurrences). ... (DBY). 2 Samuel 16:4 Then
the king said to Ziba, Truly everything which was Mephibosheth's is yours. ...
/m/mephibosheth's.htm - 7k

Mephibosheth (13 Occurrences)
... after this, when David had subdued all the adversaries of Israel, he began to think
of the family of Jonathan, and discovered that Mephibosheth was residing in ...
/m/mephibosheth.htm - 17k

Mephib'osheth (13 Occurrences)
Mephib'osheth. Mephibosheth, Mephib'osheth. Mephibosheth's . Multi-Version
Concordance Mephib'osheth (13 Occurrences). ... And his name was Mephibosheth. (See RSV ...
/m/mephib'osheth.htm - 10k

Flask (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 16:1 And when David was a little past the summit, behold, Ziba, Mephibosheth's
servant, met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two ...
/f/flask.htm - 11k

Raisin-cakes (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 16:1 And when David was a little past the summit, behold, Ziba, Mephibosheth's
servant, met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two ...
/r/raisin-cakes.htm - 9k

Mephib'osheth's (1 Occurrence)
Mephib'osheth's. Mephibosheth's, Mephib'osheth's. Merab . ... Mephib'osheth's (1
Occurrence). 2 Samuel 9:12 Now Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica ...
/m/mephib'osheth's.htm - 6k

Summit (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 16:1 And when David was a little past the summit, behold, Ziba, Mephibosheth's
servant, met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two ...
/s/summit.htm - 8k

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