Topical Bible: Kindness: David to Mephibosheth

◄ Kindness: David to Mephibosheth ►

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The narrative of David's kindness to Mephibosheth is a profound example of covenant loyalty and grace, illustrating the biblical principle of kindness extended to others, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. This account is found in 2 Samuel 9 and serves as a testament to the enduring nature of David's covenant with Jonathan, Mephibosheth's father.

Background

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of King Saul. After the death of Saul and Jonathan in battle, Mephibosheth was left crippled in both feet due to an accident that occurred when his nurse fled with him in haste (2 Samuel 4:4). As a member of the former royal family, Mephibosheth's position was precarious, as new dynasties often eliminated potential rivals to the throne.

David's Inquiry

After David had established his kingdom and experienced rest from his enemies, he remembered his covenant with Jonathan. In 2 Samuel 9:1, David asks, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?" This inquiry reflects David's desire to honor his friendship with Jonathan by extending kindness to his descendants.

Ziba's Report

David's servants informed him of Ziba, a former servant of Saul's household, who could provide information about any surviving members of Saul's family. Ziba reported to David that Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, was still alive and residing in Lo Debar, a place of obscurity and desolation (2 Samuel 9:3-4).

David's Kindness

David summoned Mephibosheth to his court. Upon his arrival, Mephibosheth fell on his face before David, likely fearing for his life. However, David reassured 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 kindness was not only a fulfillment of David's covenant with Jonathan but also a demonstration of grace and mercy.

Restoration and Provision

David's kindness to Mephibosheth was comprehensive. He restored to him all the land that had belonged to Saul, ensuring Mephibosheth's financial security. Furthermore, David appointed Ziba and his sons and servants to work the land for Mephibosheth, providing him with a steady income (2 Samuel 9:9-10). Most significantly, David granted Mephibosheth a place at the king's table, treating him as one of his own sons (2 Samuel 9:11).

Significance

David's actions towards Mephibosheth exemplify the biblical virtue of kindness, which is rooted in loyalty, compassion, and grace. This narrative highlights the importance of honoring commitments and extending mercy to those who cannot repay it. David's kindness to Mephibosheth is a reflection of God's own kindness to humanity, offering grace and restoration to those who are spiritually crippled and in need of redemption.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 9:1-13
And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

David and Jonathan's Son
... And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant! 7. And David
said unto him. Fear not; for I will surely shew then kindness for Jonathan thy ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and jonathans son.htm

First and Second Samuel.
... (5) The kindness of God as illustrated by the story of David's kindness to
Mephibosheth, Ch.9. (6) David's psalm of praise, Chs.22-23. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter viii first and second.htm

Rash Decisions.
... I. When David came to the kingdom, he was very anxious to show kindness to any son
of Jonathan whom he might find; and he heard of Mephibosheth, who was lame ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xli rash decisions.htm

Persistency in Wrong Doing.
... He showed his gratitude to the memory of his friend Jonathan by investing his son
Mephibosheth with his ... So David said, "I will show kindness unto Hanun ...
/.../xliii persistency in wrong doing.htm

Concerning the Insurrection of Absalom against David and ...
... all that he had formerly bestowed on Mephibosheth; for he ... to Jerusalem, with all
the people, David's friend, Hushai ... show the same fidelity and kindness to thee ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the insurrection.htm

On Actual Sins
... the too hasty judgment of David against Mephibosheth, produced by ... happened at the
very time when David fled. ... to esteem this sacred operation and kindness at a ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 8 on actual sins.htm

Barzillai
... for his brother's insulting conduct when David had sent ... 1] and Machir as the friend
of Mephibosheth (2 Sam ... was naturally grateful for the king's kindness to the ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/barzillai.htm

Hopkinsians.
... imputation. Jonathan's righteousness was imputed to Mephibosheth when David
showed kindness to him for his father Jonathan's sake.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/hopkinsians.htm

Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... the honor thou hast received of me, if any of my kindness, be not ... Would you see the
flattery of those who murdered Mephibosheth, [593] whom also David slew ...
/.../homily v philippians ii 4-jan.htm

Daily Blessings for God's People
... is not able to do any act of kindness, to give ... has been your lot, like that of
Mephibosheth, to sit ... That God should load David with benefits was marvellous to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/daily blessings for gods people.htm