Topical Encyclopedia Background and Family Lineage Mephibosheth, whose name means "dispeller of shame," was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of King Saul, the first king of Israel. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Mephibosheth was born into the royal family during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by the transition of power from Saul to David. Early Life and Disability Mephibosheth's life took a dramatic turn at the age of five when news of the deaths of his father Jonathan and grandfather Saul reached his household. In the ensuing panic, his nurse fled with him, and he fell, becoming lame in both feet. This incident is recorded in 2 Samuel 4:4: "Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became disabled. His name was Mephibosheth." David's Kindness to Mephibosheth Despite the enmity between Saul and David, David had a deep bond with Jonathan, Saul's son. After David became king, he sought to honor his covenant with Jonathan by showing kindness to his family. In 2 Samuel 9, David inquires if there is anyone left of Saul's house to whom he can show God's kindness. Ziba, a servant of Saul's household, informs David of Mephibosheth's existence. David summons Mephibosheth and assures him of his safety, 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 not only restores Mephibosheth's inheritance but also elevates him to a position of honor, allowing him to dine regularly at the king's table. Mephibosheth During Absalom's Rebellion The narrative of Mephibosheth continues during the rebellion of Absalom, David's son. When David flees Jerusalem, Ziba meets him with provisions and claims that Mephibosheth has stayed behind, hoping to reclaim his grandfather's throne. In response, David grants Ziba all of Mephibosheth's possessions (2 Samuel 16:1-4). Upon David's return to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth approaches the king, having not cared for his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes since David's departure, indicating his loyalty and mourning. Mephibosheth explains that Ziba deceived him, as he was unable to saddle a donkey due to his disability. 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 everything, now that my lord the king has returned safely to his own house" (2 Samuel 19:30). Legacy and Significance Mephibosheth's account is a powerful testament to the themes of loyalty, grace, and covenant faithfulness. Despite his physical limitations and the political intrigue surrounding him, Mephibosheth remains a figure of humility and gratitude. His relationship with David exemplifies the biblical principle of showing kindness and mercy, reflecting God's covenant love. Mephibosheth's life serves as a reminder of the enduring bonds of friendship and the importance of honoring commitments, even amidst adversity. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 4:4And 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. Nave's Topical Index Library David and Jonathan's Son How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ... Rash Decisions. How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ... Concerning the Insurrection of Absalom against David and ... Against Rash and Vain Swearing. Persistency in Wrong Doing. Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death ... The King. The Treasure of Grace Resources Who was Jonathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is merciful? | GotQuestions.org What is brotherly kindness? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mephibosheth: Son of Jonathan was Lame Mephibosheth: Son of Jonathan: Called Merib-Baal Mephibosheth: Son of Jonathan: David Entertains Him at his Table Mephibosheth: Son of Jonathan: His Ingratitude to David at the Time of Absolom's Usurpation Mephibosheth: Son of Jonathan: Property of, Confiscated Mephibosheth: Son of Jonathan: Property Restored To Mephibosheth: Son of Saul by Rizpah, Whom David Surrendered to the Gibeonites to be Killed Related Terms |
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