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2 Samuel 9:1-13 (David and Mephibosheth)

INTRODUCTION: Today is communion Sunday, and I would like us to look at a passage from the Old Testament that doesn’t specifically have to do with communion, but we do find some wonderful parallels as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper today.

You may be familiar with the story of David and Jonathan in the Old Testament. David and Jonathan were the best of friends and made a covenant of friendship with each other. Well, this isn’t the story of David and Jonathan. This is the story of David and Mephibosheth, who was Jonathan’s son. (Read 1 Samuel 9:12-13 and pray)

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Every once in a while, we run across a story about an extraordinary kindness that stops us in our tracks. It’s been said an act of kindness is never forgotten. I still remember small acts of kindness that people showed me when I was a kid. I am sure they have forgotten. They may not have even thought much about it at the time. But I remember. Simple acts of kindness are a powerful force for good in this world. And if that is true even with the small kindnesses, how much more with the extraordinary kindnesses we experience in life.

Our Scripture passage today tells the story of one of those extraordinary kindnesses. It is the story of a powerful king who reached out and extended special kindness to a young man who had neither earned nor deserved that kindness. In fact, the king’s kindness came as a total surprise to him. It is a story that teaches us some important lessons about the power of kindness and also reminds us of God’s great kindness to us and how that should impact our lives.

In this passage David first remembers Jonathan’s kindness to him. Next, David extends kindness to Mephibosheth for Jonathan’s sake. Finally, David puts his plan into action. So, let’s take a look at this story together.

I. David remembers Jonathan’s kindness to him (1-4)

First, David remembers Jonathan’s kindness to him.

   A. He looks for someone from Saul’s house to show kindness for Jonathan’s sake (1)
      – 1 Samuel 20

He begins by looking for someone from Saul’s house to show kindness for Jonathan’s sake. Saul of course was the previous king, who was Jonathan’s father, and who had tried to kill David multiple times. Look at verse 1 with me now:

David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1)

Notice David’s initiative in the situation. No one suggested this course of action to him. He took it upon himself to seek out a living relative from Saul’s house to whom he could show kindness. This was David’s idea, and he took the initiative.

Notice also to whom David wishes to show kindness: “anyone still left from Saul’s house.” David does not even know if anyone is left at this point. The person to whom he wishes to show kindness has certainly not done anything for David. David does not know if this person even exists.

Now Saul had several sons. Three of his sons – Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malki-Shua – all died in battle with him, all on the same day. Saul had another son named Ish-Bosheth who apparently did not join them in battle on that day. In fact, after Saul died, and David was anointed king over Judah, Saul’s former commander, Abner, took Ish-Bosheth and made him king over Israel. This resulted in war between the house of David and the house of Saul for many years. Ish-Bosheth was eventually killed, against David’s wishes, and David finally became king over all Israel.

And now with his kingdom firmly established, David asks if there is anyone left from the house of Saul to whom he can show kindness. This is remarkable in and of itself. Even if there was someone left from Saul’s house, why should David bother to show him any kindness? Saul was David’s sworn enemy. He had tried to kill David again and again. Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth had declared war on David. Any living relatives of Saul could still potentially make a claim for the throne. Most new kings would kill off any surviving relatives of the former king just to secure their own throne. So, why does David want to show kindness to someone remaining from Saul’s house?

The answer is found at the end of verse 1 where David says, “for Jonathan’s sake.” David and Jonathan had a special friendship with each other. This in itself was remarkable, for Jonathan was next in line to be king, and yet he knew that God had called David to be king in his place. Yet, instead of trying to kill David like his father Saul, Jonathan entered into a covenant of kindness with David instead. (1 Samuel 20)

Jonathan agreed to show David kindness, and he asked David to show him kindness in return, and not only to him, but also to his family and descendants forever. Now that David is king and secure upon his throne, he remembers the kindness Jonathan had shown to him and the covenant they made together. And so, it is for Jonathan’s sake, he seeks out this person from Saul’s house in order to show him kindness.

David took the initiative, and David was intentional. He was faithful to his covenant with Jonathan, and he purposefully sought to show kindness to Jonathan’s family in return. Notice he was willing to do this not only for Jonathan’s family but for anyone from Saul’s house. He was truly demonstrating love towards his enemies.

I find this remarkable. David had just become king, ruler over all of Israel and Judah. For most people when they achieve power, wealth, or fame, it becomes very easy for them to forget about others. You know, you’ve heard the celebrities when they receive their awards give their token thanks: “And I’d like to thank all the ‘little people’ who helped me to get where I am today!”

David demonstrates a proper application of the Biblical principle of stewardship here. God expects and requires us to use our power, wealth, and influence to serve others, not to serve self. Remember, David was a man after God’s own heart. And so, we see a reflection of God’s kindness and covenant keeping in David’s actions here in 2 Samuel 9.

   B. He learns about Mephibosheth from Ziba (2-4)
      – 1 Samuel 20:14; 2 Samuel 4:4, 17:27-29, 19:17

So, did David find his man? Let’s read on. Look at verses 2-4 with me next:

Now there was a servant of Saul’s household named Ziba. They called him to appear before David, and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” “Your servant,” he replied. 3 The king asked, “Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet.” 4 “Where is he?” the king asked. Ziba answered, “He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.” (2 Samuel 9:2-4)

Enter Ziba. Ziba is a servant of Saul’s household, although elsewhere he is also called “the steward of Saul’s household” (2 Samuel 19:17). This would seem to indicate that Ziba was more than just one of the servants. He was in charge of the whole household and therefore probably made the day-to-day decisions regarding the resources and wealth that still belonged to Saul’s family. So, he is a man with quite a bit of power and influence within Saul’s family, and therefore he is the natural one for David to call forward. Ziba appears before David and very wisely presents himself to David as “your servant.”

It’s hard to tell here whether Ziba is sincere before David or just being respectful, but we learn later on in the Bible that Ziba is not an honorable man. He really does not care about David at all but is only seeking his own advantage. Ziba is very opportunistic. Later on, he will falsely slander Mephibosheth to David in order to strengthen his own position. So, I would guess that Ziba is just being respectful here. He is probably not sincere.

David asks Ziba the same question he asked earlier, “Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” Notice how David is God-centered in his request. He not only wants to show kindness; he wants to show God’s kindness. His words reflect an understanding that all the kindnesses we have received come from God, and that we therefore have an obligation to pass that kindness along to others. It also reflects the words of Jonathan to David when they made their covenant of friendship back in 1 Samuel 20: “But show me unfailing kindness like that of the LORD as long as I live … and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family.” (1 Samuel 20:14)

In response Ziba tells David about Mephibosheth. Imagine how David’s heart must have leapt when Ziba said, “There is still a son of Jonathan.” David was looking for anyone from Saul’s house, but what a wonderful surprise to learn that a son of Jonathan was still living!

Ziba goes on to tell David that this son of Jonathan is crippled in both feet. We read earlier in the Bible that this was the result of an accident that took place on the day Jonathan died. (2 Samuel 4:4) When Mephibosheth’s nurse heard the news about Saul and Jonathan dying in battle, she was afraid, and she dropped Mephibosheth in her hurry to escape. He was only five years old at the time. So, Mephibosheth had been lame in both feet ever since he was a young boy. This would have put him at a great disadvantage all his life. He was not able to provide for himself, plus the crippled or lame were not always treated well by society.

In fact, when David asks Ziba where this son of Jonathan is, we learn that he is not even staying with Saul’s household. As steward of Saul’s household, Ziba should have been providing for Mephibosheth’s care. Instead, we learn that Mephibosheth is “at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.”

Later on, this same Makir son of Ammiel will help David and his men with food and provisions when David is on the run from his own son Absalom. (2 Samuel 17:27-29) But for now Ammiel is caring for Mephibosheth in his home in Lo Debar.

Lo Debar was a town east of the Jordan River. The name Lo Debar means, “Nothing.” So, Mephibosheth is literally living in “Nowheresville.” Instead of being cared for by Saul’s family, he is in some stranger’s house in a town called “Nothing.” He is going nowhere with nothing to his name and no place to call home. Mephibosheth doesn’t know it yet, but things are about to change.

II. David extends kindness to Mephibosheth (5-8)

Which brings us to the next section of our passage, where David extends kindness to Mephibosheth.

   A. David brings Mephibosheth from Lo Debar to Jerusalem (5-6)

First David brings Mephibosheth from Lo Debar to Jerusalem. Look at verses 5-6:

So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel. When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, “Mephibosheth!” “Your servant,” he replied. (2 Samuel 9:5-6)

And so, David brings Mephibosheth from “No Place” to “Some Place,” and not just someplace but Jerusalem. Mephibosheth appears before the king, and David speaks his name. Mephibosheth’s name literally means, “One Who Scatters Shame,” not the most complimentary name in the world. Poor Mephibosheth! He has a shameful name and a pitiful past. He became fatherless and crippled all on the same day. He apparently has been ostracized by his own family. His grandfather Saul sinned against the Lord and lost the royal throne which might even have belonged to Mephibosheth one day. He has lost everything, and now he is suddenly summoned before David, the new king of Israel.

Mephibosheth responds to David, “Your servant,” the same words Ziba spoke when he appeared before David. However, we also find some clues that Mephibosheth may be a little more sincere than Ziba was. Notice how Mephibosheth bows down low to give David honor. Ziba simply spoke the words. Mephibosheth’s words in the original language also differ slightly from Ziba’s and show a more respectful attitude. Scripture will later show Mephibosheth as one who is sincere and loyal to David.

   B. David fulfills his covenant to Jonathan (7)

And then David fulfills his covenant to Jonathan. Now, at this point Mephibosheth still does not know David’s intentions. As far as he knows, perhaps David wants to kill him, as other kings might have done. Yes, he is a son of Jonathan, but he is also the grandson of Saul, and therefore a potential heir to the throne. That is probably not the safest thing to be when you appear before the new king. I imagine Mephibosheth is scared to death about now. David seems to sense this and immediately speaks words of reassurance to him. Look at verse 7:

“Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “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.” (2 Samuel 9:7)

David tells Mephibosheth he will fulfill his covenant of kindness to Jonathan in two ways. First, he will restore to Mephibosheth the land that belonged to Saul. Now, this does not mean David will give him back the whole land of Israel. The word here is literally, “field,” or “fields.” In other words, David will restore to Mephibosheth all of the farmland that belonged to Saul, not all the land Saul ruled over as king. But this is a wonderful gift in and of itself. Land was vitally important in those days and the most important resource for financial security.

And then, secondly, David tells Mephibosheth, “You will always eat at my table.” This is an incredible kindness. Very few people ever ate at the king’s table. This was usually reserved for the king’s family and a few close associates. The lame or the crippled would certainly have been barred from any such opportunity. Even to eat once at the king’s table would be an amazing privilege. Think if you were invited to sit down and eat with the President of the United States. You would probably have your picture taken, frame it, put it on the wall and talk about it for the rest of your life. But David doesn’t say, “Mephibosheth, you will eat at my table tonight, or next week,” but “You will always eat at my table.” This is an incredible kindness.

   C. David never forgot his own humble beginnings (8)
      – 2 Samuel 7:18,22

You see, David never forgot his own humble beginnings. David never got over the grace God had extended to him in his life. As a young shepherd boy, he had been brought into Saul’s household. He himself had eaten at the king’s table as a boy!

When David first became king, he poured out his heart in prayer to God: “Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? … How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you.” (2 Samuel 7:18,22) David never took God’s kindness towards him for granted, and so he was able and ready to show God’s kindness to others.

David also knows that Mephibosheth is not at fault here. In many ways Mephibosheth is suffering for his grandfather’s sin. Through no fault of his own, Mephibosheth had been barred from the king’s table. David now restores that to him. This is an extraordinary kindness.

Notice Mephibosheth’s humble response in verse 8:

Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?” (2 Samuel 9:8)

Once again Mephibosheth bows down before David. He is literally “floored” by David’s kindness. “Who or what am I that you should even notice me?” He does not claim the privileges David extends to him as a right. Rather, he receives it as pure grace, unearned and completely undeserved.

   III. David puts his plan into action (9-13)
      – 2 Samuel 16 and 19

We have seen how David remembered Jonathan’s kindness to him and how David extended kindness to Mephibosheth for Jonathan’s sake. Now David puts his plan into action. A lot of times people have good intentions, but they never get around to doing anything about them. David puts his plan into action. Look at verses 9-13 now:

Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 10 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.” (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)

11 Then Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons. 12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all the members of Ziba’s household were servants of Mephibosheth. 13 And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was crippled in both feet. (2 Samuel 9:9-13)

David summons Ziba and tells him how he just gave Mephibosheth everything that belonged to Saul and his family. Now, this is probably not good news for Ziba. As Saul’s steward, Ziba was the one who had full control of Saul’s possessions. Now it all goes to Mephibosheth.

Not only that, but David also tells Ziba his new job. Ziba, his sons, and his servants will now farm the land that has been restored to Mephibosheth and bring in the crops for Mephibosheth’s benefit. This would be not just for food but also for income, because Mephibosheth will be eating at the king’s table anyways. Ziba has fifteen sons and twenty servants, so Mephibosheth suddenly has quite the entourage serving him.

Once again, Ziba is compliant with David’s commands but probably not sincerely from the heart. He tells David, “I will do whatever you command me to do.” Why? Not because he loves David, but because David has the power and Ziba really has no choice. And so Ziba and his whole household all move to Jerusalem and become the servants of Mephibosheth. It is easy to see how Ziba would grow resentful at this new arrangement. Ziba will bide his time, though, and strike when the time is right. (We won’t cover it today, but you can read all about it in 2 Samuel 16 and 19.)

Meanwhile, Mephibosheth will eat at the king’s table like one of the king’s sons. In these final verses we learn that Mephibosheth also has a son, a young boy named Mica. (Mica’s genealogy is given twice in Scripture, once in 1 Chronicles 8:34-38 and again in 1 Chronicles 9:40-44.) The name Micah means “Who is like Yahweh?” That’s a great improvement over Mephibosheth’s name which means “One Who Scatters Shame.”

Verse 13 closes out the chapter by telling us that Mephibosheth now lived in Jerusalem, that he always ate at the king’s table, and then ends with the reminder that he was crippled in both feet.

CONCLUSION: What lessons can we learn from this passage? There are several.

   1) Lesson of sowing and reaping > First there is the lesson of sowing and reaping. What goes around comes around. The kindnesses you show to others will be rewarded in some way – whether in your life, or your children’s, or in the life to come.

   2) Lesson of faithfulness > Next, there is the lesson of faithfulness. We should be faithful to keep our promises. David made a covenant with Jonathan and then made sure he kept his word, even though Jonathan had already passed away.

   3) Lesson of stewardship > There is the lesson of stewardship. When God blesses you with power, wealth or influence, you should use that in order to bring blessings to others. You are blessed to be a blessing.

   4) Lesson of mercy > There is the lesson of mercy. As recipients of God’s kindness, we should show God’s kindness to others. David never lost sight of the grace God had shown him. Now he passed it on to others.

   5) Lesson of humility > There is the lesson of humility. We should never view ourselves as worthy of God’s kindnesses. We are sinners saved by grace. Just like Mephibosheth, we should not presume that God owes us anything. Who am I that God should notice me? Just as David showed Mephibosheth kindness for Jonathan’s sake, God shows us kindness for Jesus’ sake.

   6) Beautiful picture of God’s grace in the Christian’s life > And then finally, this whole passage is a beautiful picture of God’s grace in the Christian’s life. Like Mephibosheth, we also are lame. We are crippled by sin in both feet, unable to provide for ourselves, and covered with shame. We also were barred from the King’s table. Like Mephibosheth we also have been brought from Lo Debar, the city of Nothing, to Jerusalem, the city of God. And just like David extended kindness to Mephibosheth, our God and King has extended an extraordinary kindness to us, one that is completely unearned and undeserved. He has invited us always to eat at the King’s table.

One day we will go to heaven where we will eat at the King’s table for all of eternity. In the meantime, we have the communion table before us, a reminder of God’s provision in the past, his grace in the present, and an anticipation of the glory to come at Christ’s return. If you know Christ as your Savior, you are invited to eat at the King’s table even today, as we share the Lord’s Supper together.

© Ray Fowler

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