2 Samuel 9

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2 Samuel 9:9-11, Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul’s steward, and said to him, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 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.) 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.

In this chapter, we see David making good on his promise to Saul and his commitment to Jonathan, Saul’s son.  Despite the fact that Saul tried to kill David numerous times, it was David’s commitment to care for Saul’s descendants.  He also wanted to “show kindness for Jonathan’s sake.”  If you recall, Jonathan was David’s best friend who risked his own life to save David’s.  Thus, David asks one of Saul’s former servants, named Ziba, if there are any descendants of Saul remaining.  Ziba is honest and tells David about one of Jonathan’s sons who lives in self-imposed exile with his family. 

What’s interesting here is that Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, was technically the rightful heir to the throne.  David could see him as a potential rival but he doesn’t.  David has him sent for.  Now, we can only imagine the fear at receiving a knock on the door from the king’s men, especially when you know that your own grandfather tried to kill the king on many occasions.  It was no wonder Mephibosheth was in hiding.

But David promised to care for Mephibosheth and give him what was rightly his.  David gave him land to provide for his family and David gave him a place at his own table.  No longer did he have to be fearful of living out in the open, rather he had a close relationship with the king. 

This is a picture of grace.

Let’s pray…Lord, Help us reflect your grace in all we do.  More of you, less of me. In Your Name, Amen.