So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate at the king's table regularly. Now he was lame in both feet. (verse 9:9)
Message: Mephibosheth Sits at the Kings Table
Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader.
What the Lord is Saying: In chapter 7, David has rest and God tells him He shall build a house for himself. David responds in praise to God, asks for further confirmation and for this, He praises God.
In Chapter 8, David defeats the Philistines (verse 1), defeats Moab with the "Moabites becoming servants to David." David defeats Hadadezer, capturing horsemen, foot soldiers, then killing Arameans that came to help Hadadezer with the Arameans eventually becoming servants of David. David takes gold and bronze from these cities (v.2-8).
Toi brings David silver, gold and bronze, with David dedicating them to the Lord. "He put garrisons in Edom...and all Edomites became servants to David." Thus, "David reigned over all Israel." David placed different people in charge: Joab over the army; Jehoshaphat the recorder (chief advisor); Zadok and Ahimelech priests; Seraiah the secretary; Benaiah over Cherethites and Pelethites; David's son's were chief ministers.
In Chapter 9, there is a different thought or change of thought as David seeks to show kindness to Jonathan, though he has died. David made this promise in 1 Samuel 20:14-17 and 1 Samuel 20:42. Ziba, of the house of Saul, is called to David and David discovers there is a son of Jonathan that is crippled. David brought him from his place to him. David shows him kindness and restores the land of Saul to him. He makes this known to Ziba so that all of the land and produce would be for Mephibosheth and all in that land would be his servants. And "he ate at the king's table regularly."
David didn't have to do this. Mephibosheth was crippled but became lame when his nurse fled from fear (4:4). But David honored his relationship with Jonathan. David is shown to take over the kingdom of Israel, defeating foes and establishing his leaders, and all the while He praises God and dedicates all he receives to the Lord. He surrenders all. And then from this he fulfills a commitment and has mercy on Jonathan's son. David is showing kindness. The Hebrew word hesed is not adequately limited to the idea of kindness. It seeks the good of others and does not break promises. We are to be a people that puts the interest of others ahead of our own. David did not see him as an enemy. David never saw Saul as an enemy though Saul saw David as such. Likewise Jonathan. David looks out for others interests.
This lesson in a good reminder to me as well, to be kind. Help me to be kind God in my interactions even as people are attacking me.
Summary: David sets up Israel in defeating areas and taking hold of precious medals, giving glory to God and then fulfills a commitment to Jonathan by giving his son Mephibosheth Saul's land and sitting him at his table.
Promise: We love those who are not able to do anything for us.
Prayer: Lord, I think of my wife and her work and am thankful for the love that she has for others, students that can't return that love in any way. She wants the best for them always and does not want to exasperate them, but show them respect. It is hard work as they fight her all the way, but this is a love that David had for Mephibosheth because of his commitment to Jonathan. Help me God to love in this way and to give without expecting in return. Help me God in this to honor You and glorify You. You are the great one.
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