And hee hath slandered thy seruant vnto my lord the king, but my lord the King is as an Angel of God: doe therefore what is good in thine eyes. 2 Samuel 19:27 (KJV)
In this verse Mephibosheth, the grandson of King Saul and son of Jonathan, addresses King David, acknowledging that his servant Ziba has deceived him by slandering Mephibosheth before the king. He asks David to act according to what is good in David’s eyes.
The background of this encounter is essential. Earlier, David had shown extraordinary kindness to Mephibosheth despite the long‑standing hostility between David’s house and Saul’s family. Mephibosheth, crippled in both feet, was invited to eat at David’s table and was provided for as a member of the royal household.
During the tumult of Absalom’s rebellion, Ziba claimed that Mephibosheth had abandoned David and supported the rebel son. After the rebellion was crushed, David prepared to return to Jerusalem as the rightful king. As David crossed the Jordan River, Mephibosheth met him, affirmed his loyalty, and explained that Ziba had misrepresented his actions.
The passage highlights the destructive nature of deception and slander. It reminds believers to be cautious and discerning when evaluating information, seeking truth before passing judgment.
Mephibosheth’s reference to David as “an angel of God” underscores David’s noble character and reputation for fairness. Even in the face of false accusations, Mephibosheth trusts in David’s justice, teaching the importance of integrity and just conduct in leadership.
By saying, “do therefore what is good in thine eyes,” Mephibosheth demonstrates humility and submission to the king’s judgment. Likewise, believers are called to trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty, submitting their lives to His higher ways.
The encounter also offers a model of reconciliation. Despite Ziba’s deceit, Mephibosheth takes the initiative to clarify the situation and restore his relationship with David, illustrating the value of pursuing reconciliation and resolving conflicts.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 19:27 reveals the consequences of deception, the importance of truth, and the noble character of David. It encourages trust in divine judgment, humility before authority, and a proactive pursuit of reconciliation in the life of the believer.
