But the king spared Mephibosheth the sonne of Ionathan the sonne of Saul, because of the Lords othe that was between them, betweene Dauid, and Ionathan the sonne of Saul. 2 Samuel 21:7 (KJV)
And the king said unto him, “What is thy name?” And he said, Mephibosheth.
The book of 2 Samuel records the life and reign of King David, showing both his triumphs and his failures. In chapter 21 a severe famine strikes the land of Israel for three years. David inquires of the Lord and learns that the famine is a consequence of Saul’s bloodguilt against the Gibeonites. To appease the Gibeonites, David seeks their counsel on how to make restitution.
The Gibeonites were a remnant of the Amorites (or Hivites, according to the account) who had deceived the Israelites during Joshua’s time. They posed as travelers from a distant land, prompting Joshua to make a covenant to spare their lives. When the deception was uncovered, Joshua made them servants but still protected them from harm. Later Saul violated this covenant and persecuted the Gibeonites, an act that contributed to the famine.
In the midst of seeking reparation, David remembers the covenant of friendship he had made with Jonathan, Saul’s son. In 1 Samuel 20:14‑17 David promised Jonathan that he would show kindness to Jonathan’s descendants forever. Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, was crippled in both feet, yet David extended great kindness to him, bringing him into the royal household and allowing him to eat at the king’s table (2 Samuel 9:7‑13).
The verse highlights that David spared Mephibosheth because of the oath and covenant of kindness and protection between David and Jonathan. Even while addressing the Gibeonites’ grievance, David honored his promise to Jonathan, demonstrating the priority he gave to covenant faithfulness.
Lessons and Applications:
Covenant Keeping – David’s steadfastness in honoring his covenant with Jonathan models the importance of integrity and faithfulness in our own commitments.
Kindness and Generality – David’s compassionate treatment of Mephibosheth reflects God’s heart, urging believers to show generosity to those in need, especially when repayment is impossible.
God’s Faithfulness – The narrative reminds us that just as David kept his promise, God remains faithful to His covenant with us through Jesus Christ.
