“And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.”
Historical Context:2 Samuel 9 takes place during the reign of King David. David had established himself as the king of Israel and was ruling from Jerusalem. This chapter focuses on an act of kindness that David shows toward the house of Saul, the previous king.
David’s Desire to Show Kindness: In verse 3, we see King David expressing his desire to show kindness to someone from the house of Saul. This is a remarkable act considering that, traditionally, the new king would eliminate any potential threat from the previous royal family. David’s motive is not driven by political calculations but by a genuine desire to extend God’s kindness to someone.
The Kindness of God:David mentions that he wants to show the kindness of God to a descendant of Saul. This demonstrates David’s understanding of God’s character and his desire to reflect that kindness in his own actions. David’s actions are motivated by his deep faith and recognition of God’s grace and mercy.
Jonathan’s Son, Mephibosheth:Ziba, a servant of Saul’s household, informs David that Jonathan has a son named Mephibosheth, who is lame in both feet. Mephibosheth is the grandson of Saul and the son of Jonathan, who was David’s close friend and covenant brother. David’s friendship with Jonathan is well-documented in the Bible, and David seeks to honor their relationship by showing kindness to Jonathan’s son.
Lame on His Feet:The mention of Mephibosheth being lame on his feet is significant. In biblical times, physical disabilities were often seen as a hindrance and a stigma. By choosing to show kindness to Mephibosheth despite his physical condition, David demonstrates his understanding that everyone is worthy of God’s grace and kindness, regardless of their abilities or limitations.
The Rest of the Story:The narrative continues with David summoning Mephibosheth to the palace and bestowing upon him all the lands and property that belonged to Saul. David also invites Mephibosheth to dine at his table regularly, treating him as one of the king’s own sons.
This act of kindness by David toward Mephibosheth highlights important themes such as mercy, grace, and the value of every individual in God’s sight. It teaches us about the character of David, who exemplified God’s kindness, and challenges us to extend kindness and compassion to others, especially those who may be overlooked or marginalized in society.
Overall, 2 Samuel 9:3 showcases David’s desire to demonstrate the kindness of God, his understanding of God’s character, and his commitment to honoring the covenant relationship he had with Jonathan by extending kindness to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth.
