“Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!”
Context:To better understand the significance of 2 Samuel 9:6, let’s look at the broader context of the verse. David had become the king of Israel, succeeding Saul. Jonathan, the son of Saul, and David were close friends, and they had made a covenant together. Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son and had become crippled in both feet due to an accident. This verse describes the encounter between David and Mephibosheth when David sought to show kindness to him.
Grace and Kindness:One of the central themes in this passage is grace and kindness. David desired to demonstrate God’s loving-kindness by extending it to Jonathan’s family. Despite the customary practice of eliminating the descendants of a previous king, David wanted to honor his covenant with Jonathan. It highlights the generosity and compassion of David’s heart.
Mephibosheth’s Humility:Mephibosheth’s reaction to David’s summons is one of humility and reverence. When he came before David, he fell on his face, showing respect and recognizing David’s authority as king. His response, “Behold thy servant!” reflects his humility and acknowledgment of his unworthiness before the king.
Restoration and Blessing:Through this encounter, David desired to restore Mephibosheth’s fortunes and bless him. David restored to Mephibosheth all the land that had belonged to Saul, and he invited Mephibosheth to dine at his table continually. By doing so, David elevated Mephibosheth’s status and provided for him, offering him a place of honor and provision.
Symbolic Meaning:The relationship between David and Mephibosheth can be seen as a representation of God’s grace extended to humanity. We, like Mephibosheth, are crippled by sin and unable to stand before God on our own. However, God, in His mercy and kindness, invites us into His presence, restores us, and offers us a place at His table through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
Application:The story of David and Mephibosheth teaches us several valuable lessons. It reminds us of the importance of extending grace and kindness to others, even when they may not deserve it. It also shows us the significance of humility before God, acknowledging our unworthiness and recognizing His authority in our lives. Additionally, it encourages us to embrace the restoration and blessings God offers us through His Son, Jesus Christ.
In summary, 2 Samuel 9:6 illustrates David’s demonstration of grace and kindness to Mephibosheth, and Mephibosheth’s humble response. It serves as a powerful reminder of God’s grace, restoration, and provision for us as His children.
