2 Samuel 9
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Samuel 9
Spurgeon - If there be a Mephibosheth anywhere who is lame or halt, help him for Jonathan’s sake. If there be a poor tried believer, weep with him, and bear his cross for the sake of him who wept for thee and carried thy sins. Since thou art thus forgiven freely for Christ’s sake, go and tell to others the joyful news of pardoning mercy. Be not contented with this unspeakable blessing for thyself alone, but publish abroad the story of the cross. Holy gladness and holy boldness will make you a good preacher, and all the world will be a pulpit for you to preach in. Cheerful holiness is the most forcible of sermons, but the Lord must give it you. Seek it this morning before you go into the world. When it is the Lord’s work in which we rejoice, we need not be afraid of being too glad. 2 Samuel 9:7 David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly." BGT 2 Samuel 9:7 καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ Δαυιδ μὴ φοβοῦ ὅτι ποιῶν ποιήσω μετὰ σοῦ ἔλεος διὰ Ιωναθαν τὸν πατέρα σου καὶ ἀποκαταστήσω σοι πάντα ἀγρὸν Σαουλ πατρὸς τοῦ πατρός σου καὶ σὺ φάγῃ ἄρτον ἐπὶ τῆς τραπέζης μου διὰ παντός LXE 2 Samuel 9:7 And David said to him, Fear not, for I will surely deal mercifully with thee for the sake of Jonathan thy father, and I will restore to thee all the land of Saul the father of thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. KJV 2 Samuel 9:7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. NET 2 Samuel 9:7 David said to him, "Don't be afraid, because I will certainly extend kindness to you for the sake of Jonathan your father. You will be a regular guest at my table." CSB 2 Samuel 9:7 "Don't be afraid," David said to him, "since I intend to show you kindness because of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all your grandfather Saul's fields, and you will always eat meals at my table." ESV 2 Samuel 9:7 And David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always." NIV 2 Samuel 9:7 "Don't be afraid," David said to him, "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table." NLT 2 Samuel 9:7 "Don't be afraid!" David said. "I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king's table!" NRS 2 Samuel 9:7 David said to him, "Do not be afraid, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan; I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you yourself shall eat at my table always." Do not fear: Ge 43:18,23 50:18-21 1Sa 12:19,20,24 Isa 35:3,4 Mk 5:33,34 Lu 1:12,13,29,30 for I will: 2Sa 9:1,3 Ru 2:11,12 2Ti 1:16-18 you shall eat at my table regularly: 2Sa 9:11 19:28,33 1Ki 2:7 Ps 41:9 Jer 25:33,34 Mt 6:11 Lu 22:30 Rev 3:20 DO NOT FEAR FOR YOU WILL HAVE RESTORATION & FELLOWSHIP David said to him, "Do not fear - What a picture of the great Son of David Christ Jesus, for these words showing acceptance and not rejection were continually on His lips. The Septuagint (LXX) translates the Hebrew do not fear with the Greek "me phobou " (from phobos) using the present imperative with a negative which calls for one to cease something they are already doing, in this case cease fearing retribution and revenge from King David. Indeed, Mephibosheth was surely filled with dread at this first sight of his grandfather's archenemy (as least from Saul's perspective) and knew that his first words would call for the end his life. Yes, Mephibosheth's life would soon "end", but not as he had expected, not with his head on a platter before the king (Mt 14:6, 7, 8, 11) but with a privileged position at the royal table with the King! From fear of gallows to fullness with gastronomic delights! Amazing grace. Incomparable lovingkindness. And so King David quickly seeks to quiet Mephibosheth's fear and anxiety. (Related topic: Fear, How to Handle It) And on what basis does David take such incredible action? It flows out of covenant, and the loyal, steadfast covenant love that David had for Mephibosheth's father Jonathan. As someone has well said "What goes around, comes around." and this is especially true if it is based on covenants that have been cut that include the households of the covenanting parties (1Sa 20:14-17). Indeed, many years earlier Jonathan had spoken similar words of comfort to David… Thus he (Jonathan) said to him, “Do not be afraid (present imperative + negative = calls stop being afraid), because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.” (1 Sa 23:17) God often speaks these same comforting words to those who are His (Ge 15:1, Lk 12:32, Rev 1:17) and in fact this was one of the most frequent commands of Jesus (Mt 10:26, 28,31, 14:27, 17:7, 28:10 Mk 5:36, 6:50, Lk 5:10, 8:50, 12:4, 7, 32, Jn 6:20) For - Term of explanation. David explains why he does not need to fear. David does not just say "Fear not," but gives three tangible reasons that should demolish any fear in Mephibosheth. I will surely (Hebrew = kiy) show kindness to you Don't miss the Spirit inspired addition of the Hebrew adverb "surely" (kiy) -- Not just "show kindness" but "surely" show kindness, words calculated to dissolve all the doubts and fears that surely must have shackled Mephibosheth. Many of the translations unfortunately do not render this little Hebrew particle "kiy" (03588) and thus miss the added emphasis intended by David. Kiy means indeed, surely, truly and is a marker of emphasis which strengthens the statement which follows (eg, Ge 18:20 = "indeed"; 1Sa 14:44, 1Sa 21:5). When used in this sense, "kiy" is almost equivalent to a positive assurance. for the sake of your father Jonathan - For" introduces David's explanation. This is a clear reference to Jonathan's covenant with David (1Sa 20:14, 15, 16) which he would not break. and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; Given that Saul was King, this is no small gift David bestows on Mephibosheth. David could have given Mephibosheth a few acres in proximity to the Holy City and that would have been grace (unmerited favor) But this is not the generous heart of David, who goes far beyond the letter of the law, even as the Greater David has done to those who believe in Him… For of His (Jesus') fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. (Jn 1:16-17). Comment: How often we forget this truth which speaks of waves of God's amazing grace that continually break over our heads, washing us clean, strengthening us for the good fight, the worthy walk. Grace piled upon grace. Overflowing. Abundant. Never ending. Amazing! and you shall eat at my table regularly - (HCSB - "you will always eat meals at my table", ESV "you shall eat at my table always") He not just given a one time, but an open invitation to eat regularly, a picture of fellowship and communion. Little wonder that the greater Son of David calls us to eat at His table Paul writing When He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. (1Cor 11:24-26+) Ryken comments "It was a mark of great favor to “eat at the king’s table,” an honor bestowed by King David on Mephibosheth (2Sa 9:7, 13) and the sons of Barzillai (1Kings 2:7). To dine at the king’s table is an honor; it is to enjoy the favor, protection, prosperity and power of the king (2Sa 9:7–13; 19:28; 1 Kings 2:7). Refusing the king’s invitation insults him (1Sa 20:29; Esther 1:12). To be disinvited from sitting at the king’s table and reduced to “eating the crumbs” from underneath it instead is a picture of humiliation and defeat (Jdg 1:7; used figuratively in Ezek 39:20 and Mt 15:21-28). (Ryken, L., Wilhoit, J., Longman, T., Duriez, C., Penney, D., & Reid, D. G. Dictionary of biblical imagery Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press) IVP Background commentary notes that "Mephibosheth had good cause to be afraid of David. There is wide precedent in Mesopotamian texts for the elimination of all rival claimants to the throne when a king comes to power (compare Baasha’s murder of Jeroboam’s family in 1Kings 15:29). Such purges also occurred years later as a form of revenge for political opposition or rebellion attempted against previous rulers. For example, Ashurbanipal mutilated, executed and fed the bodies of his grandfather’s rivals to dogs as part of his first official acts as king of Assyria. David, however, treats Mephibosheth, the only surviving male member of the royal family, as the rightful heir to Saul’s estates. His generosity is coupled with the command to eat at David’s table. In this way Mephibosheth is treated with honor, though some have noted it also keeps him under observation should he be inclined to subversion. (Matthews, V. H., Chavalas, M. W., & Walton, J. H.. The IVP Bible background commentary: Old Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press) James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose - THE LAME PRINCE. Bible "Fear Nots, No. 4. "And David said unto him, Fear not, for I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake" (2 Sam. 9:7). How welcome this royal "Fear not" must have been to the trembling and fearful prince, Mephibosheth! How unexpected it was! What a surprise it was to him, being altogether different to what he really expected. The King's "Fear not" would fall on his ears as a peal of silvery bells. But who was this Prince Mephibosheth? He was Jonathan's son, the last survivor of the royal house of Saul. When news of the death of King Saul and his sons on the fatal battlefield of Gilboa reached the royal palace, the nurse, snatching up in her arms this infant son of Jonathan, fled with him to Lo-debar. In the hurry she let him fall, when his feet were permanently injured. Sixteen years had passed when, upon David inquiring, "Is there any that is left of the house of Saul that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" and hearing of the survival of this lame prince, sent and had him brought into his royal presence. Tremblingly must Mephibosheth have made that journey; and, at last, ushered into the king's presence, must have expected his death. When lo! nothing but grace was meted out to him. It is a lovely picture of salvation. Convicted of sin, and aware of your lost and ruined condition, do you feel you dare not entertain any hope of securing His grace and favour? Then listen and take to heart this story. I. He was the King's Enemy, owing to his relation to Saul, though, thank God, the king was not an enemy of the poor trembling prince. We are by nature at enmity with God, though God is not at enmity with us, and is ever beseeching us to be reconciled to Him. II. He was Lame Through a Fall. And so is it with us. What moral and spiritual weakness and sickness and infirmities are ours by the Fall. III. He was in a Far Country, away from the king. Far, far away from Jerusalem, the place of blessing, of peace and worship, at Lo-debar, "the place of no bread." We, too, are by nature in the far country, away, far away, from God. IV. He was Sought Out by the King. No, it was not a matter of Mephibosheth seeking the king, but the king seeking him. Wherein do you think our Christian faith differs from all other faiths that have ever been or are? In this, and this alone, all other faiths represent man, in the first instance, seeking God (which is not true, for man, left to himself, does not want God), but the Christian faith represents God as seeking man, which alone is true to fact. Man is indifferent to God; but God is not indifferent to him. V. He was Received In his Deformity, just as he was, without any attempt to improve himself. Ah, that we must remember: "Just as I am without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bid'st mo come to Thee: O Lamb of God, I come." VI. He was Received for Another's Sake, for the sake of Jonathan. And we are received for Another's sake, for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Accepted in the Beloved." VII. He Learned to Estimate Himself Aright, but only after he came to David When Mephibosheth said, "What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?" he may have simply indulged in an Eastern's habit of self-depreciation in the presence of his superior. Yet it may have been a genuine and sincere expression of his deepest feelings. But, pray note, he only expressed this view after he came to David. It is only after we come to the Lord Jesus that we take low and truer views of ourselves, and get to see sin in the light of Heaven. VIII. He Got in David More than he had Lost. What he had lost he regained, plus David's friendship and fellowship. We gain more in Christ than we lost in Adam. IX. He Dwelt with the King in the royal palace, and upon royal fare: "For he did eat continually at the king's table." Oh, what blessed news! And we, too, may leave the pit and the dunghill and dwell in the holiest of all by the Blood of Jesus. Poor conscience-stricken sinner, fearful of just and deserved judgment, listen to our blessed Lord's "Fear not, for I will surely show thee kindness for Jesus' sake." Dare, therefore, to entertain hope of finding mercy, and cling to the Rock of Ages. Jerry Bridges - AT THE KING’S TABLE You shall eat at my table always. (2 Sa 9:7) There’s a beautiful story in the life of King David illustrating God’s grace to us through Christ. Mephibosheth was the son of David’s bosom friend, Jonathan, son of Saul. He’d been crippled in both feet at age five. After David was established as king over all Israel, he desired to show kindness to anyone remaining of Saul’s family, “for Jonathan’s sake.” So Mephibosheth—crippled and destitute, unable to care for himself and living in someone else’s house—was brought into David’s house and “ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons” (2 Samuel 9:11, NIV). Why was Mephibosheth treated this way? It was for Jonathan’s sake. We might say Jonathan’s loyal friendship with David “earned” Mephibosheth’s seat at David’s table. Mephibosheth, in his crippled and destitute condition, unable to improve his lot and wholly dependent on the benevolence of others, is an illustration of you and me, crippled by sin and unable to help ourselves. David, in his graciousness, illustrates God the Father, and Jonathan illustrates Christ. Just as Mephibosheth was elevated to a place at the king’s table for Jonathan’s sake, so you and I are elevated to the status of God’s children for Christ’s sake. And just as being seated at the king’s table involved not only daily food but other privileges as well, so God’s salvation for Christ’s sake carries with it all the provisions we need, not only for eternity but for this life as well. This account both begins and ends with the statement that Mephibosheth was crippled in both feet (2 Sa 9:3, 13). Mephibosheth never got over his crippled condition. He never got to the place where he could leave the king’s table and make it on his own. And neither do we. (Borrow Transforming grace : living confidently in God's unfailing love) Spurgeon - From this story (OF MEPHIBOSHETH) we learn to remember past kindnesses. If in his prosperity any man has been good to us, let us deal well with him if we ever see either him or his children in want. Never let it be said that a child of God is ungrateful to his fellow-men. If we are to do kindness to those who have treated us ill, much more are we bound to repay the favours of those who have been our friends. A further lesson may be found in the fact that David and Jonathan had made a covenant, and that David was faithful to it, even though Jonathan’s son was both obscure in his abode, poor in his estate, and deformed in his person. The Lord also is true to his covenant; he will not forsake those who put their trust in him. Though many of his people are, spiritually, as lame as Mephibosheth, yet he remembers them, and even deigns to invite them to sit at his table in familiar intercourse with him. The Lord is not ashamed of the poor; feeble friends of Jesus, but out of love to their well-beloved Lord and Master he will grant to them to eat continually at the king’s table, even though they be lame on both their feet. Poor, weak, and worthless, though I am, I have a rich almighty Friend; Jesus, the Saviour, is His name: He freely loves, and without end. He cheers my heart, my wants supplies, And says that I shall shortly be Enthroned with him above the skies: Oh! what a friend is Christ to me! God is gone up with shouts of joy, And angels harping round; Our Lord is welcomed to the sky With trumpet’s joyful sound. Open, ye heavenly gates, to let The King of glory in; The Lord of hosts, of saying might, Who vanquished death and sin. And shall not mortals join their songs, Though poor their notes may be? The lisping of believing tongues, Makes heavenly minstrelsy. Wade Horton - The Lame Prince 2 Samuel 9:7 INTRODUCTION: How welcome this royal "Fear not" must have been to the trembling and fearful prince, Mephibosheth! How unexpected it was! What a surprise! So different from what he had expected! The king's "Fear not" fell on his ears like the peal of silvery bells, like the sound of clear water running in a fountain. But who was this prince, Mephibosheth? He was Jonathan's son, the last of the house of Saul. When the news of Saul's death on the battlefield of Gilbos reached the royal palace, the nurse grabbed Jonathan's infant son and fled to Lo-debar. In hurrying, she let him fall, and his feet were permanently injured. Sixteen years had passed when David inquired, "Is there any left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" They bought the prince into his royal presence. The prince expected death, but nothing but grace was meted out to him. This is a wonderful picture of salvation! A sinner, convicted of sin, dare not entertain the hope of securing favor. So says the devil. But God says, "Come unto me" (Matthew 11:28). I. HE WAS THE KING'S ENEMY. A. Owing to his relation to Saul, he was the king's enemy. But King David was not an enemy to the poor, trembling prince. B. We, by nature, are at enmity with God. "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God..." (Romans 8:7). C. God is not at enmity with us. He ever beseeches us, "Be ye reconciled..." (2 Corinthians 5:20). Isaiah 1:18—"Come now, and let us reason together." 2 Corinthians 5:18—"Who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ...." II. HE WAS LAME THROUGH A FALL. A. So it is with us. What moral and spiritual weaknesses and infirmities are ours through the Fall? B. When Adam fell, we fell with him. What a terrible fall... banishment from God! III. HE WAS IN A FAR COUNTRY. A. Far away from the king; far away from Jerusalem, the "place of blessing," and from Lo-debar, the "place of no pasture." B. We are by nature, in a far country—far, far from God. We are "strangers and pilgrims" (Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11). Ephesians 2:17-19—"And came and preached peace to you which were afar off.... For through him we both have access by one Spirit.... Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." IV. HE WAS SOUGHT OUT BY THE KING. A. Mephibosheth was not seeking the king. But the king was seeking him! B. Man himself does not want God. Man is indifferent to God; but God is not indifferent to man. C. Matthew 11:28—"Come unto me." "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). V. HE WAS RECEIVED IN HIS DEFORMITY. A. Just as he was, without any attempt to improve himself, Mephibosheth was accepted. B. "Just as I am! without one plea, But that Thy blood, was shed for me, And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!" C. Romans 5:6—"When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Jesus loves and saves (Hebrews 7:25). VI. HE WAS RECEIVED FOR ANOTHER'S SAKE. A. Mephibosheth was received for the sake of Jonathan. B. We, also, are received for another's sake—"his [Jesus'] sake" (Romans 4:23). John 1:11, 12—"He came unto his own and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God." VII. HE LEARNED TO ESTIMATE HIMSELF ARIGHT. A. After coming to David, Mephibosheth said, "What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?" (2 Samuel 9:8). B. It was an Eastern custom of self-depreciation, abasement, in the presence of a superior. Yet it may have been a sincere feeling, a genuine expression of Mephibosheth's humble place before a king. C. It is only after we come to Christ that we take a low position—that we see sin in the light of heaven (James 4:10). D. Daniel, John, and other outstanding saints fell down before God. VIII. HE GOT IN DAVID MORE THAN HE HAD LOST. A. What the prince had lost he regained, along with David's friendship and fellowship. B. Likewise, we gain more in Christ than we lost in Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45-49). IX. HE DWELT WITH THE KING. A. "So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table" (2 Samuel 9:13). B. What blessed news: we may leave the pit and the dunghill and dwell in the holiest place of all through the blood of Jesus (Psalm 40:2; Hebrews 10:19). CONCLUSION: Poor, conscience-stricken sinner, fearful of judgment, listen to God: "Fear not, I will show you kindness for Jesus' sake. 2 Samuel 9:8 Again he prostrated himself and said, "What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?" BGT 2 Samuel 9:8 καὶ προσεκύνησεν Μεμφιβοσθε καὶ εἶπεν τίς εἰμι ὁ δοῦλός σου ὅτι ἐπέβλεψας ἐπὶ τὸν κύνα τὸν τεθνηκότα τὸν ὅμοιον ἐμοί LXE 2 Samuel 9:8 And Memphibosthe did obeisance, and said, Who am I thy servant, that thou hast looked upon a dead dog like me? KJV 2 Samuel 9:8 And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am? NET 2 Samuel 9:8 Then Mephibosheth bowed and said, "Of what importance am I, your servant, that you show regard for a dead dog like me?" CSB 2 Samuel 9:8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, "What is your servant that you take an interest in a dead dog like me?" ESV 2 Samuel 9:8 And he paid homage and said, "What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?" NIV 2 Samuel 9:8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, "What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?" NLT 2 Samuel 9:8 Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, "Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?" a dead dog: 2Sa 3:8 16:9 1Sa 24:14,15 26:20 Mt 15:26,27 Related Passage: 2 Samuel 3:8+ Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, “Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? Today I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hands of David; and yet today you charge me with a guilt concerning the woman. MEPHIBOSHETH'S SELF DISPARAGEMENT AS A DEAD DOG! Again he prostrated himself Reflecting his humility and amazement at such unexpected kindness. THOUGHT - Have you ever fallen prostrate before the Lord in utter amazement at the grace and mercy He has poured out in your life? In an "exercise crazy" society, this is good exercise for the soul! and said, "What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me - To the Jews, a dog was bad enough and they were held in great contempt but to call oneself a dead dog makes the picture even more despicable, someone contemptible and useless. Mephibosheth expresses his abject humility for David's incomprehensible kindness. Notice David does not answer Mephibosheth's question - grace does not answer the question! THOUGHT - As someone has said when you move from, “I’m a good person”, to the realization of you being dead in trespasses and is where our salvation begins. THOUGHT - Mephibosheth recognized he brought nothing to plate (so to speak) that would merit David's mercy and kindness. That is a good place for us to be with our Father, overwhelmed and in awe of His great undeserved love on us, John writing "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." (1Jn 3:1) Or Peter's recognition that Jesus was God and declared "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" (Lk 5:8). Ryken notes that "Although the phrase “a dog’s life” epitomizes a life of ease devoid of anxiety in contemporary Western society, a “dog’s life” in a biblical context shocks the reader with visions of squalor, dismal poverty and the life of a pariah at the bottom of the social scale. Dogs are repeatedly depicted in terms of their disgusting and inadequate diet. Typically they devour what is left over after humans are finished eating, and that is usually described as mere crumbs (Mt 15:26, 27; Mk 7:27, 28). One certainly does not give them quality fare (Mt 7:6). Consequently dogs are never satisfied and are constantly on the lookout for nourishment. Since what they manage to scavenge is inadequate, they may consume what is repulsive (Pr 26:11; 2Pe 2:22) or what is not fit for human consumption (Ex 22:31). Of all the domesticated animals there is a particular revulsion for the dog, who alone is willing to eat humans corpses, a fact that is reprehensible to every human and exploited uniquely by the book of Kings as a curse that comes upon wicked dynasts (1Ki 14:11; 16:4; 21:23, 24; 2Ki 9:10, 36)… To identify oneself as a dog is therefore to draw attention to one’s miserable condition as an inconsequential creature. A dead dog is a cheap life: “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?” (2Sa 16:9). David’s comparison of Saul’s pursuit to hunting “after a dead dog” (1Sa 24:14) craftily combines two meanings. David is not worth hunting, and doing so is an act of cowardice. (Ryken, L., Wilhoit, J., Longman, T., Duriez, C., Penney, D., & Reid, D. G. Dictionary of biblical imagery Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press) Kay Arthur writes that "Mephibosheth prostrates himself and says, "What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?" (2Sa 9:8) A "dead dog" was a Hebrew expression for an embarrassing piece of garbage. That's how Mephibosheth saw himself. Compassion and lovingkindness were flowing from the throne, but Mephibosheth couldn't take it in. Why? Because, beloved, like so many of us, he did not have the facts straight. Mephibosheth knew only what he had been told by people who perpetuated Saul's point of view. Mephibosheth had lived in utter ignorance of the covenant his father, Jonathan, had cut for him - a covenant made for just such an occasion as this. And what about you, precious one? Are you crippled because you've been living in fear of God, ignorant of the covenant cut for you? Have you been dwelling in the barrenness and the poverty of Lo-Debar rather than in the riches of the inheritance that belongs to those of covenant? Have you feared that, if you ever came and bowed before God and gave Him your life, He would do something terrible to you, He would exact some horrible price-giving you cancer, or killing your loved ones, leaving you single, and alone, or sending you off to some hostile foreign land? Have you believed you can only be safe by fighting for the throne, shaping your own destiny, taking care of yourself rather than trusting the God you have heard about? May I ask you this: How well do you know the One who sits upon the throne? Are you fully aware that He administers justice for all His people? Or are you the hopeless victim of rumors about God? Do you feel that God would never find you acceptable and fit to enter His city because you are lame? Do you sometimes feel that He (and everyone else) must view you as worthless? Quit trembling, beloved. You have heard lies. Such reasoning knows nothing of the covenant cut for you from eternity. There is hope for you. There is a future because of covenant. And yet here was Mephibosheth his own choosing an enemy of David's, a man lame in both feet, crippled because of fleeing from David, worthless and embarrassing in his own eyes yet bidden by the king to come and dine! Why? It wasn't because of Mephibosheth. It was because of Jonathan… "Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness (hesed a covenant word) to you for the sake of your father Jonathan (for the sake of covenant)." (2Sa 9:7) You can feast at Jesus' table anytime. He who fed the multitudes, turned the water into wine, to the hungry calls even now, "Come and dine!" (Rev 3:20-note) Oh, beloved, are you taking hold of all that is yours in your covenant with Him? (Borrow Our covenant God : learning to trust Him) Spurgeon - Morning and Evening - “What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?”—2 Samuel 9:8 If Mephibosheth was thus humbled by David’s kindness, what shall we be in the presence of our gracious Lord? The more grace we have, the less we shall think of ourselves, for grace, like light, reveals our impurity. Eminent saints have scarcely known to what to compare themselves, their sense of unworthiness has been so clear and keen. “I am,” says holy Rutherford, “a dry and withered branch, a piece of dead carcass, dry bones, and not able to step over a straw.” In another place he writes, “Except as to open outbreakings, I want nothing of what Judas and Cain had.” The meanest objects in nature appear to the humbled mind to have a preference above itself, because they have never contracted sin: a dog may be greedy, fierce, or filthy, but it has no conscience to violate, no Holy Spirit to resist. A dog may be a worthless animal, and yet by a little kindness it is soon won to love its master, and is faithful unto death; but we forget the goodness of the Lord, and follow not at his call. The term “dead dog” is the most expressive of all terms of contempt, but it is none too strong to express the self-abhorrence of instructed believers. They do not affect mock modesty, they mean what they say, they have weighed themselves in the balances of the sanctuary, and found out the vanity of their nature. At best, we are but clay, animated dust, mere walking hillocks; but viewed as sinners, we are monsters indeed. Let it be published in heaven as a wonder, that the Lord Jesus should set his heart’s love upon such as we are. Dust and ashes though we be, we must and will “magnify the exceeding greatness of his grace.” Could not his heart find rest in heaven? Must he needs come to these tents of Kedar for a spouse, and choose a bride upon whom the sun had looked? O heavens and earth, break forth into a song, and give all glory to our sweet Lord Jesus. John Kitto - Daily Bible Illustrations - Sunday. A Dead Dog—II Samuel 9:8 When the son of Jonathan received the assurance of kindness and protection from David, he said, “What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?” This, according to Jewish notions and phraseology is the strongest expression of humility and unworthiness, nay of vileness, that could be devised, or that the language could express. On account of its various unclean habits, the dog was abhorred by the Hebrews, and became the type of all that was low, mean, and degraded—although, by reason of its usefulness, its presence was endured in certain capacities—chiefly in the care of flocks and in hunting. To be called a dog, was therefore the height of ignominious reproach and insult, and for a man to call himself a dog, was the depth of humiliation and self-abasement. The reader will call to mind many instances of this, which it is therefore not needful to point out. Now, if such were the disesteem in which the living animal was held if to be called “a dog” merely was so shocking—for one to be called, or to call himself, not merely a dog, but “a dead dog,” is the strongest devisable hyperbole of unworthiness and degradation, for in a dead dog the vileness of a corpse is added to the vileness of a dog. And who is it that uses this expression? One who was by his birth a prince, of whom we know nothing but what is good—whose sentiments, whenever they appear, are just, generous, and pious—whose private character appears to have been blameless, and his public conduct without spot. Yet this man calls himself a “dead dog”—that is, the most unworthy of creatures—the vilest of wretches. The phrase “I am a worm, and no man,” is nothing to this. Allowing for the hyperbole, it may thus seem that Mephibosheth abused himself far more than he needed, and confessed himself to be that which he really was not. This raises a question of wider meaning than the particular instance involves, and which concerns us very deeply. It touches upon one of the things that are foolishness to the wisdom of the world, and which its philosophy cannot apprehend, because it is spiritually discerned. The world sees men like Mephibosheth, not only “decent men,” as they call them in Scotland, and “respectable men,” as they are called in England—men not only of stainless moral character, but men of distinguished piety, jealous in every work by which God may be glorified and mankind advantaged—men ready, if need be, to suffer the loss of all things, and to give their bodies to be burned for conscience’ sake, and who, like Count Godomar, would “rather submit to be torn to pieces by wild beasts than knowingly or willingly commit any sin against God;” the world sees this, and yet bears these very men speak of themselves in terms which seem to them applicable to only the vilest of criminals—the offscourings of the earth. This is a case the world’s philosophy has never yet been able to fathom. It sees but the alternative of either taking these men at their own valuation, and holding that whatever fair show they present, they really are what they say, and therefore unfit for the company of honest men—unfit to live upon the earth; or else, that they speak with a disgusting mock humility, in declaring themselves to be what they know that they are not; and there is, perhaps, a general suspicion in the world that these persons would not like to be really taken for such “dead dogs” as they declare themselves to be. How does this matter really stand? The obligations of truth are superior to all others. A man must not consciously lie even in God’s cause, nor even to his own disparagement, nor to express his humility. He has no more right to utter untruths to his own disparagements than to his own praise. Truth is absolute. It is obligatory under all circumstances, and in all relations. There is nothing in heaven or on earth that can modify the obligation to observe it. Yet such is the tendency to think well of ourselves, that although it is counted ignominious and contemptible for a man to utter a falsehood, or even a truth, to magnify himself, it is not observed to be in the same degree dishonorable for him to speak in his own disparagement. Perhaps it might be so, were it supposed that be spoke the truth, or what he believed to be true; for so intense is the degree of self-love, for which men give each other credit, that perhaps no man is ever believed to be sincere in whatever he says to his own disadvantage; and it is because nobody believes him—because it is concluded that he either deceives himself, or says what he knows to be untrue, that self-disparagement is not regarded as dishonorable in the same degree with self-praise. Yet it is not less the fact, that if self-disparagement be knowingly untrue, it is not less culpable than self-praise. Yet Mephibosheth calls himself a “dead dog;” Agur calls himself “more foolish than any man,” Proverbs 30:1–3; and Paul declares himself “the chief of sinners,” I Timothy 1:15. Nevertheless, Mephibosheth was a worthy man—and there were far more foolish men than Agur—far greater sinners than Paul. What, then, did they lie? By no means. The man of tender and enlightened conscience knows that in God’s sight the very heavens are not clean, and that he charges even his angels with folly. The more advanced he is in spiritual life the more clear is the perception which he realizes of the holiness of God, the more distinctly he feels how abhorrent all sin, of thought, word, or action, must be to Him, and how it separates the soul from Him. He knows not the heart of others, and he does not judge them. But he knows something of the evil of his own heart; he knows that he is to be judged according to his light—according to what he has, and not according to what he has not; and judging by that measure, considering how much has been given to him, he knows, he feels, that a doubt, a misgiving, an evil thought, a carnal impulse, involves him—with his light, and with the proofs of God’s love in Christ towards him, which have been brought home to his heart, in far greater sin than belongs to the grosser offences of less instructed men. He reasons also that if he, with eyes blinded by self-love, is able to see so much of the plague of his own heart, what must be the sight presented to the view of the pure and holy God, who sees far more of defilement in the best of our duties, than we ever saw in the worst of our sins. What man of wakeful conscience is there, who, when he looks well to the requirements of God’s holy law—meditates upon the essential holiness of the Divine character—considers his own neglected means and mercies—sees how the remaining depravities of his nature have defiled his holiest things—and knows how unthankful, how wayward, how rebellious, his heart has often been, is not compelled to smite upon his breast and cry out, “Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee?” Ah, it is well for him that he is not required to answer. Through the cloud of sin and grief, he hears that Voice which it is life to hear, “Son of man, be not afraid.” This is He who has taken the burden not only of his cares but of his sins. This is his Beloved; this is his Friend. All is well. 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king called Saul's servant Ziba and said to him, "All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master's grandson. BGT 2 Samuel 9:9 καὶ ἐκάλεσεν ὁ βασιλεὺς Σιβα τὸ παιδάριον Σαουλ καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτόν πάντα ὅσα ἐστὶν τῷ Σαουλ καὶ ὅλῳ τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ δέδωκα τῷ υἱῷ τοῦ κυρίου σου LXE 2 Samuel 9:9 And the king called Siba the servant of Saul, and said to him, All that belonged to Saul and to all his house have I given to the son of thy lord. KJV 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house. NET 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul's attendant, and said to him, "Everything that belonged to Saul and to his entire house I hereby give to your master's grandson. CSB 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king summoned Saul's attendant Ziba and said to him, "I have given to your master's grandson all that belonged to Saul and his family. ESV 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king called Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master's grandson. NIV 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. NLT 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king summoned Saul's servant Ziba and said, "I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. I have given: 2Sa 16:4 19:29 1Sa 9:1 Isa 32:8 DAVID INFORMS ZIBA OF MEPHIBOSHETH'S GIFT Then the king called Saul's servant Ziba and said to him, "All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master's grandson - Notice he does not say "I will give" but "I have given!" It's past tense. It is done. There are no conditions that need to be meet. There are no payments that need to be made. It is gratis. Indeed, it is grace, once again giving us insight into why David is called a man after God's own heart! Paul Westervelt - You and I are Mephibosheths, too. The similarities between his life and ours are just too compelling. Before the Father drew us near by His own initiative, we spent our lives running from Him in brokenness and shame. We feared that entering His presence would bring judgment upon our heads. When finally we lay trembling at His feet, He touched us gently and said, "Don’t be afraid." He lifted us up and said, "I’m going to give back to you everything you ever lost because of sin. I’m going to give you an inheritance, blessing, and riches in the heavenly places. But more that that, I want you forever in My presence, and I’m going to call you My child." And when we protested, "But why would You care about a worthless loser like me?" He said, "Because I know your brother Jesus. And for His sake, I’ll do it all on your account." (Discipleship Journal, Issue 116 March/April 2000) James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose - DAVID AND MEPHIBOSHETH,; OR, SAVED BY GRACE. 2 Samuel 9. "Man's forgiveness may be true and sweet, But yet he stoops to give it. More complete Is love that lays forgiveness at thy feet, And pleads with thee to raise it! Only Heaven Means Crowned, not Vanquished, when it says Forgiven!" —A. Procter. Much food for reflection might be found in comparing this chapter with Romans 9-11. The purposes of God concerning Israel, as revealed in these chapters, ought to be better known than they are among believers everywhere. We might observe here— I. Mephibosheth's Condition; or, The Sinner's Need. 1. FEARFULNESS. From the fact that such inquiry had to be made, we may learn that Mephibosheth was hiding from the king. They dread God who know not His love (v. 1). Hiding from his best friend. So like the sinner (Gen. 3:8). 2. DESTITUTION. "In the house of Machir (sold) in Lodebar" (without pasture) (v. 4). How true! The rebellious dwell in a dry land (Ps 68:6). Away from God the sinner is but lodging in the house of poverty (Isa. 44:20; Luke 15:16). 3. HELPLESSNESS. "Lame on both feet" (v. 13). At that time ye were without strength (Rom. 5:6). With regard to the things of God the unregenerated are heartless, handless, footless. Any ability we have is God-given (1 Peter 4:11). II. David's Purpose; or, The Love of God. He wished to show kindness to the house of Saul (his enemy) for Jonathan's sake (the gift of God). What an illustration of 2 Corinthians 5:19. This— 1. LOVE WAS SPONTANEOUS. It was the voluntary impulse of a kind and merciful heart. "God is Love." God takes the first step towards man's redemption (Eph. 1:4; 1 Peter 1:2). He so loved the world that He gave His Son. "We love Him because He first loved us." 2. LOVE WAS GRACIOUS. It sought out the undeserving. It offered favour to an enemy. While we were yet enemies Christ died for us. It was, indeed, the "Gospel of Grace" that David's servant carried to the poor cripple. What a privilege to belong to such "sent ones" (v. 5). This is a beautiful illustration of Romans 10:14, 15. What is the meaning of John 20:21? 3. LOVE WAS SELF-SACRIFICING. "I have given all that pertained to Saul" (v. 9). This was a great gift, but it was for Jonathan's sake. In John 3:16 we see a greater gift, and with this gift comes the pledge of all things (Rom. 8:32; 2 Peter 1:3). III. Mephibosheth's Faith; or, Salvation Enjoyed. He— 1. BELIEVED THE MESSAGE. So proved his faith by obeying the call. "He came unto David" (v. 6). See 2 Chron. 30:10, 11). The Master is come, and calleth for thee. We test the truth of the Gospel when we believe it. 2. HUMBLED HIMSELF. "He fell on his face." So well he may. He confesses himself to be as a "dead dog" (v. 8). You hath he quickened who were dead in sin—worse than a dead dog. The goodness of God leads to repentance (2 Cor. 5:14). 3. WAS ACCEPTED. "David said, Fear not, I will show thee kindness" (v. 7). The God who invites will surely receive (John 7:37). Think of His kindness towards us through Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:7). 4. WAS ADOPTED. "He shall eat at my table as one of the king's sons" (v. 11). Although he was lame on both his feet he sat continually at the king's table. His table of mercy covers many an infirmity (1 John 3:1, 2). 5. WAS MADE AN HEIR. "David said, I will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father" (v. 7). From poverty to plenty through the grace of the king (1 Peter 1:3, 4). By grace are ye saved through faith (Eph. 2:8). 2 Samuel 9:10 "You and your sons and your servants shall cultivate the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce so that your master's grandson may have food; nevertheless Mephibosheth your master's grandson shall eat at my table regularly." Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. BGT 2 Samuel 9:10 καὶ ἐργᾷ αὐτῷ τὴν γῆν σὺ καὶ οἱ υἱοί σου καὶ οἱ δοῦλοί σου καὶ εἰσοίσεις τῷ υἱῷ τοῦ κυρίου σου ἄρτους καὶ ἔδεται αὐτούς καὶ Μεμφιβοσθε υἱὸς τοῦ κυρίου σου φάγεται διὰ παντὸς ἄρτον ἐπὶ τῆς τραπέζης μου καὶ τῷ Σιβα ἦσαν πεντεκαίδεκα υἱοὶ καὶ εἴκοσι δοῦλοι LXE 2 Samuel 9:10 And thou, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him; and thou shalt bring in bread to the son of thy lord, and he shall eat bread: and Memphibosthe the son of thy lord shall eat bread continually at my table. Now Siba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. KJV 2 Samuel 9:10 Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. NET 2 Samuel 9:10 You will cultivate the land for him– you and your sons and your servants. You will bring its produce and it will be food for your master's grandson to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, will be a regular guest at my table." (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) CSB 2 Samuel 9:10 You, your sons, and your servants are to work the ground for him, and you are to bring in the crops so your master's grandson will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, is always to eat at my table." Now Ziba had 15 sons and 20 servants. ESV 2 Samuel 9:10 And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master's grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master's grandson shall always eat at my table." Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. NIV 2 Samuel 9:10 You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master's grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table." (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) NLT 2 Samuel 9:10 You and your sons and servants are to farm the land for him to produce food for your master's household. But Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, will eat here at my table." (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)Ziba replied, NRS 2 Samuel 9:10 You and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him, and shall bring in the produce, so that your master's grandson may have food to eat; but your master's grandson Mephibosheth shall always eat at my table." Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. NJB 2 Samuel 9:10 You must work the land for him, you and your sons and your slaves; you must harvest the produce to provide food for your master's family to eat. But Meribbaal, your master's son, will always take his own meals at my table.' Now, Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty slaves. shall eat bread: 2Sa 9:7,11-13 19:28 2Ki 25:29 Lu 14:15 ZIBA TO CULTIVATE MEPHIBOSHETH'S LAND You and your sons and your servants shall cultivate the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce so that your master's grandson may have food - NLT - "You and your sons and servants are to farm the land for him to produce food for your master's household" Nevertheless Mephibosheth your master's grandson shall eat at my table regularly - Note repetition of your master's grandson, speaking of Saul's grandson. It is surprising he does not say Jonathan's son. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants - He had plenty of help to cultivate the land! I love Chuck Swindoll's illustration of God's grace taken from the life of Mephibosheth writing that "the bible is a photo album filled with pictures of God’s grace. One striking image is found in the pages of 2 Samuel. The setting is the palace of King David. Gold and bronze fixtures gleam from the walls. Lofty, wooden ceilings crown each spacious room. In the banquet room, David and his children gather for an evening meal. Absalom, tanned and handsome, is there, as is David’s beautiful daughter Tamar. The call to dinner is given, and the king scans the room to see if all are present. One figure, though, is absent. Clump, scraaape, clump, scraaape. The sound coming down the hall echoes into the chamber. Clump, scraaape, clump, scraaape. Finally, the person appears at the door and slowly shuffles to his seat. It is the lame Mephibosheth seated in grace at David’s table. And the tablecloth covers his feet. Now the feast can begin. (Borrow The tale of the tardy oxcart and 1,501 other stories) J Vernon McGee draws some wonderful lessons from this chapter… 1. A child of God recognizes that he is also a cripple in God’s sight. We are told in Ro 3:15,16: “Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways.” That is the report from God’s clinic on the human race. Our feet lead us astray. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa. 53:6). Then the writer of the Book of Proverbs says, “There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Pr 16:25). Our feet get us into trouble. The way that the soul and the feet are so closely connected in Scripture is quite interesting. I do not mean to make a bad pun; I am not talking about the sole of the foot. Remembering that David for the rest of his life had a crippled boy who ate at his table, listen to the words of Ps 56:13, “For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from failing, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?” Ps 73:2 says, “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped” David knew what it was to have lame feet! In Psalm 116:8 he says, “For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.” My friend, all of us are actually cripples before God. Modern philosophy and humanism present another picture of man. I once heard a liberal say that Christ came to reveal the splendors of the human soul! God says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9). Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, and it is a mess of bad things. You cannot expect any good from human nature. Paul could say, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not” (Ro. 7:18). Paul had no confidence in the flesh. The Law is condemnation. Jn 14:6 says, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” When we come that way, He will receive us. 2. David extended kindness to Mephibosheth for the sake of Jonathan. This is another facet of this amazing incident. You see, David did not know the boy. He did what he did for the sake of Jonathan whom he loved. When David looked upon this boy, he did not see a cripple; he saw Jonathan. He had made a covenant with Jonathan. The kindness, mercy, and grace extended to a helpless person were for the sake of another. We have seen how much Jonathan meant to David. When the news of his death reached him, he said: “How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places. I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women” (2 Sam. 1:25,26). Now God has saved you and me because of Another—the Lord Jesus Christ. When we accept Jesus Christ as Savior, Ephesians 1:6 tells us that we are “accepted in the beloved.” When God sees you and me in Christ, He accepts us and saves us. 3. David said nothing about the lame feet of Mephibosheth. There is no record that David ever mentioned it or made an allusion to it. He never said to him, “It is too bad that you are crippled.” He treated him like a prince. He sat at the king’s table, and his feet were covered with a linen cloth. My friend, God forgets our sin because it is blotted out by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the only way God can forgive our sins. The writer of Hebrews put it this way: “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb. 10:17). 4. Mephibosheth said nothing about his lame feet. What do you think David and Mephibosheth talked about when they sat at the table? They talked about another person. Do you know who it was? It was Jonathan. David loved Jonathan. Mephibosheth loved Jonathan—he was his father. Jonathan was the subject of conversation. What should you and I talk about? Some Christians take a keen delight in talking about the old days when they lived in sin. It is too bad that when we get together we don’t talk about Another. The Lord Jesus Christ should be the main subject of our conversation. 5. Others said nothing about Mephibosheth’s lame feet. There was a large company that ate at the king’s table. One day they saw David bringing this crippled boy to the table. The gossips did not say, “Did you hear how it happened?” Instead they listened to the king. They heard David praise Mephibosheth, They had no time to indulge in cheap talk. Their hearts went out in love to this boy. You see, love “beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” Love “never fails” (1 Cor. 13:7–8). As far as I can tell, David was never able to make this boy walk. If you see that you cannot walk well-pleasing to God, turn to the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ said to the man with palsy, whose friends had let him down through the roof, “… Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee…. Arise, and walk” (Matt. 9:2–5). The apostle Paul urges: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Eph. 4:1–2). If you are failing in your walk, turn to Christ for help. Christ is sending out an invitation today into the highways and byways and out into the streets of your town. He is saying, “Come to my table of salvation just as you are, crippled, and I will feed you.” He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). He also says, “… If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink” (John 7:37). What a wonderful picture of God’s love is presented in this chapter! (Listen to Dr McGee's exposition - 2Samuel 9 Intro 2Sa 9:1-9 2Sa 9:10-13) 2 Samuel 9:11 Then Ziba said to the king, "According to all that my lord the king commands his servant so your servant will do." So Mephibosheth ate at David's table as one of the king's sons. BGT 2 Samuel 9:11 καὶ εἶπεν Σιβα πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα κατὰ πάντα ὅσα ἐντέταλται ὁ κύριός μου ὁ βασιλεὺς τῷ δούλῳ αὐτοῦ οὕτως ποιήσει ὁ δοῦλός σου καὶ Μεμφιβοσθε ἤσθιεν ἐπὶ τῆς τραπέζης Δαυιδ καθὼς εἷς τῶν υἱῶν τοῦ βασιλέως LXE 2 Samuel 9:11 And Siba said to the king, According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so will thy servant do. And Memphibosthe did eat at the table of David, as one of the sons of the king. KJV 2 Samuel 9:11 Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons. NET 2 Samuel 9:11 Ziba said to the king, "Your servant will do everything that my lord the king has instructed his servant to do." So Mephibosheth was a regular guest at David's table, just as though he were one of the king's sons. CSB 2 Samuel 9:11 Ziba said to the king, "Your servant will do all my lord the king commands." So Mephibosheth ate at David's table just like one of the king's sons. ESV 2 Samuel 9:11 Then Ziba said to the king, "According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do." So Mephibosheth ate at David's table, like one of the king's sons. NIV 2 Samuel 9:11 Then Ziba said to the king, "Your servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do." So Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's sons. NLT 2 Samuel 9:11 "Yes, my lord the king; I am your servant, and I will do all that you have commanded." And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David's table, like one of the king's own sons. Ziba: 2Sa 19:17 According: 2Sa 16:1-4 19:26 ZIBA OBEYS MEPHIBOSHETH DINES Then Ziba said to the king, "According to all that my lord the king commands his servant so your servant will do." - He is obedient now but later we will see him be deceptive (See Ziba). So Mephibosheth ate at David's table as one of the king's sons - He was one of the family by the covenant between Jonathan and David. While not necessarily indicative of adoption, it certainly presents a picture similar to adoption a term filled with the ideas of love, grace, compassion, and intimate relationship. John
2 Samuel 9
Spurgeon - Morning and Evening - “So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.” —2 Samuel 9:13 Mephibosheth was no great ornament to a royal table, yet he had a continual place at David’s board, because the king could see in his face the features of the beloved Jonathan. Like Mephibosheth, we may cry unto the King of Glory, “What is thy servant, that thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am?” but still the Lord indulges us with most familiar intercourse with himself, because he sees in our countenances the remembrance of his dearly-beloved Jesus. The Lord’s people are dear for another’s sake. Such is the love which the Father bears to his only begotten, that for his sake he raises his lowly brethren from poverty and banishment, to courtly companionship, noble rank, and royal provision. Their deformity shall not rob them of their privileges. Lameness is no bar to sonship; the cripple is as much the heir as if he could run like Asahel. Our right does not limp, though our might may. A king’s table is a noble hiding-place for lame legs, and at the gospel feast we learn to glory in infirmities, because the power of Christ resteth upon us. Yet grievous disability may mar the persons of the best-loved saints. Here is one feasted by David, and yet so lame in both his feet that he could not go up with the king when he fled from the city, and was therefore maligned and injured by his servant Ziba. Saints whose faith is weak, and whose knowledge is slender, are great losers; they are exposed to many enemies, and cannot follow the king whithersoever he goeth. This disease frequently arises from falls. Bad nursing in their spiritual infancy often causes converts to fall into a despondency from which they never recover, and sin in other cases brings broken bones. Lord, help the lame to leap like an hart, and satisfy all thy people with the bread of thy table! Mephibosheth Represents the Sinner - Adrian Rogers Now Mephibosheth represents the sinner. My dear friend, you are like Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth pictures you. And how does Mephibosheth picture you? 1. He Was Deformed Well, first of all, he was deformed—and so are we. He was crippled by the fall—and so are we. And so Mephibosheth was deformed. He couldn’t come. He had to be brought. He did not want to come. He had to be sought. And that’s the way we are. We are spiritually and morally crippled by sin. 2. He Was Dethroned But not only, dear friend, was he deformed; Mephibosheth was dethroned. You see, he was a prince, but he was living in exile. Did you know that God made us to be kings and princes, but we’ve been living on the backside of nowhere without the Lord Jesus Christ, breathing dust and dragging our dead limbs behind us, when we ought to be sitting enthroned with our Lord? But here was a prince who had lost his kingdom. He was dethroned. 3. He Was Doomed And not only was he deformed, and dethroned; but, friend, he was doomed. He knew he had the sentence of death on him. He knew that he was an enemy and that he deserved no mercy. He said, “Why should you do this to such a dog as I am?” (2 Samuel 9:8) He realized that the sentence of death was his. And so should we. “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:20) 4. He Was Deceived That’s what we were. We were deformed, dethroned, and doomed; and I guess the worst thing is deceived. All of this time Mephibosheth was thinking David was his enemy, when David was his friend. Did you know that people feel that way about God? Did you know that God has to run us down in order to save us? Did you know that? We don’t seek Him. We fear God. There’s something—sin has put a negative attitude; the devil has done a trick on us. And the devil says, “God’s out to get you; don’t let Him save you.” And you’ll sit in a service like this and be negative toward God like somehow you’ve got to become one of those old Christians. Oh, my dear friend, all God wants to do is to bless you, love you, and to share the blessings of the blood covenant with you. And here’s Mephibosheth, who’s been deceived about David. He’s been told that David was his enemy, when David was really his friend. What a picture of a lost sinner is Mephibosheth! Jonathan pictures, my friend, the Savior, who made a blood covenant with you. Mephibosheth pictures the sinner, who needs to enter into the blood covenant. What Mephibosheth Received Now I want to show you what Mephibosheth received. And what Mephibosheth received is what you will receive if you enter into the blood covenant. And it’s so very wonderful. There are four basic things that he received. And I want you to see them. 1. The King’s Forgiveness Second Samuel chapter 9—the very first thing he received is what I want to call the king’s forgiveness. Look in verse 7: “And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness.” (2 Samuel 9:7) Hallelujah! He deserved judgment, and he received kindness. Friend, because of the covenant, you don’t have to be afraid. Hallelujah! You don’t! You deserve hell, but you’re not going to hell, because of the blood covenant. And so he received the king’s forgiveness. 2. The King’s Fellowship But not only did he receive the king’s forgiveness; he received the king’s fellowship. Four times it is mentioned that he is to eat with the king. Look, if you will, in verse 7: “Thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.” (2 Samuel 9:7) Look, if you will, in verse 10: “Thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table.” (2 Samuel 9:10) Look, if you will, at the last part of verse 11: “He shall eat at my table.” (2 Samuel 9:11) Look, if you will, in verse 13: “He did eat continually at the king’s table.” (2 Samuel 9:13) Why does God say that? Because, my dear friend, a fellowship meal is the most intimate association that you can have. Now if you were invited to meet with the President of the United States, that would be one thing; but, friend, if you were invited to dine with the President of United States, that would be something else, wouldn’t it? It’s saying, “You’re not just going to have a once-in-a-while meal; you’re going to sit at my table continually.” You see, salvation, my friend, is not a funeral; it’s a feast. Do you understand that? Listen. I’m not inviting you to something bad; I’m inviting you to something wonderful. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him,”—and do what?—“and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) 3. The King’s Fortune You see, there’s the king’s fellowship. But not only the king’s forgiveness, and the king’s fellowship; my dear friend, there’s the king’s fortune. And the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said unto him, “I have given unto thy master’s son all that pertaineth to Saul and to all his house.” (2 Samuel 9:9) Now, who was Saul? Saul was the king. And he’s saying, “Mephibosheth, enough; and you don’t understand enough; and you are not worthy.” The devil will say that to you, dear friend. I’m going to tell you something. Don’t you argue with him, because you’ll lose the argument. You are not worthy. Just point him to the blood covenant and step out of the argument. Now the argument is between him and God—and he’s going to lose. Conclusion Dear friend, it doesn’t make any difference: God has done it for Jesus’ sake, and on the cross, with his rich, red, royal blood, He made a covenant for you. And you can enter into that covenant of life and peace. And I pray God you’ll not miss it. (From "Enjoying Covenant Blessings" - Adrian Rogers) Warren