2 Samuel 9

2 Samuel 9

Meyer - 2 SAMUEL 9 MEPHIBOSHETH David's kindness to Mephibosheth is a beautiful incident in his history, and strikingly illustrates the grace of our Lord Jesus. It was unexpected and unsought. -- The young prince was spending a retired life with one of the great families of the trans-Jordanic region. The thought of becoming an inmate of David's palace never occurred to him; and his great nervousness needed David's most careful reassurances. "What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?" "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God" "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord" It was unlikely. -- He was lame. This sad infirmity dated from his birth (2Sa 4:4). We, too, are lame in our powers of spiritual obedience. We cannot do anything to merit the Divine regard. It was not without good reason. -- Probably Mephibosheth knew nothing of the covenant into which David and Jonathan had entered so long before (1Sa 20:14-16). But to David it was sacred; and even the unlovable son was dear to him for his father's sake. For a similar reason does God look on us. We are loved in Him in whom we have been chosen. God will ever be mindful of His covenant with His well-beloved Son. It admitted him into the royal circle. -- Though consciously unworthy, he received again Saul's family estate (2 Sam. 9:7), was admitted to the royal table, and treated as one of the king's sons (2 Sam. 9:11); he had, in Ziba and his household, a retinue worthy of a prince (2 Sam. 9:10). All was due to the unmerited favor of the king; and is a type of all those spiritual blessings with which the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has blessed us in heavenly places in Him (Eph. 1:3). 2 Samuel 9:4 So the king said to him, "Where is he?" And Ziba said to the king, "Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel in Lo-debar." BGT 2 Samuel 9:4 καὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεύς ποῦ οὗτος καὶ εἶπεν Σιβα πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα ἰδοὺ ἐν οἴκῳ Μαχιρ υἱοῦ Αμιηλ ἐκ τῆς Λαδαβαρ LXE 2 Samuel 9:4 And the king said, Where is he? and Siba said to the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Amiel of Lodabar. KJV 2 Samuel 9:4 And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar. NET 2 Samuel 9:4 The king asked him, "Where is he?" Ziba told the king, "He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar. CSB 2 Samuel 9:4 The king asked him, "Where is he?" Ziba answered the king, "You'll find him in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel." ESV 2 Samuel 9:4 The king said to him, "Where is he?" And Ziba said to the king, "He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar." NIV 2 Samuel 9:4 "Where is he?" the king asked. Ziba answered, "He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar." NLT 2 Samuel 9:4 "Where is he?" the king asked."In Lo-debar," Ziba told him, "at the home of Makir son of Ammiel." Machir: 2Sa 17:27-29 Lo-debar: Jos 13:26. JONATHAN'S SON IN LO-DEBAR So the king said to him, "Where is he?" - David's seeking heart. David is seeking the frightened son of Jonathan. Grace is unmerited favor and clearly other than covenant Jonathan's son had no reason to expect kindness. One wonders what he would have done had he known about and understood the solemn covenant vows his father Jonathan had made with David some 15-20 years earlier. THOUGHT - It begs the question dear saint in the New Covenant with God's Son, do you really know and understand the privileged position you have entered into because of this Covenant cut almost 2000 years ago? Are you still fearful? (Afraid that God is an angry Judge who is watching your ever move ready at any moment to punish you or even kill you?) Are you filled with shame for past sins which have been covered by the blood of the New Covenant (cp Mephibosheth's name)? Are you living in spiritual poverty (cp Lo-Debar) because you don't know about or really understand the infinite riches which are yours as an heir of God and co-heir of Christ And Ziba said to the king, "Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel in Lo-debar - Machir means "sold" and Lo-debar means "place of no pasture." Mephibosheth had been sold to a place of no pasture, no future. One can only imagine how often he must have looked over his shoulders wondering if this might be the day David's soldiers come to take him back to be executed. Indeed, when David's men came to take him to David, his initial reaction was surely this is the beginning of the end. He would reason like men reason, knowing full well that his grandfather had tried for 10 years to snuff out David's life. And now it was time for Mephibosheth to reap the sins of his grandfather! But whereas his grandfather had a heart after man's heart (or worse yet his own heart), he did not know that David had a heart after God's heart! Machir the son of Ammiel - Machir means "selling, sold". Ammiel means "the people of God." We encounter Machir again in 2Sa 17:27, 28, 29 which says that he (among others) brought supplies to David the fugitive King, suggesting that Machir was relatively well off. He certainly seems to a man filled with great compassion, having harbored and supported Mephibosheth for some 15-20 years prior to David's calling him to court. And for all Machir knew, King David may have held him guilty for harboring a relative of the rival monarchy, which could have meant the death sentence not only for Mephibosheth but himself, had David been so disposed (and as was frequently the case when a new regime came into power). Lo-Debar - No pasture. A good word picture of Mephibosheth's condition. Even as David made a way out of the "wilderness wandering" for crippled Mephibosheth, our Greater David will make a way (play this song) for you dear reader. You may have been a believer for some time but because of circumstances (and people) you feel now like you are in a place of "no pasture", filled with fears and anxieties, perhaps trapped in the shame (bosheth = shame) of past (forgiven) sins, haunted by thoughts that have virtually "crippled" your walk of faith. Our Greater David desires not just eternal life for you but abundant life today (Jn 10:10b). May David's bestowal of the lovingkindness of God on an undeserving cripple named Mephibosheth stir the embers of your flickering hope (See Believer's Blessed Hope) into full flame for the sake of His Name. Amen. Meditate on Mephibosheth's dire condition which was changed by grace to Davidic communion, and allow the Spirit of your Greater David to renew your mind with this truth about how God deals with the downcast. The psalmist would have you ask and answer these questions dear child of God… Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. (Psalm 42:5+) 2 Samuel 9:5 Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar. BGT 2 Samuel 9:5 καὶ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ βασιλεὺς Δαυιδ καὶ ἔλαβεν αὐτὸν ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου Μαχιρ υἱοῦ Αμιηλ ἐκ τῆς Λαδαβαρ LXE 2 Samuel 9:5 And king David went, and took him out of the house of Machir the son Amiel of Lodabar. KJV 2 Samuel 9:5 Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar. NET 2 Samuel 9:5 So King David had him brought from the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar. CSB 2 Samuel 9:5 So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar. ESV 2 Samuel 9:5 Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. NIV 2 Samuel 9:5 So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel. NLT 2 Samuel 9:5 So David sent for him and brought him from Makir's home. DAVID SENDS FOR JONATHAN'S SON Then - Marks progression in the narrative. King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar One senses David moves swiftly to bring Jonathan's son to the palace. KJV says David "fetched" Mephibosheth. David did not just send for him and tell him to pick up his crutches and make your way to Jerusalem. David made a way for him and provided the means for him to come. That's the lovingkindness of God through David on behalf of the covenant cut with his father Jonathan. It's a picture of the lovingkindness of God to those who have been crippled by the fall to come to His Throne Room through the New Covenant of His Son. David is a beautiful picture of our Greater David, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who calls "Mephibosheths" crippled by the fall (Ro 5:12+) to Come just as you are (Play this beautiful song). Have you come? Will you come? Hear the King's grace filled invitation… And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty Come; Let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. -- Rev 22:17+ From Lo-Debar ("No Pasture") - Julie Martin poetically describes the picture of crippled Mephibosheth in a place called "no pasture" to all people outside of Christ… Grace in a "Barren Place" I was that Mephibosheth Crippled by my twisted pride and hiding from You in a barren place where You could not find me where You would not give me what I deserved. But somehow You found me and I don’t understand why but You give me what I do not deserve. You not only spared my desolate life but You made it bountiful And here at Your table I will thank You, my King. —Julie Martin Gingrich comments on the kindness shown to Mephibosheth (2Sa 9:5, 6, 7) (1) The essence of this kindness—David caused Mephibosheth to prosper both materially and socially. (2) The nature of this kindness—It was “the kindness of God,” 2Sa 9:3, the kind of kindness that God shows to men unmerited and gracious kindness. (3) The cause of this kindness—David showed Mephibosheth this kindness for Jonathan’s sake, 2Sa 9:1, 7: 1Sa 20:14, 17. (Gingrich, R. E. The Book of 2nd Samuel. Memphis, TN.: Riverside Printing) 2 Samuel 9:6 Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and prostrated himself. And David said, "Mephibosheth." And he said, "Here is your servant!" BGT 2 Samuel 9:6 καὶ παραγίνεται Μεμφιβοσθε υἱὸς Ιωναθαν υἱοῦ Σαουλ πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα Δαυιδ καὶ ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ καὶ προσεκύνησεν αὐτῷ καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ Δαυιδ Μεμφιβοσθε καὶ εἶπεν ἰδοὺ ὁ δοῦλός σου LXE 2 Samuel 9:6 And Memphibosthe the son of Jonathan the son of Saul comes to the king David, and he fell upon his face and did obeisance to him: and David said to him, Memphibosthe: and he said, Behold thy servant. KJV 2 Samuel 9:6 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! NET 2 Samuel 9:6 When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed low with his face toward the ground. David said, "Mephibosheth?" He replied, "Yes, at your service." CSB 2 Samuel 9:6 Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, bowed down to the ground and paid homage. David said, "Mephibosheth!" "I am your servant," he replied. ESV 2 Samuel 9:6 And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, "Mephibosheth!" And he answered, "Behold, I am your servant." NIV 2 Samuel 9:6 When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, "Mephibosheth!" "Your servant," he replied. NLT 2 Samuel 9:6 His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, "Greetings, Mephibosheth." Mephibosheth replied, "I am your servant." Mephibosheth: 1Ch 8:34 1Ch 9:40, called Meribbaal he fell: Ge 18:2 33:3 1Sa 20:41 25:23 Related Passages: 1 Chronicles 8:34 The son of Jonathan was Merib-baal, and Merib-baal became the father of Micah. 1 Chronicles 9:40 The son of Jonathan was Merib-baal; and Merib-baal became the father of Micah. MEPHIBOSHETH'S HUMBLE RESPONSE TO DAVID Mephibosheth - His name means "dispeller of shame." "exterminator of shame (i.e., of idols." He is also called Merib-baal ("contender with Baal"). Don't confuse Jonathan's son Mephibosheth with Saul's son Mephibosheth, by his concubine Rizpah who caused a rift between Abner and Ish-bostheth in 2Sa 3:7+. Jonathan's son was shown kindness, while Saul's sons were handed over to the Gibeonites... So the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, Armoni and Mephibosheth whom she had borne to Saul, and the five sons of Merab the daughter of Saul, whom she had borne to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite. 9 Then he gave them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the mountain before the LORD, so that the seven of them fell together; and they were put to death in the first days of harvest at the beginning of barley harvest. (2Sa 21:8, 9+) (See Was the killing of Saul’s descendants a just response to Saul’s killing of the Gibeonites?) The son of Jonathan the son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and prostrated himself - Fear. Dread. Reverence. Humility. Mephibosheth must have had a range of reactions to seeing face to face the one his grandfather had relentless sought to exterminate.Mephibosheth bows to honor the man who is surely about to pronounce a guilty verdict on him. The text does not say but the fact that David has to tell him to fear not indicates that Mephibosheth was likely quivering, trembling, shaking from fear of the words he was about to hear! Lying prostrate was an act of respect to authority figures especially kings (cp 1Sa 24:8; 25:23; Esther 8:3). In addition lying prostrate was also a frequent expression of fear. The beloved apostle John in exile on the Isle of Patmos fell down before his glorified Lord and heard words similar to those David spoke to Mephibosheth… And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as a dead man. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last (Rev 1:17+) In the early days of the reign of David an Amalekite came and "fell to the ground and prostrated himself" before David, but David had him executed for saying he had killed God's anointed, King Saul. Many years later Saul's grandson comes and assumes the same humble, subservient posture and is amazed by grace bestowed on him by David. There is a bit of a pun in that they one who fell when his father and grandfather fell (to the Philistines) in turn fell before David. And David said, "Mephibosheth." And he said, "Here is your servant!" - At the sound of his name from the lips of the king, Mephibosheth responds that he is David's servant, that he is willing to do whatever David asks. Notice that Ziba had not specified this name but had referred to him as "the son of Jonathan who is crippled in both feet." While the Bible does not allow us to hear the tone or inflection of David's voice, the context would certainly support the presumption that the King spoke with a gentle, soft tone, not a harsh, condemning tone. Don't miss this magnificent display of grace. It is what David did not say that is dramatic - He did not "the cripple". He did not say "my former enemy's grandson". He did not even say "Jonathan's son". Instead David calls him by his name, "Mephibosheth". Can you imagine what went through Mephibosheth's mind at that moment? "He knows my name. The King knows my name!" And the "Greater David" King Jesus also knows your name and calls you personally and intimately by name. He calls you by name to join Him at the table for communion and fellowship. How wonderful that David called this frightened, shame-filled "dead dog" by name, and sought to lift him out of his fear, his shame and his poverty and place him on a higher plane. THOUGHT - Is this not a manifestation of the lovingkindness of God through David as he stoops in his royal robe to reach out and lift up this crippled man by calling his name? Is this not what the Greater David, the Lord Jesus Christ, has done for all who have entered into communion and fellowship with the King of kings by grace through faith? Hallelujah! Amen! Mephibosheth - The root of this name includes the Hebrew word "bosheth" which means shame or shameful thing and in turn is from a root meaning to fall into disgrace through failure of self. This name certainly is apropos for the state of Jonathan's surviving son. However the first portion of Mephibosheth's name means something like to scatter or to exterminate and so the full meaning of Mephibosheth is exterminate, scatter or destroy shame, in fact something that did transpire because of the gracious bestowal of the lovingkindness of God by King David! The reader should be aware that there is a second individual in Scripture who is named Mephibosheth (2Sa 21:8). This latter Mephibosheth is a son of Saul who is later executed by the Gibeonites to avenge Saul's bloodguiltiness for attempting to exterminate the Gibeonites during his reign (See 2Sa 21:1-9-See discussion of how this bloody revenge relates to the seriousness of the covenant Joshua cut with the Gibeonites some 300-400 years earlier!) In the book of First Chronicles we also learn that Mephibosheth was also named Merib-baal…And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal, and Merib-baal became the father of Micah. (1Chr 8:34, 9:40) Comment: Meri-baal means from the "mouth of Baal", "contender with Baal" or the "mouth of the Lord" (baal means "lord" or "master"). While we cannot be absolutely certain it seems that Merib-Baal was changed to Mephibosheth to keep from having to pronounce the name "Baal", which was also the name of the horrible Canaanite deity and was a source of great shame to Israel. Thus the second part of Mephibosheth's name was changed from "baal" to "bosheth" or "shame". Here is your servant (Hebrew = ebed; Lxx = doulos) - Mephibosheth refers to himself as "servant" five times (2Sa 9:6, 9:8, 19:26, 27, 28). What does this say about Mephibosheth? His reply suggests a humble attitude, an interpretation which is supported by the following passages. Like the apostle Paul (Ro 1:1-note) Mephibosheth seems to have understood the call and commitment that this great word "servant" pictures. Robert Neighbour - The picture of Mephibosheth's appreciation. Jonathan's son came with no sounding of trumpets, as though he had accomplished some worthy feat. He came in humility, confessing his own worthlessness. He said, "What is thy servant that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?" Grace excludes boasting, because grace is bestowed where there is no worth. The sinner cannot begin to recount before God his merits. There is no merit. The sinner deserves nothing but the house of Machir, nothing but Lo-debar. The sinner deserves no more than judgment and eternal death. The sinner will not so much as lift up his face, but beating upon his breast he says: "God be merciful unto me the sinner." In Lovingkindness Jesus Came by Charles H Gabriel In lovingkindness Jesus came My soul in mercy to reclaim, And from the depths of sin and shame Through grace He lifted me. Refrain From sinking sand He lifted me, With tender hand He lifted me, From shades of night to plains of light, O praise His Name, He lifted me! He called me long before I heard, Before my sinful heart was stirred, But when I took Him at His word, Forgiv’n, He lifted me. Refrain His brow was pierced with many a thorn, His hands by cruel nails were torn, When from my guilt and grief, forlorn, In love He lifted me. Refrain Now on a higher plane I dwell, And with my soul I know ’tis well; Yet how or why I cannot tell He should have lifted me. Refrain