2 Samuel 9

2 Samuel 9

MacArthur commenting on Mephibosheth writes that… Perhaps the most touching adoption mentioned in the Old Testament was that of Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan and the sole remaining descendent of Saul. When King David learned about Mephibosheth, he gave him all the land that had belonged to his grandfather Saul and honored this son of his dearest friend, Jonathan, by having him dine regularly at the king’s table in the palace at Jerusalem (see 2Sa 9:1-13). Pharaoh’s daughter adopted Moses out of pity and sympathy. And although Mordecai dearly loved Esther, his adoption of her was also prompted by family duty. But David’s adoption of Mephibosheth was motivated purely by gracious love. In many ways, David’s adoption of Mephibosheth pictures God’s adoption of believers. David took the initiative in seeking out Mephibosheth and bringing him to the palace. And although Mephibosheth was the son of David’s closest friend, he was also the grandson and sole heir of Saul, who had sought repeatedly to kill David. Being crippled in both feet, Mephibosheth was helpless to render David any significant service; he could only accept his sovereign’s bounty. The very name Mephibosheth means “a shameful thing,” and he had lived for a number of years in Lo-Debar, which means “the barren land” (lit., “no pasture”). David brought this outcast to dine at his table as his own son and graciously granted him a magnificent inheritance to which he was no longer legally entitled. That is a beautiful picture of the spiritual adoption whereby God graciously and lovingly seeks out unworthy men and women on His own initiative and makes them His children, solely on the basis of their trust in His true Son, Jesus Christ. Because of their adoption, believers will share the full inheritance of the Son. To all Christians God declares, “ ‘I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ says the Lord Almighty” (2Co 6:17,18). Paul gives us the unspeakably marvelous assurance that God has “predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will” (MacArthur, J: Romans 1-8. Chicago: Moody Press) (Bolding added) Life Application Study Bible - 2 Samuel 9:1ff Most kings in David's day tried to wipe out the families of their rivals in order to prevent any descendants from seeking the throne. But David showed kindness to Mephibosheth, whose father was Jonathan and whose grandfather was King Saul. David was kind, partly because of his loyalty to God's previously anointed king (see the note on 1 Samuel 24:5, 6); partly for political reasons-to unite Judah and Israel (see the notes on 3:13, 14 and 3:29); and mainly because of his vow to show kindness to all of Jonathan's descendants (1 Samuel 20:14-17). 2 Samuel 9:3 How Mephibosheth became crippled is recorded in 4:4. Mephibosheth was five years old when Saul and Jonathan died. 2 Samuel 9:5, 6 Mephibosheth was afraid to visit the king, who wanted to treat him like a prince. Although Mephibosheth feared for his life and may have felt unworthy, that didn't mean he should refuse David's gifts. When God graciously offers us forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven, we may feel unworthy, but we will receive these gifts if we accept them. A reception even warmer than the one David gave Mephibosheth waits for all who receive God's gifts through trusting Jesus Christ, not because we deserve it, but because of God's promise (Ephesians 2:8, 9). 2 Samuel 9:7 His treatment of Mephibosheth shows David's integrity as a leader who accepted his obligation to show love and mercy. His generous provision for Jonathan's son goes beyond any political benefit he might have received. Are you able to forgive those who have wronged you? Can you be generous with those less deserving? Each time we show compassion, our character is strengthened. Greg Laurie - For Every Season - LIVING IN LO-DEBAR (2 Samuel 9:11, 13) The Bible tells us that when David sought out Jonathan’s son to show him kindness, Mephibosheth was living in Lo-debar. When the prophet Amos spoke of this place, he said, “And just as stupid is this bragging about your conquest of Lo-debar …” (Amos 6:13NLT). The name really means “the place of no pasture.” You didn’t want to live in Lo-debar. It was a dry, parched, crummy place to live. But where were we when Jesus Christ found us? We were living in Lo-debar, a parched, dried-up place. And just like David sought out Mephibosheth, Jesus Christ sought us. It is worth noting that it was not Mephibosheth who looked for David; it was David who looked for Mephibosheth. That might not seem significant, but it really is. David wanted to have a relationship with him. We read in 2 Samuel 9:5, “Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar.” David was persistent. He would not give up on Mephibosheth. This is a reminder to us that we need to reach out to our friends, neighbors, and even enemies who don’t know Christ. They don’t realize it, but they are living in Lo-debar. They are living in a parched place—separated from God. So we need to ask God to place an urgency in our hearts. We all know people who need someone to reach out to them. That is exactly what David did. And that is what we need to do. GREATLY VALUED "Mephibosheth...shall eat at my table like one of the king's sons." -2 Samuel 9:11 A British factory worker and his wife were excited when, after many years of marriage, they discovered they were going to have their first child. According to author Jill Briscoe, who told this true story, the man eagerly relayed the good news to his fellow workers. He told them God had answered his prayers. But they made fun of him for asking God for a child. When the baby was born, he was diagnosed as having Down’s syndrome. As the father made his way to work for the first time after the birth, he wondered how to face his co-workers. “God, please give me wisdom,” he prayed. Just as he feared, some said mockingly, “So, God gave you this child!” The new father stood for a long time, silently asking God for help. At last he said, “I’m glad the Lord gave this child to me and not to you.” As this man accepted his disabled son as God’s gift to him, so David was pleased to show kindness to Saul’s son who was “lame in his feet” (2 Samuel 9:3). Some may have rejected Mephibosheth because he was lame, but David’s action showed that he valued him greatly. Lord, may we see in those we meet The imprint of Your image fair, And may their special dignity Grow stronger from our love and care. -DJD Everyone is valuable to God. 2 Samuel 9:12 Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. And all who lived in the house of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth. BGT 2 Samuel 9:12 καὶ τῷ Μεμφιβοσθε υἱὸς μικρὸς καὶ ὄνομα αὐτῷ Μιχα καὶ πᾶσα ἡ κατοίκησις τοῦ οἴκου Σιβα δοῦλοι τοῦ Μεμφιβοσθε LXE 2 Samuel 9:12 And Memphibosthe had a little son, and his name was Micha: and all the household of Siba were servants to Memphibosthe. KJV 2 Samuel 9:12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth. NET 2 Samuel 9:12 Now Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. All the members of Ziba's household were Mephibosheth's servants. CSB 2 Samuel 9:12 Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. All those living in Ziba's house were Mephibosheth's servants. ESV 2 Samuel 9:12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba's house became Mephibosheth's servants. NIV 2 Samuel 9:12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all the members of Ziba's household were servants of Mephibosheth. NLT 2 Samuel 9:12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. From then on, all the members of Ziba's household were Mephibosheth's servants. NRS 2 Samuel 9:12 Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba's house became Mephibosheth's servants. son: 1Ch 8:8,34-40 9:40-44, Micah servants: Mic 7:5,6 MEPHIBOSHETH'S PLATE WAS FULL Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. And all who lived in the house of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth - A man who thought he was doomed to die ends up with a son and servants because of David's kindness. 2 Samuel 9:13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate at the king's table regularly. Now he was lame in both feet. BGT 2 Samuel 9:13 καὶ Μεμφιβοσθε κατῴκει ἐν Ιερουσαλημ ὅτι ἐπὶ τῆς τραπέζης τοῦ βασιλέως διὰ παντὸς ἤσθιεν καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν χωλὸς ἀμφοτέροις τοῖς ποσὶν αὐτοῦ LXE 2 Samuel 9:13 And Memphibosthe dwelt in Jerusalem, for he continually ate at the table of the king; and he was lame in both his feet. KJV 2 Samuel 9:13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet. NET 2 Samuel 9:13 Mephibosheth was living in Jerusalem, for he was a regular guest at the king's table. But both his feet were crippled. CSB 2 Samuel 9:13 However, Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem because he always ate at the king's table. His feet had been injured. ESV 2 Samuel 9:13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king's table. Now he was lame in both his feet. NIV 2 Samuel 9:13 And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king's table, and he was crippled in both feet. NLT 2 Samuel 9:13 And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem and ate regularly at the king's table. he ate: 2Sa 9:7,10,11 was lame: 2Sa 9:3 AMAZING GRACE WITHOUT END So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, From fear in "no pasture" (Lo-Debar) to security in God's holy city of peace all on the basis of the "kindness of God" that flowed through a man after God's own heart! for he ate at the king's table regularly - From poverty in "no pasture" to provision in the presence of the King with a permanent place at the King’s table. Eating at the king's table regularly was another expression of the amazing grace David had bestowed on him. It is notable that this is the fourth time we are told Mephibosheth ate at the king's table emphasizing his communion and fellowship with David. Now he was lame in both feet - But I thought we knew that. So clearly the inspired text means to make a point. One point would be to never forget the low state of Mephibosheth, which serves to even further magnify the lovingkindness of Jehovah. And by way of application, God does not want us to forget the point of His lovingkindnesses abundantly bestowed in spite of our lameness. Notice what Jesus' first coming brought about (Mt 11:2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and which serves as a foreshadowing of what He will do for the lame in the His Millennial (Messianic) Kingdom (Isa 35:5, 6; Jer 31:7, 8, 9; Mic 4:6, 7). This is repeated so we don't forget David's kindness, just a hint of God's great kindness toward all of us who have been crippled by a fall. "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." (Jerry Bridges) Paul describes what has happened to those were born like "dead dogs", dead in their sins and transgressions, without hope in the world… But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Eph 2:4-7). Comment: Beloved, can you not see the parallel? Crippled by a fall, unable to walk in a pleasing way, no hope in the world, and God intervenes and raises us up from our fallen state, seats us with Him in Christ and for all ages to come shows us the kindness in our Covenant Head Christ Jesus. Amazing mercy. Amazing love. Amazing grace indeed. Hallelujah! Amen. Henry