Covenant Kindness And Restoration Series

COVENANT KINDNESS AND RESTORATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 19:22, Isaiah 54:10, Romans 11:29, Galatians 6:10, Hebrews 8:10-12

INTRODUCTION:

One of the most touching and redemptive stories in David’s reign is found in 2 Samuel 9. After establishing his kingdom, defeating enemies, and strengthening his administration, David paused to remember a promise he had made to Jonathan. This promise, sealed in covenant love (1 Samuel 20), now becomes a platform for kindness, restoration, and elevation.

The story of Mephibosheth is a powerful picture of how divine covenant overrides personal failures, generational loss, and human limitations. Despite his crippled state and shameful history as the grandson of Saul, Mephibosheth was remembered because of covenant. David’s loyalty to Jonathan gave Mephibosheth access to restoration, dignity, and continual favour at the king’s table.

This chapter teaches us that God’s covenant is stronger than man’s rejection. When covenant speaks, mercy flows. When grace finds a man, it lifts him from Lodebar (the place of barrenness) to the palace. As David extended kindness, so God seeks to restore us by covenant, not because of what we deserve, but because of His unchanging promise.

1. COVENANT LOYALTY REMEMBERS PROMISES EVEN IN POWER

David did not forget his commitment even after he became king.

a) “Is there still anyone… that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1)

David remembered the covenant of friendship, even when he had nothing to gain.

b) True leadership honours relationships, not just opportunities

Covenant people don’t forget in prosperity what they promised in adversity.

c) Your ability to keep covenant reveals the depth of your character

David’s throne was secured, yet he chose to show kindness.

d) Covenant loyalty is not convenience—it is commitment

Those who remember others are remembered by God.

Biblical Example: God remembered His covenant with Abraham and delivered Israel from Egypt (Exodus 2:24).

2. GOD’S KINDNESS LOCATES EVEN THE BROKEN AND FORGOTTEN

Mephibosheth was in hiding, crippled, and living in a barren land.

a) Ziba said, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet” (2 Samuel 9:3)

His condition was mentioned, but it did not disqualify him.

b) God’s kindness reaches beyond physical limitation or societal shame

No flaw is too great for grace to cover.

c) Mephibosheth lived in Lodebar, a place of no pasture, fruitlessness, and obscurity

But grace knew where to find him.

d) The covenant hunts down the forgotten to bring them into divine remembrance

God’s kindness doesn’t discriminate; it elevates the broken.

Biblical Example: The woman caught in adultery was restored by Jesus’ mercy, not condemned (John 8:10-11).

3. RESTORATION COMES NOT BY MERIT BUT BY COVENANT

Mephibosheth received full restoration because of Jonathan’s covenant.

a) David said, “I will restore to you all the land of Saul… and you shall eat at my table always” (2 Samuel 9:7)

Restoration was instant and complete.

b) God does not only forgive—He restores lost inheritance

Divine kindness reverses years of shame.

c) Covenant lifts you from disgrace to dignity, from rejection to royal fellowship

The palace became his new address.

d) You may not deserve it, but if covenant speaks, grace will elevate you

Restoration is a gift of the covenant, not the reward of labour.

Biblical Example: Job received double restoration after his trials (Job 42:10).

4. COVENANT KINDNESS REDEFINES IDENTITY AND STATUS

Mephibosheth no longer lived as an outcast but as royalty.

a) “He shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons” (2 Samuel 9:11)

David gave him the identity of a prince.

b) Covenant doesn’t just rescue—it redefines and repositions

God doesn't patch you up—He elevates you.

c) Grace transforms beggars into sons, cripples into kings' companions

Your new seat is a reflection of your covenant position, not past pain.

d) The kindness of God speaks a better word over your life than your background

Don’t allow your past to define your destiny.

Biblical Example: The prodigal son was restored with a robe, ring, and shoes (Luke 15:22).

5. GOD ALWAYS MAKES ROOM FOR THE COVENANT RECIPIENT AT HIS TABLE

Mephibosheth’s place at the king’s table became permanent.

a) “He always ate at the king’s table” (2 Samuel 9:13)

Not occasionally, but continually.

b) God's covenant ensures consistent access to His presence and provision

Once restored, you are never abandoned.

c) The king’s table is a place of honour, intimacy, and security

There, Mephibosheth’s lameness was hidden under the table of grace.

d) Grace covers what would otherwise disqualify you—covenant secures your seat

God doesn’t just visit you—He seats you.

Biblical Example: The table of showbread in the tabernacle was a symbol of continual fellowship with God (Exodus 25:30).

CONCLUSION:

Mephibosheth’s story is not just about a crippled man restored—it’s about a covenant-keeping God who lifts the undeserving. David modelled the heart of God by reaching out to the forgotten and restoring what was lost. Through Christ, we have an even better covenant that guarantees our restoration, identity, and place at the King’s table.