This chapter records a beautiful story of grace bestowed upon someone who felt unworthy to receive it. It reveals the virtue of a man who many automatically think of the sin he committed. Although there can be so much good in a person’s life, people will only remember the sin that someone has committed. For quite a long time, King Saul, who had been partly out of his mind, had fanatically pursued David as if he were a major wild animal in a safari hunt. Since Saul was dead, David had been crowned ruler of Israel.
Most rulers during David's day attempted to clear out all members of the families of their opponents to keep any of their relatives from looking for the crown. However, David offered grace to Mephibosheth, whose father was Prince Jonathan and whose granddad was King Saul. David was benevolent partly on account of his devotion to God's recently blessed king (1 Samuel 24:5-6), partly for the political motivations that would be beneficial for Judah and Israel to unite (2 Samuel 3:13-14, 29), and chiefly considering his commitment to offer grace to the entirety to the descendants of Jonathon (1 Samuel 20:14-17).
Trying to find a family member of Saul and Jonathon took some time. Ziba was a servant in Saul’s house and David inquired of any relative of Saul or Jonathon. Ziba replied that there was a son of Jonathon who was lame, his name was Mephibosheth. David sent Ziba to bring the young man back to him. We learn that Mephibosheth had been lame since childhood due to an accident (2 Samuel 4:4).
Mephibosheth was reluctant to visit King David, who was dealing with him like a prince. He falls to the floor crying out that he is like a dead dog. David restored Mephibosheth’s inheritance, the land and property of Saul, and places him at the king’s table. He was honored as if he was one of David’s sons. Even though he dreaded his life and may have felt disgraceful, that did not imply that he should deny David's blessings.
When God generously offers mercy for our transgressions and a home in paradise, we might feel unworthy, which we are, and we will receive these blessings if only we believe in the saving grace of Christ Jesus. A welcome that will be greater than the one that David provided for Mephibosheth waits for all who accept God's gifts through faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ; not on the grounds that we merit it, but only because of the promises of God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
David's treatment of Mephibosheth shows the honesty and decency of a leader who acknowledged his commitment to show love and kindness. The generosity that he showed to Saul’s son went past any political advantage he may have gotten. Is it safe to say that we are ready to pardon the individuals who may have done something wrong to us or against us? Would we be able to be generous to those who may not merit it? Each time that we show empathy to others our personality and character is reinforced.
Something to consider:
A child of God realizes that he is also a cripple in the sight of God. For Jonathon’s sake, David shows kindness to Mephibosheth. David said nothing regarding the faltering feet of Mephibosheth, and neither did Mephibosheth say anything regarding his feet. No one else had made a comment regarding the feet of Mephibosheth.
But why are we now talking about feet, which can refer to our walk? Not necessarily our physical walk, but our spiritual walk as well. And when we are talking about our spiritual walk, we are also talking about the condition of our spiritual heart.
We are to be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32). We are to love our enemies and do good things (Luke 6:35). A merciful man does his soul good (Proverbs 11:17). Having pity for others is as if we are giving to the Lord (Proverbs 19:17). When the opportunity arises, we are to do good to all men (Galatians 6:10). But we must remember to not only love in word, but in deed also (1 John 3:18).
I do not think that the conversation between Mephibosheth and David had anything to do with Mephibosheth’s handicap, his feet, but I would be inclined to think that they discussed David’s relationship with Jonathon. They may have discussed David’s relationship with God the Father. No one really knows. But what we do know is that David looked upon Mephibosheth as he looked upon Jonathon, and as God looks upon us.
None of us are righteous in the sight of God. Humanity in general has gone in their own direction, away from God. Humanity thinks that the way they are going is the right way, but it leads to an eternal death. Deep down inside, the human heart is deceitful and looks out for itself. Nothing good resides in the flesh of mankind (Romans 3:9-20; Isaiah 53:6; Proverbs 16:25; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18).
Jesus is pointing us toward the Father and to his heavenly table, no matter what the state of our lives may be in. Christ has called all of humanity to come to him and to receive a gift that surpasses anything that we can hope to obtain here on this earth. Having a charitable heart goes a long way (John 14:6; Matthew 11:28; John 7:37; Ephesians 1:1-6; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
