Covenant Loyalty

With his nation’s security at a high level, David remembers an old obligation. He recalls that he swore to show kindness (hesed, or “loyal love”) to Jonathan’s family (1 Sam. 20:14–16). To this point, he has done nothing to help his friend’s descendants; indeed, he does not even know whether any exist. So he asks his staff whether there is anyone “of the house of Saul” to whom he can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake. He clearly intends to fulfill not just his covenant with Jonathan but also his vow to Saul (1 Sam. 24:21–22).

Unfortunately, David’s aides do not know of any living descendants of Saul; his once-large family (1 Chron. 8:33ff.) is now much reduced. The best they can do is to point David to a former servant of Saul, a man named Ziba. But this servant holds the key—he gives David the surprising news that one of Jonathan’s own sons survived the turmoil surrounding the fall of Saul. However, this son, Mephibosheth, is crippled as a result of being dropped by his panicky nurse on the day Saul was killed (2 Sam. 4:4). According to Ziba, he is now living with an apparently wealthy man (see 17:27–29) in a city that may have been close to Ishbosheth’s brief seat of power in Mahanaim, in an area that was supportive of Saul, east of the Jordan. Thus, thanks to Ziba, David locates a son of his covenant friend, and one who may well have significant needs. So he wastes no time in bringing Mephibosheth to Jerusalem.

When he is brought into David’s presence, Mephibosheth immediately falls on his face. Then, in answer to David’s call, he speaks of himself as David’s ” ‘servant.’ ” It seems that he has come to David expecting to receive a death sentence, and not without reason, for many ancient kings killed all potential rivals to their thrones (see Judg. 9:5; 2 Chron. 22:10–11). But David urges Mephibosheth not to fear, explaining that he wants to show kindness to him because of his covenant with Jonathan. This kindness takes the form of the restoration of all of Saul’s lands (which may have been forfeited in Ishbosheth’s rebellion) and a place of honor at David’s table. By these actions, David treats Mephibosheth like one of his own sons. This unexpected kindness leaves Mephibosheth amazed and humbled, much like David himself upon receiving the grace of God (ch. 7).