Mephibosheth’s Pearl

Among those who come to the Jordan River to welcome David in his return from exile is Ziba (v. 17), the former servant of Saul whom David appointed as steward of the properties granted to Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son. As David was fleeing from Absalom, Ziba appeared with provisions and the news that Mephibosheth was staying in Jerusalem, hoping the Israelites would make him king. Upon hearing that, David decreed that Mephibosheth’s lands should be Ziba’s. Now, perhaps because he knows David is soon to hear Mephibosheth’s side of the story, Ziba comes with his sons and servants to show loyalty to David. But no meeting between them is mentioned.

However, today’s passage tells of the inevitable meeting between Mephibosheth and David. Mephibosheth comes to meet David in Jerusalem, arriving in shabby condition, having refused to trim his nails, cut his hair, or change his clothes since David’s departure. These actions (or inactions) indicate that Mephibosheth has considered himself to be in a state of mourning. By these signs, he sought to declare that he, for one, was sorry to see David gone. Still, David asks Mephibosheth to explain why he stayed behind, and Mephibosheth is happy to do so. He points to Ziba, saying that the steward thwarted his desire to go with the fleeing king, apparently by taking a donkey Mephibosheth himself had saddled. And then, he says, Ziba “slandered” him with the story of his disloyalty. But he makes clear that he is not complaining about the loss of his property or demanding reparations. He is very mindful of all that David has done for him, from sparing his life to treating him like a son.

It seems that David is uncertain as to who is telling the truth, for his response is to tell Mephibosheth to “divide the land” with Ziba. Is this a compromise ruling? If so, it is unjust. (It is also possible that David is restoring the previous arrangement, with Mephibosheth owning the land and Ziba managing it.) In the end, however, Mephibosheth gives a strong clue that he loves David and had no disloyal intentions. He exclaims that he is so joyous to have David back that Ziba is welcome to take all the land. He is content to dwell in David’s presence, having found his “pearl of great price.” The covenant love of God’s anointed king is worth more to him than any estate.