God’s Saving Word: Mercy and Forgiveness
Introduction
2 Samuel 9:1-13: On one of the occasions when David spared Saul’s life, David promised that he would spare Saul’s descendants (1 Samuel 24:21, 22). He had also promised Saul’s son, Jonathan, that he would show loyalty to Jonathan’s family (1 Samuel 20:14-16). In today’s reading, David wants to show kindness to Saul’s family. He seeks out Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth who is crippled, and David gives him the land that once belonged to his grandfather Saul. David promises to feed and care for him like one of his own sons.
Scripture Reading
David and Mephibosheth
9 One day David asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family? If there is, I would like to show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake.”
2 There was a servant of Saul’s family named Ziba, and he was told to go to David. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked.
“At your service, sir,” he answered.
3 The king asked him, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family to whom I can show loyalty and kindness, as I promised God I would?”
Ziba answered, “There is still one of Jonathan’s sons. He is crippled.”
4 “Where is he?” the king asked.
“At the home of Machir son of Ammiel in Lodebar,” Ziba answered. 5 So King David sent for him.
6 When Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, arrived, he bowed down before David in respect. David said, “Mephibosheth,” and he answered, “At your service, sir.”
7 “Don’t be afraid,” David replied. “I will be kind to you for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will give you back all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always be welcome at my table.”
8 Mephibosheth bowed again and said, “I am no better than a dead dog, sir! Why should you be so good to me?”
9 Then the king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said, “I am giving Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 10 You, your sons, and your servants will farm the land for your master Saul’s family and bring in the harvest, to provide food for them. But Mephibosheth himself will always be a guest at my table.” (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)
11 Ziba answered, “I will do everything Your Majesty commands.”
So Mephibosheth ate at the king’s[a] table, just like one of the king’s sons. 12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. All the members of Ziba’s family became servants of Mephibosheth. 13 So Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem, eating all his meals at the king’s table.
Today’s Key Verse: 2 Samuel 9:3a
The king asked [Ziba], “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family to whom I can show loyalty and kindness, as I promised God I would?”
Reflect
David honored Mephibosheth by giving him a place at his table. Why did David want to show kindness to him? Is there someone you know who needs to be shown kindness today?
Pray
Lord God, thank you for your steadfast faithfulness and love. Teach me to act in ways that are kind and loving to all those I encounter today. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Hosea 1:1—2:1: The prophet Hosea is told to marry an unfaithful woman.
