II
Samuel 9:8 - Again he prostrated himself and said, “What is your servant,
that you should regard a dead dog like me?”
Possibly
no other scripture passage gives us a clearer picture of redemption than that of
the story of David and Mephibosheth. To understand this story's significance, it
is first essential to understand the importance of the covenant between David
and the house of Saul. Not only was David bound in loyalty to King Saul, but the
covenant and promise he entered into with his son Jonathan was a binding oath of
fealty. Jonathan's stripping himself of his armor and giving it to David was an
ancient practice of humility that symbolized complete trust and loyalty to the
other. David understood the importance of his oath to Jonathan and therefore
sought to honor his solemn promise after his friend's death. Therefore, after
the kingdom was firmly established in David's hands, we find chapter nine of the
second book of Samuel devoted to this covenant trust. David sought out the
remaining posterity of Jonathan to bestow the same kindness he experienced from
Saul's son as David fled imminent death. David's merciful attitude does not
necessarily respect the strength of the man he inevitably helps. Instead, it reveals both
the character of King David and also the King of Kings (II Samuel 9:1-7).
Those
familiar with this story know that Mephibosheth's handicap further demonstrates
King David's kindness. We are told a few chapters earlier how the lad's nurse
had heard of Saul and Jonathan's death and was hurrying to retreat from the
conquering Philistines. In her haste, she fell with the child and crippled him
for life (II Samuel 4:4). Now in his teens or early twenties,
Mephibosheth was granted a
reprieve by the reigning king. He may have possibly heard stories from his
father regarding his great friend, David. Yet, for years after his father's
death, he may have heard nothing that would have given him any hope of kindness
springing from the covenant between Jonathan and David. But then came that
extraordinary day when the king called for him to appear before the royal court.
Would he be killed? His thoughts were possibly running rampant as he drew near
to Jerusalem. Once there, we read how the king's desire was to extend kindness to
him for his father Jonathan's sake. The first thing he tells him is to not be
afraid. David promises to restore all the fortunes of Saul's house to the young
man (II Samuel 9:7). Mephibosheth's response is classic middle eastern as he
prostrates himself before his benefactor: "What is your servant, that you
should regard a dead dog like me?”
One might look at David's act of kindness as extraordinary, for truly it was. Conversely, the response of Mephibosheth was both complimentary of David's kindness and his understanding of the king's covenant obligation to Jonathan. Even though David knew his legal obligation to Jonathan's covenant, David's character was demonstrative of his love toward his old friend. The restoring of property and title are one thing. However, granting Mephibosheth a seat at the king's table placed the young man in a place of honor and respect not unlike any of the king's sons.
One might look at David's act of kindness as extraordinary, for truly it was. Conversely, the response of Mephibosheth was both complimentary of David's kindness and his understanding of the king's covenant obligation to Jonathan. Even though David knew his legal obligation to Jonathan's covenant, David's character was demonstrative of his love toward his old friend. The restoring of property and title are one thing. However, granting Mephibosheth a seat at the king's table placed the young man in a place of honor and respect not unlike any of the king's sons.
While
the parallels and similarities between this redemption story and the one Jesus
Christ wrought for us are obvious to most, they still bear mentioning over and
over again. Have not all of us who have tasted of the kindness of God been
crippled by sin? Has he not sought us out as David sought out Mephibosheth to
restore to him his royal fortunes? Often, I have heard God's great gift of
salvation referred to as "religion" and as a "crutch" for those too weak to
stand on their own. Tragically, those who say such things are those who do not
see they are dragging themselves through life, unable to stand as they imagine.
When you know you are a cripple, a crutch is a wonderful thing! I shudder to
consider our state if God had not sought us out in our lameness and restored to
us a place of honor at his table. While we may feast on God's goodness here on
earth, there will be a day when we will forever be at His great banquet table.
There we will know that we were once crippled by sin and that our Great King
redeemed us --- not on our own merits but through his love and kindness as our
Creator.
Heavenly Father, our gracious God ... allow us to understand what You have done
by seeking us out and inviting us to Your royal table. May we feast upon Your
wisdom and Your love, knowing You have not withheld anything from us as sons and
daughters of the Most High. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Your Barefoot Servant,
Rick
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