By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, Office for Global Engagement, University of Mobile
VALUED
2 Samuel 9:1–13
In both the ancient and the modern world, succession by coup has been a way to establish new authority. In America we use euphemisms like “tying up loose ends,” “drain the swamp” or “there’s a new sheriff in town.” Cultures driven by violence take a more brutal approach: “Kill them all.” The Israelite monarchy that followed Solomon’s reign was fraught with examples of new rulers slaughtering the families of the previous kings. Brutal coups were normative. By contrast David honored Saul as God’s anointed, both in life (1 Sam. 24:10; 26:9–11) and in death (2 Sam. 1). He also respected Saul’s family, both his dear friend Jonathan (2 Sam. 1:11–12) and his political rival Ish-bosheth (4:8–12). David honored the legacy of his fallen friend by welcoming Jonathan’s son as his own. Mephibosheth would become a valued guest of the royal family.
Searched (1–5)
Who remained from Saul’s family? If David had not explained why he asked the question, one might assume that he wanted to destroy the surviving members of the fallen king’s household. But David explained he wanted to show God’s kindness to the survivors. He discovered Saul’s servant Ziba still lived. When David asked him about surviving family members, he told him Jonathan’s son survived. The prince had remained in hiding since Saul’s death, when Mephibosheth was five years old (2 Sam. 4:4).
Where was he? Mephibosheth hid at Lo-debar, where he grew to adulthood and fathered a son named Mica. He would soon return to the capital city for an audience with the king.
Extended (6–8)
Once the prince was located, David had him transported to the royal palace, where the king extended generous hospitality. Such a gracious reception was probably beyond Mephibosheth’s expectations. No doubt, the young prince had heard that the law banned individuals with infirmities and special needs from active priesthood (Lev. 21:16–23). Who could have foreseen such a royal welcome?
This passage reminds us of Jesus’ teaching on the judgment of the nations in Matthew 25:35–46. Feeding the hungry, satisfying the thirsty, clothing the naked, visiting the imprisoned, caring for the sick, welcoming the stranger — the least of these need ministry, care and compassion. As followers of Christ, how are we extending hospitality to those in need?
Planned (9–13)
David offered a plan that provided much more than a single banquet for the prince. As heir of his grandfather’s estate, Mephibosheth was entitled to Saul’s lands. This would provide income for Mephibosheth, as well as a home, work and livelihood for Ziba and his family of fifteen sons and his servants. As an added bonus, the prince was welcomed to eat with his king.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are heirs of an abundant life as adopted sons and daughters of God. All Christians have the gospel — Christ’s death, burial and resurrection — in common though we come from every ethnicity and language, from nobility and poverty, both youth and elderly, both literate and illiterate, from popularity and anonymity. Our gracious King has found us, welcomed us and provided for us. What a glorious King we have!
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