In today’s reading, we notice David seeking to show kindness to those related to the previous king. Did not the former king seek to kill David, causing him to go into exile? Yet David seeks to show kindness instead of purging Saul’s family from the face of the earth, as was the custom of kings in that day. Wow! What a glimpse into the heart of God through a man after God’s own heart!
And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake? (2 Samuel 9:1, KJV)
Could Saul’s remaining family have something valuable to offer the king? Could there be some strategic significance that David might be after? Does David need this family for some reason? No. Really?
And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. (2 Samuel 9:3, KJV)
Yes, what a head-scratcher! David wants to show kindness to the previous king’s family—who made his life absolutely miserable—even though the remaining family members have nothing to offer in return. He wants to do this for Jonathan’s sake, even though Jonathan is dead! Shocking? It was to Mephibosheth!
And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. (2 Samuel 9:7, KJV)
What a picture of redemption! God, for His Son’s sake, shows us kindness, restoration, and wealth, though we are unworthy and have nothing to offer God. While we were dead in our sins, cut off from God, God chose to show this kindness to us by offering up His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. What did we do to Jesus? We crucified Him! Yet, what does God do if we but repent, putting our faith and trust in Jesus? I think you could say God gives us a spot at His table!
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4–7, ESV)
What was Mephibosheth’s response to David’s kindness? He was humbled, in awe, and grateful. It’s safe to say this man was never the same after this kindness!
And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am? (2 Samuel 9:8, KJV)
Child of God, is it not humbling and awe-inspiring to see God treat us so kindly? Are we not filled with gratitude? Have not our lives been changed? Let us rejoice in God, our Saviour, who abundantly showed us such love, kindness, and mercy!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18.