2 Samuel 9:6

And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, "Mephibosheth!" "I am your servant," he replied.

Study Bible

And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David
This phrase introduces Mephibosheth, who is the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, Israel's first king. The mention of his lineage is significant, as it highlights the covenant between David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:3-4; 1 Samuel 20:14-17). Despite Saul's pursuit of David, David honors his promise to Jonathan by showing kindness to his offspring. This act of kindness reflects the biblical principle of covenant faithfulness, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The historical context is important here, as it was common for new kings to eliminate the previous king's descendants to secure their throne, yet David acts contrary to this norm.

he fell facedown in reverence
Mephibosheth's act of falling facedown signifies deep respect and submission, a common cultural practice in the ancient Near East when approaching a king or someone of high status. This gesture indicates Mephibosheth's acknowledgment of David's authority and his own vulnerable position. It also reflects the humility expected of those who come before God, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g., Genesis 17:3, Joshua 5:14). This act of reverence can be seen as a type of worship, pointing to the ultimate reverence due to Christ, the King of Kings.

Then David said, “Mephibosheth!”
David's direct address to Mephibosheth is significant, as it shows personal recognition and acceptance. By calling him by name, David affirms Mephibosheth's identity and worth, despite his physical disability and potential political threat. This personal acknowledgment mirrors God's intimate knowledge of His people, as seen in passages like Isaiah 43:1, where God calls His people by name. It also foreshadows the personal relationship believers have with Christ, who knows His sheep by name (John 10:3).

“I am your servant,” he replied
Mephibosheth's response, "I am your servant," indicates his willingness to serve and submit to David's authority. This declaration of servitude is a common expression of loyalty and humility in the biblical narrative. It reflects the appropriate response of believers to God's grace and kindness, as seen in Romans 12:1, where believers are urged to offer themselves as living sacrifices. Mephibosheth's reply also highlights the theme of servanthood, which is central to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Mephibosheth
The son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. He was crippled in both feet and lived in obscurity until King David sought him out to show kindness for Jonathan's sake.

2. Jonathan
The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Jonathan and David had a covenant of friendship and loyalty, which David honored even after Jonathan's death.

3. David
The King of Israel who sought to show kindness to the house of Saul for Jonathan's sake. His actions towards Mephibosheth demonstrate his faithfulness to his covenant with Jonathan.

4. Saul
The first King of Israel and father of Jonathan. His relationship with David was complex, marked by jealousy and conflict.

5. Homage
The act of Mephibosheth falling facedown and paying homage to David signifies respect and submission, acknowledging David's authority and kindness.

Teaching Points

Covenant Faithfulness
David's actions towards Mephibosheth highlight the importance of keeping promises and honoring commitments, even when it is inconvenient or costly.

Grace and Kindness
David's kindness to Mephibosheth is a powerful example of grace, showing favor to someone who could not repay him. This reflects God's grace towards us.

Humility and Submission
Mephibosheth's response to David is one of humility and submission, recognizing the king's authority and benevolence.

Restoration and Redemption
David's restoration of Saul's land to Mephibosheth symbolizes God's redemptive work in our lives, restoring what was lost.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's treatment of Mephibosheth reflect his character and his relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we show kindness and grace to those who cannot repay us, following David's example?

3. How does the covenant between David and Jonathan influence David's actions in this passage, and what does this teach us about the importance of keeping our commitments?

4. What can we learn from Mephibosheth's humility and response to David's kindness, and how can we apply this in our relationship with God and others?

5. How does the account of Mephibosheth illustrate the concept of restoration and redemption, and what other biblical accounts or teachings reinforce this theme?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 20
This chapter details the covenant between David and Jonathan, which is the foundation for David's kindness to Mephibosheth.

2 Samuel 4:4
Provides background on Mephibosheth's condition, explaining how he became crippled.

Luke 14:13-14
Jesus teaches about inviting the poor, crippled, and marginalized, which parallels David's kindness to Mephibosheth.