2 Samuel 9:8
Mephibosheth bowed down and said, "What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?"
Mephibosheth bowed down
In ancient Near Eastern culture, bowing down was a sign of respect and submission, often performed in the presence of a king or someone of higher status. Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, was acknowledging King David's authority and expressing humility. This act reflects the cultural norms of the time, where physical gestures were significant in demonstrating one's position and intentions.

and said, “What is your servant,
By referring to himself as "your servant," Mephibosheth is adopting a posture of humility and servitude. This phrase indicates his recognition of David's kingship and his own lower status. It also reflects the biblical theme of servanthood, which is prevalent throughout Scripture, where individuals often identify themselves as servants of God or others in authority.

that you should show regard
The concept of showing regard or kindness is central to the narrative. David's actions towards Mephibosheth are motivated by his covenant with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-17). This act of kindness is a demonstration of covenant faithfulness, a recurring theme in the Bible, where God and His people are called to be faithful to their promises.

for a dead dog like me?”
The term "dead dog" is a Hebrew idiom expressing extreme self-deprecation and insignificance. In the cultural and historical context, dogs were considered unclean animals, and calling oneself a "dead dog" was a way to emphasize one's lowliness and unworthiness. This phrase highlights Mephibosheth's awareness of his vulnerable position as a descendant of Saul, the former king, and his astonishment at David's grace. It also echoes the biblical theme of God's grace towards the humble and lowly, as seen in passages like Psalm 138:6 and James 4:6.

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. David
The King of Israel who sought to honor his covenant with Jonathan by showing kindness to Jonathan's descendants, specifically Mephibosheth.

3. Jonathan
The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He had made a covenant with David to show kindness to each other's families.

4. Lodabar
The place where Mephibosheth was living before David brought him to Jerusalem. It symbolizes a place of desolation and obscurity.

5. Covenant
The promise between David and Jonathan that David would show kindness to Jonathan's family, which is the basis for David's actions in this chapter.
Teaching Points
Grace and Kindness
David's actions towards Mephibosheth illustrate the grace and kindness that believers are called to show others, reflecting God's grace towards us.

Identity and Worth
Mephibosheth's self-description as a "dead dog" highlights issues of self-worth and identity. In Christ, believers find their true worth and identity.

Faithfulness to Promises
David's faithfulness to his covenant with Jonathan serves as a model for believers to honor their commitments and promises.

Restoration and Redemption
Mephibosheth's account is a powerful example of how God can restore and redeem lives, bringing people from places of desolation to positions of honor.

Humility and Gratitude
Mephibosheth's response to David's kindness is one of humility and gratitude, which should be our response to God's grace in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's treatment of Mephibosheth reflect the character of God as seen in other parts of Scripture?

2. In what ways can we show kindness and grace to those who may feel like "dead dogs" in our society today?

3. How does understanding our identity in Christ change the way we view ourselves and others?

4. What are some promises or commitments you have made that you need to honor, and how can you do so faithfully?

5. How can Mephibosheth's account encourage us in times when we feel forgotten or insignificant?
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.

Luke 15
The parable of the Prodigal Son, which similarly illustrates themes of grace and restoration.

Ephesians 2
Discusses how believers, once dead in their sins, are made alive and seated with Christ, paralleling Mephibosheth's elevation from obscurity to a place of honor.
A Gracious TemperJ. Clayton.2 Samuel 9:1-13
David and MephiboshethW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 9:1-13
David and MephiboshethT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.2 Samuel 9:1-13
David and Mephibosheth, a Faint Image of God and the WorldHomilist2 Samuel 9:1-13
David's Kindness to MephiboshethW. Walters.2 Samuel 9:1-13
David's Treatment of MephiboshethJ. Parker, D. D.2 Samuel 9:1-13
Early Friendship Remembered2 Samuel 9:1-13
For Another's Sake2 Samuel 9:1-13
For Christ's SakeH. O. Mackey.2 Samuel 9:1-13
Grateful Memories Expressed in Deeds2 Samuel 9:1-13
Kindness Shown for the Love of AnotherNewton Jones.2 Samuel 9:1-13
Kindness to Jonathan's SonA. W. Pitzer, D. D.2 Samuel 9:1-13
Kindness to Jonathan's SonMonday Club Sermons2 Samuel 9:1-13
MephiboshethHomilist2 Samuel 9:1-13
MephiboshethC. O. Eldridge, B. A.2 Samuel 9:1-13
Physical Imperfections2 Samuel 9:1-13
The Kindness of GodC. M. Fleury, A. M.2 Samuel 9:1-13
Mephibosheth Before the KingB. Dale 2 Samuel 9:5-13
People
Ammiel, David, Jonathan, Machir, Mephibosheth, Micah, Micha, Saul, Ziba
Places
Israel, Jerusalem, Lo-debar
Topics
Bowed, Boweth, Dead, Dog, Face, Hast, Note, Notice, Obeisance, Prostrated, Regard, Servant, Shouldest, Shouldst
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 9:8

     4630   dog

2 Samuel 9:1-11

     5087   David, reign of

2 Samuel 9:1-13

     4438   eating
     8291   kindness

Library
David and Jonathan's Son
'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. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. 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. 4. And the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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