Topical Bible: Humility: Mephibosheth

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Mephibosheth, a figure from the Old Testament, is a poignant example of humility and grace. He was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of King Saul. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel, where his life unfolds against the backdrop of the tumultuous transition from the house of Saul to the house of David.

Background and Early Life

Mephibosheth's life was marked by tragedy from an early age. At the age of five, he suffered a crippling injury when his nurse dropped him while fleeing after the news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths at the Battle of Mount Gilboa (2 Samuel 4:4). This accident left him lame in both feet, a condition that would define much of his life and social standing.

David's Kindness to Mephibosheth

Despite the enmity between Saul and David, David's covenant with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-17) led him to seek out any remaining members of Saul's house to show kindness for Jonathan's sake. Upon learning of Mephibosheth's existence, David summoned him to his court. The encounter is recorded in 2 Samuel 9:6-8 :

"When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, 'Mephibosheth!' 'Here is your servant,' he replied. 'Do not be afraid,' said David, 'for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.' Mephibosheth bowed down and said, 'What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?'"

Mephibosheth's response to David's generosity is a profound expression of humility. Despite his royal lineage, he refers to himself as a "dead dog," a term of self-deprecation that underscores his awareness of his lowly status and his gratitude for David's kindness.

Life at David's Court

David's promise to Mephibosheth was not merely symbolic. He restored Saul's lands to him and ensured that Mephibosheth ate at the king's table, treating him as one of his own sons (2 Samuel 9:11). This act of grace elevated Mephibosheth's status and provided for his needs, yet he remained humble and grateful.

The Ziba Incident

Mephibosheth's humility is further tested during Absalom's rebellion. As David fled Jerusalem, Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, deceived David by claiming that Mephibosheth had stayed behind to reclaim his grandfather's throne (2 Samuel 16:1-4). In response, David granted Ziba all of Mephibosheth's possessions.

Upon David's return, Mephibosheth explained that Ziba had betrayed him, as he was unable to saddle a donkey due to his disability (2 Samuel 19:24-30). Mephibosheth's appearance—having not cared for his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes—testified to his loyalty and mourning for David. Despite the injustice, Mephibosheth's response was marked by humility. He expressed contentment with David's safe return and was willing to let Ziba keep the land, saying, "Let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely to his own house" (2 Samuel 19:30).

Legacy

Mephibosheth's account is a testament to humility in the face of adversity and grace. His life reflects a deep sense of gratitude and loyalty, even when wronged. Through his interactions with David, Mephibosheth exemplifies the virtues of humility, loyalty, and the transformative power of grace. His account serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that God exalts the humble and shows kindness to those who walk in humility.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 9:8
And he bowed himself, and said, What is your servant, that you should look on such a dead dog as I am?
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Library

David and Jonathan's Son
... ring of untruthfulness, in its extreme professions of humility and loyalty. ... And the
final disposition of the property, while it gives Mephibosheth the benefit ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and jonathans son.htm

Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... Would you see the flattery of those who murdered Mephibosheth, [593] whom also David ...
but hunting after some of the things of this life; but humility, when one ...
/.../homily v philippians ii 4-jan.htm

Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death ...
... not halt, nor Isaac be blind, nor Leah blear-eyed, nor Mephibosheth lame: for if ...
the holy communion, relieving the poor, exercising, in all humility, the works ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/3 meditations of the blessed.htm

Of Preparation.
... Mephibosheth was not more lame to go, than my soul is to walk after thee in ... thy visible
sign, as well as by thy visible word; in all thankful humility my soul ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of preparation.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... 6. Ziba, in appearance, came to David much faster than did Mephibosheth; but
yet his heart was not so upright in him to David as was his. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm