Articles, Bible Questions and Discipleship Guides

It was the custom in biblical times for a newly crowned king to eliminate any potential rival to his throne. For instance, the Roman Emperor Caligula murdered political rivals before he himself was assassinated by his own Praetorian guard. 

This tradition has continued throughout history. King Richard III of England killed two of his nephews to secure his throne. Even in recent times, multiple sources have accused the North Korean dictator of murdering his own brother in 2017. 

It’s no surprise that when David finally ascended the throne of Israel, the remaining members of Saul’s family fled. This included Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, who was five years old at the time. Sadly, Mephibosheth suffered an accident during his escape, which crippled him for life. 

To everyone’s surprise, as David established his throne, he didn’t look for revenge against the family line of Saul. Instead, David looked for an opportunity to show kindness to this family. Samuel records David asking this wonderful question: “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1). 

When David was told about Mephibosheth, he invited him to the palace and eventually restored to him all the property Saul had owned. David further invited Mephibosheth to eat with his family—at David’s own table. 

This was not just a fulfillment of the covenant of fellowship between Jonathan and David—that extended to Jonathan’s son; it is an Old Testament illustration of the grace and mercy of God toward us all. 

Think of it: Mephibosheth had nothing to offer David. He was poor, destitute, and crippled. Mephibosheth even asked David, I imagine with a tone of disbelief, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?” (2 Samuel 9:8). 

Like Mephibosheth, we have nothing to offer God; however, through Jesus, we become sons and daughters in the royal family of God, and are invited to dine at His table. 

Just as Mephibosheth was elevated in the court of King David, we will be elevated one day to the courts of Heaven—not because of our good works, but because of God’s unmerited grace.