Mephibosheth


2 Samuel 9:1-13
http://www.esvbible.org/2 Samuel 9:1-13

As the nation of Israel settles into a place of dominance under the leadership of King David, it is a time to tie up loose ends. There are still battles to be fought as we will see in the next chapter but for the most part, a peaceful existence has come across the country. One of those loose ends for David is the heirs of the now dead King Saul. David made a promise to Jonathan that he would take care of Jonathan’s family, should the need arise. That need is now being explored. If you will recall, during the battle that killed Saul and three of his sons, including Jonathan, a then 5 year old Mephibosheth was injured as his nurse sought to flee with him in arms. As a result, he was permanently maimed, no longer able to walk at all. After the death of Saul’s only remaining son, Ish-bosheth (recall that he took the throne after Saul’s death) Mephibosheth is Saul’s only remaining heir. David tracks him down and brings him back to Jerusalem to live in the comforts of the palace in order to keep his promise to Jonathan.

There are two ways to look at this event. 1) David’s is just being a nice guy and keeping a promise to his best friend. 2) David is keeping the one and only threat to his role as king close by his side in order to keep Mephibosheth from causing trouble. The text doesn’t really fall clearly with one choice or the other, but most of the commentators believe it David to be motivated by both options. While David generously (?) restores Saul’s land to Mephibosheth, it is also to be worked and the produce brought into the court under the guise of helping to provide for the lands new owner. No one could ever claim that David wasn’t too bright. This move shows a real shrewdness on David’s part. While he gets to look good by providing for his enemies heirs, he also benefits by receiving what Saul’s land produces. The quote by J. Wallace Day may be true; “Hold your friends close and your enemies closer.” Mica, Mephibosheth’s young son never really becomes a problem for David. A list of his descendants can be found in 1 Chronicles 8 & 9.

I’m not quite sure what to make of this story. It certainly seems to hold up the using of our brains. God asks us to rely upon Him in all things, but that doesn’t mean we part our intellect at the door. Instead, we are to use what we been given and live as wisely as possible.  We don’t see any recriminations from God about David’s actions or motivations here. David acts as a wise leader and spares his nation yet another bloody battle for the crown. While the crippled Mephibosheth would not probably have ever been a serious threat, there may have been those who might come alongside of him and champion the cause of him becoming the new king. With him firmly seated at the king’s table, this wasn’t going to happen. A little bit of godly wisdom goes a long way.

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