https://esv.literalword.com/?q=2+Samuel+9
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Saturday, 23 August 2025:
Listen to the message by Dr. R.C. Sproul on David’s life and character revealed in 2 Samuel 9 and how David’s relationship with Mephibosheth relates to Jesus and our salvation: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/life-of-david/the-cripple-at-the-table
2 Samuel 9:1-3 — And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?”
At the height of his power, when kings in the ancient world would normally wipe out any remaining rivals from a former dynasty, David instead sought out a descendant of Saul to show him “kindness for Jonathan’s sake.” The word translated “kindness” here is the Hebrew hesed, a word rich in covenant meaning, describing steadfast love, loyalty, and faithfulness that goes beyond obligation. David had once entered into covenant with Jonathan, Saul’s son, swearing that he would never cut off his steadfast love from Jonathan’s household (1 Samuel 20:14–17). Now, years later, David remembered that covenant and actively sought to honor it. This was not mere sentiment but covenant love in action. The passage reminds us that God Himself shows us hesed in Christ, keeping His covenant promises, not because we deserve it, but because He is faithful to His word (2 Timothy 2:13).
2 Samuel 9:6-8 — And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.” And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” … And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”
Mephibosheth came before David in fear, for he knew what most kings did to the family of a former ruler. Yet David’s words are filled with grace: “Do not fear.” Instead of judgment, David gave restoration. He returned to Mephibosheth all the lands of Saul and went even further — he gave him a permanent place at the king’s table. Mephibosheth’s response is one of utter humility: “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?” This is the appropriate response to grace. Like Mephibosheth, we were spiritually crippled, unable to help ourselves, and by nature enemies of the King. Yet in Christ, God sought us out, not to destroy us, but to restore us, to call us His children, and to seat us at His table. As Paul says, “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10).
Romans 5:6-8 — For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Ephesians 2:4-5 — But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
1 John 4:9-10 — In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Titus 3:4-5 — But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit….
John 3:16-17 — “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
2 Samuel 9:9-11 — Then the king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson. And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master’s grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table.”
David’s covenant love was not theoretical — it was practical, embodied in provision, restoration, and dignity. He not only gave Mephibosheth land but also ensured that it would be cultivated and fruitful. Still, David made clear that Mephibosheth’s true inheritance was not farmland or bread, but fellowship at the king’s table. This parallels the covenant love of Christ, which does not only meet our physical needs but gives us the greater gift of fellowship with God Himself. Like David, our love for others must go beyond words to tangible action, as John exhorts: “Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
2 Samuel 9:13 — So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both his feet.
The chapter closes with this simple yet profound image: the crippled grandson of Saul, now dwelling in Jerusalem and always eating at David’s table. His weakness did not exclude him but became the backdrop for grace. This foreshadows the banquet of Christ’s kingdom, where the broken, the weak, and the undeserving are welcomed, not because of their worthiness but because of the King’s steadfast love. Jesus taught that in His kingdom, the invitation goes out to “the poor and crippled and blind and lame” (Luke 14:21). The lame feet of Mephibosheth remained, but they were hidden beneath the king’s table, covered by grace. So it is with us: our sin and weakness remain reminders of what we were, yet they are covered by Christ’s redeeming love, and our place at His table is secure.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 23 August 2025: Like Mephibosheth, we have been shown undeserved covenant love and seated at the King’s table. The appropriate response to grace is humility and gratitude, not pride. Today, walk in the confidence that your place in God’s presence is not earned but given, and extend tangible, covenant-keeping love to others, especially those who cannot repay you.
Pray: “Lord, thank You for seeking me out when I was weak, helpless, and undeserving. Thank You for covering my sin and giving me a seat at Your table through Jesus Christ. Teach me to respond to Your hesed with humility and gratitude. Make me faithful to keep covenant love in my own relationships, not in word only but in deed and truth. Help me to love the weak, the needy, and the broken as You have loved me. May my life reflect the glory of Your steadfast love and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 