Mephibosheth And The Covenant

by Emmanuel I. Bassey, Surulere, Nigeria | Category: General | Mar 1999

The possibility of Mephibosheth becoming king was destroyed by his grandfather, Saul. Nevertheless he enjoyed certain royal privileges in his early life. Following the tragic death of his father in battle, his nurse carried him in her arms as she fled for safety, but he fell and was crippled in both feet. They found refuge in Lo-debar in Gilead and Makir the son of Ammiel, a kindly man, was there to receive him in his home and to comfort him. Makir is mentioned twice in Scripture and on both occasions showing a generous spirit. For a short time Ish-bosheth was made king over Gilead and over all Israel in rebellion against David and this added to Mephibosheth's insecurity. While the reign of Ish-bosheth was short-lived, Mephibosheth survived under the care of Makir, and a son was born to him to preserve his name in Israel (1).

Covenant grace

Jonathan and David had made a covenant of friendship with each other after David's memorable victory over Goliath. They had much in common in their personal appreciation of the God of Israel as well as in their military prowess. They lived to protect each other and it was natural Jonathan should think to bring his family under the same covenant. He requested David to reconfirm the covenant between them '...shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not... also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever...' (2). David swore to him and God was witness.

After David was established king over all Israel he remembered his obligation in the covenant and enquired, 'Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?' (3). Ziba was brought in and told of the king's intention to show kindness to anyone of Saul's family for Jonathan's sake. He reviewed before the king the surviving descendants of Saul and his mind went to Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan in Lo-debar. The power of covenant grace favoured Mephibosheth unconditionally. Like Mephibosheth we also had no hope and were without God, 'But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy' (4). The kindness of God rests on the foundation of God's mercy and it is available to all generations.

The king's invitation

Mephibosheth had earlier heard of the death of Abner and Ish-bosheth in tragic circumstances. When King David's invitation reached him he was understandably troubled in his mind. While he bowed to pay homage to the king it seems that he was seized by fear. But perhaps the king saw more than his fear. There may well have been a resemblance to Jonathan which touched the heart of David. A man after God's own heart was on the throne of Israel and the compassion of God in him went out to the son of his friend. He overlooked all the unworthiness of Mephibosheth because of the memory of Jonathan's love. The fall of man from the glory of God marred the divine image and likeness of God in man, but in Christ we see God and man in one combined for the purpose of bringing many sons to glory. 'For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers... called... justified... also glorified' (5).

God's kindness

David never forgot that he was under obligation to keep the covenant between himself and the family of Jonathan. The way he discharged his responsibility glorified God and has found record in Scripture. Could this be the first time Mephibosheth had come face to face with David? A voice from the throne called his name aloud, 'Mephibosheth... Fear not'(6). A momentous occasion indeed when Mephibosheth was granted full forgiveness and freedom from fear of vengeance. Moreover, the king restored to him all the lost estates of King Saul. The most wonderful of all was God's kindness in his adoption 'as one of the king's sons'(7). The king instructed Ziba, 'I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops'(8). The Christian has much more to rejoice in through Christ for his regeneration, his adoption and heirship.

BLESS�D be God, our God,

Who gave for us His well-belov�d Son,

The gift of gifts, all other gifts in one;

Bless�d be God, our God,

Security of covenant grace

Ziba became envious of Mephibosheth and the envy grew in his heart. When he had opportunity he withdrew his services and he denied Mephibosheth the assistance he needed to join the king when he fled from Absalom. His slanderous accusation against Mephibosheth betrayed his envious desires. In one sweeping decision David gave to Ziba all that belonged to Mephibosheth, but this was later partially reversed. Mephibosheth was vindicated and his status restored 'as one of the king's sons'. Uprightness and integrity are the Christian's bodyguards. 'Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?'(9).

A more subtle test of the covenant security arose in the matter of the retribution to appease the Gibeonites(10). It would have involved violation of David's covenant with Jonathan to deliver Mephibosheth to death and David would not contemplate this. 'The king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan... because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan'(11). Our Defender's word is final, 'I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of the Father's hand'(12). What a debt of love we owe Him who is our Surety of the new covenant!

Scripture reference are taken from the NIV unless otherwise stated.

(1) 2 Sam. 9:12. (2) 1 Sam. 20:14,15 (RV). (3) 2 Sam. 9:1,3. (4) Tit. 3:4,5. (5) Rom. 8:29,30. (6) 2 Sam. 9:6,7(RV). (7) 2 Sam. 9:11(RV). (8) 2 Sam. 9:9,10. (9) 1 Pet. 3:13. (10) 2 Sam. 21:1-14. (11) 2 Sam. 21:7. (12) John 10:28,29.

Emmanuel I. Bassey, Surulere, Nigeria | Mar 1999
General